Our "Holiday Spectacular Party" was a bunch of fun!

Well don't come to our events if you don't want to
have fun.  Lunch and Showtime Cabret's "Fabulous
Holiday Spectacular" was no exception.  It was filled
with great food, Broadway & Opera Holiday Sing Along.
We even had a special dance number by member
Steve Litzinger.

A truly wonderful event for the underprivileged
children and their parents. 

The Rotary Club of Bellflower along with Hollywood
Sports Park provided a pancake breakfast, a visit
from Santa with toys, and a great food basket as
they left.

The event was attended by US Congresswoman
Lucille Roybal-Allrad, Assemblymember Cristina
Garcia, Bellflower City Councilman Ron Schnablegger,
LA County Fire and Sheriff Departments, Carolers,
Miss Teen Bellflower Court, Bellflower High Cheer
Leaders, and the Monster Kids.

Everyone had a great time and we have ideas to make
it even bigger for next year.

Today we were at Washington Elementary School
pre-screening all the kids the school nurse didn't
last month for our "Vision To Learn" event next Month.

It was so hard to send some kids back to class
knowing they could not see the charts.

Thanks to "Bellflower Rotary Brings Vision To
Learn To Bellflower" next month we are going
to bring an end to that at this one school. 

All the kids that we failed as well as the ones
the school nurse failed and some head start
kids will be tested by Vision To Learns optometrists
and opticians.  Those that need eyeglasses will
get them.  The glasses will be guaranteed for
a full year.

Ok Rotarians...on to the next school!!!

What a great evening we had with the ladies and their kids!

Going over to Angel Step 2 is always such a warm
and fun filled night.

We start by sharing dinner with them that we brought.
Then we move on to presents brought for them and
their kids.  We finish up by singing many Christmas
Songs and laughing a lot.

Our speaker today was Ron Taylor, Superintendent of Valley Christian Schools.
 

Bob & Inge Frohn have been married five years this month.
Ten times that many years he said for the club.

The Induction Gala for the Rotary Club of Compton was a huge success.
Thank all of you that supported, and I hope continue to support our 
new Area Rotary Club (meets Wed).

Ron Taylor, Superintendent of Valley Christian Schools spoke to us 
today.  He and his wife Kathy have moved back here from Seattle, WA.
to lead the Valley Christian School System.
He is working on his dissertation on "Narcissistic Leadership."
We may hear about that at another time.  Today he explained the 
importance of "Artistic Beauty" in education.  Many schools have 
moved away from that notion as having an equal footing with
"Academic Excellence" in education.  
I found that term lingering and thought provoking. 
Let's get our High School Arts Contests Going Again!

We were honored to have Rick Mendoza as our speaker this week.

We just had to get him to come up long enough to share his world with us.

We had a great program this week.  Past District Governor,
Rick Mendoza spoke to us and gave us a great presentation
of the underwater world.  He is a Certified Diving Instructor
 and has enjoyed his hobby of photographing the world of 
Inner Space.

Our Bring Vision to Learn Pre-Screening date is Thursday,
December 11th for the kids at Washington Elementary School.

Our Christmas Party is Sunday, December 14th.  It is "Showtime
Cabaret's 2014 Holiday Spectacular!"  Celebrating...
CHRISTMAS AND HANUKKAH.
Sounds like a blast!

Then Our Christmas at Hollywood Sports Park for 
underprivileged children and their parents will be on 
Saturday, December 20th, from 7 AM to 11 AM.  
Pancake breakfast, Santa giving toys, followed by us
giving families a food basket as the leave.  Media,
dignitaries, sports figures, and US!!! Should be FUN!!!
 

Our speaker this week was Kate Rosloff from
the Rotary Rose Parade Float Committee.

We had a great presentation on the Rotary Rose
Parade Float for 2015.  The theme ties in with the
water project we will participate in in Guatemala.


 

This weeks meeting featured Cerritos College's 
Professor Sue Parsons and Coordinator of
Community Relations - Public Affairs Toni Grijalva
​speaking on the Teacher TRAC Program.

Professor Parsons enlightened us on some of the aspects
of this wonderful program that fits right in with our
Vocational Scholarship Grant Programs.

Teacher TRAC — In partnership with CSULB, 
Cerritos College’s Teacher TRAC program gives future 
teachers an opportunity to complete their bachelor’s 
degree and multiple subjects credential in four years. The 
program offers many services, programs, and pathways 
for students interested in teaching. To date, nearly 400 
students have graduated from the program. 
Its Career Technical Education (CTE) Teacher Pathways 
Program, which addresses the statewide need for CTE 
teachers at the secondary and community college level, 
provides CTE teacher preparation in automotive, early 
childhood education, welding and woodworking. The 
program’s partnerships include the University of La Verne, 
ABC Unified School District, Downey Unified ROP, and 
Head Start State Preschool, Norwalk/La Mirada School 
District, CSULB, CSULA, Southeast ROP and the Southland 
Motor Car Dealers Association.
In 2010 Teacher TRAC launched the Cerritos College 
Urban Teacher Fellowship which provides streamlined 
services and pathways for youth at risk for gang influence 
interested in teaching K-12.

She gave Dr. Mike a solid brass apple representing
her respect and gratitude to him.

This week we had Jeff Westrup bringing some of his best
representatives from Valley Christian School.  

Jeff brought Nichole, Chandler, Cole, Kendra, and Nathan
from Valley Christian High School.  They are from Interact
and also represent the 37 Kids in the Sweet Intersection
Program.  They ran our meeting today.  
They started by fining Jim Murrin $20 for not having an
age appropriate joke ready to go for us today.  That didn't 
slow them down, they had a couple ready to go.
​Then they spoke to us about the many local and
international projects they are and have been working on.
Didi had some great decorations.  The kids had fun eating
fried crickets and meal worms while taking selfies. 

Don't forget next weeks great speakers.

Also come to the Los Mochas Dinner next Thursday at
6:30 PM.

Our speaker today is Dwayne Moore.  Dwayne is 
Supervisor of Christian Outreach Action Center
in Long Beach.

We were visited by our Senior Assistant Governor, Jerry Brown
today.  We also have our Member Designees: Linda Nesst and
Didi Davis.  Other guests included Jean Michael, our speaker - 
Dwayne Moore, Gerri Hardy, and First Choice Bank VP/Branch
Manager - Isela Buenabad.

Nicko Anagnostou and Jon Matson celebrate their birthday this
Month.  Doug and Shu-Chi have been married 44 years.
Hip-Hip-Hurray!!!
Sergeant-Arms - Steve Litzinger pointed out the partial missing
leg coverings on the shorts warn by Dave Davis, Dave Romberg,
and Bob Frohn.  So that brought in six $5 per. fines for the club.

Dwayne related his story of a life from a good home with loving 
parents that he came from and still made choices that left him
in the streets and in jail.  He told us of the many times he did 
what others wanted because "he was tired."  He just needed a 
break, but knew he would be right on the street again.  He was
always part of a church, as he was a drummer from age twelve.
The last thing he tried was COA.  Now he serves meals and cares
for people just like him.  He says he has learned to have a tough
skin and a soft heart. 

The way he tells his story is like none I have heard before.  If you
weren't at meeting, I suggest you download the recording I have
place on the web page for you.  It's the other side of the street.

This week we will have a talk and demonstration from

Duncan YO-YO West Coast Representatives.

e had a special guest stop buy and speak to us on the 
importance of voting for Measure C to help El Camino
College Compton Center.  Dr. Phillip Humphreys is Dean
of Student Services at El Camino College.  

Giovanni brought Robin Snow to talk to us about how we
could have a hands on Face to Face Christmas Giving 
experience this year.  Hollywood Sports Park is asking us 
to participate this year in their food giving program.  We 
will help them bag and distribute the food with their Santa.
Dose that not sound like Christmas?

Ambri-Jena Bizek, Duncan YO-YO's West Coast Representative,
told us many interesting things about the YO-YO while Alex 
showed us some of his many accomplished moves with several
different YO-YO's.  It was interesting to learn that the core has
been supported by ball bearings for the last fifteen years.

Our Speaker to day is Craig MacDonald.

 Craig has gone over the Sierra Nevada Mountains in a
covered wagon, shot the rapids of the American River, and
 been keynote speaker at national conventions and universities.

Today he told us about "Yosemite's Unknown Heroine."

Pulitzer Prize nominee Craig MacDonald, will reveal 
the amazing story of Jessie Benton Fremont, who
with her friends helped save the Yosemite Valley and
what became the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias,
years before John Muir had ever heard of Yosemite. 
If they hadn't done this, we might not have had a
Yosemite to visit today.

This was the first time that the Federal government
ever saved scenic lands for future generations, and
it led to the environmental and State and National
Park movements. Yet Jessie has never gotten due 
recognition until now. Hear what is being done in
Congress and elsewhere to recognize this incredible
woman, who was the daughter of United States Senator
Thomas Hart Benton of Missouri. Her husband was
explorer John C. Fremont.

Mr. MacDonald hopes that Congresswoman Maxine
Waters will support H.R. 1192, which would rename a
Yosemite mountain peak after Jesse Benton Fremont, 
Yosemite's unsung hero. In 1864, during the Civil War,
President Abraham Lincoln signed legislation that she
championed to protect Yosemite and the giant sequoias.

Our Back-To-School shopping event
  was held at Kmart Saturday. 

September 9^th had a joint meeting with the Paramount Club Tuesday
Noon at Progress Park in Paramount.  Steven Kuykendall spoke to us
about Fisher House.  Fisher House provides housing for our "Wounded
Warriors" and their families while they receive treatment at VA Hospitals.
We had a great meeting with our friends of the Paramount Club.


Our Back-To-School shopping event was held at Kmart Saturday,
September 13^th, at 7 AM.  Caring Connections and their Counselors
selected 60 children from "Title One" Schools in Bellflower for us to take
shopping.  We provided $100 for each child to shop for cloths and shoes
that were school appropriate.  With help from The Miss Bellflower Court,
some folks from the Bellflower Volunteer Center, a Lion or two, and some
Interact Kids from Valley Christian, the event was a huge success!!!
Thank You to all involved for one of the best years ever!

Bellflower Unified School District Superintendent - Dr. Brian Jacobs
spoke to us for the second time since returning to the district.  WOW!
When your looking for a place to educate your children, check out the
"New and Evolving B.U.S.D.!"  
Fifty-seven new district positions, eighty new elementary teachers, and
seventeen new high school teachers.  K-3 is 24-1 with no more combination
classes in grades 4-8.
Los Flores Elementary School has been brought back online as an 
Independent Study Academy for grades K-8.  It will key on helping 
families decide if they want to pursue home study paths for their 
children.
Many other exciting changes are taking place as well.  

I trust that our Rotary Clubs as well as Kiwanis and Lions will be
supporting our Golf Tournament this Wednesday at the beautiful
Black Hills Golf Course.
Last minute golfers please call Jim Murrin at (562) 547-6305.

THANK YOU 

Kit Wilke spoke to us about the homeless problem.
We also exchanged some Club Properties !?! 
Who said Bellflower can't be more than "Friendly" ?!?

Jean Michael spoke up from the peanut gallery admonishing
me for applying too much needlepoint to my shirt today.
That cost me $20 bucks.  Niko and Becky have been married
for fifty-one years, so he happily paid $51.  Pravin came in 
late to the tune of $20 bucks.  I have to say it's hard for me
to hit those that come at any time to see our smillin' faces.

Kit Wilke spoke to us about the homeless problems that face
us all.  He related the facts that he is aware of, with an
emphasis on the Long Beach area.  It is shocking to most 
that it costs us more to have people homeless than it would
to house and care for them.  Long Beach Memorial alone
looses One Million Dollars a year in their Emergency Room!
Care would include cleanup and shelter for some,
rehabilitation and shelter for others, and long term care
and shelter for the rest of those who will accept aid.  
No long term problem has simple solutions.  Kit and others 
like him are exploring viable options... We should also!

Tuesday's Noon Meeting at the Paramount Club should be fun!!!

C U Saturday morning at Kmart.  7 AM =>>>

City Manager - Jeff Stewart spoke to us today about some
of the outstanding​ changes coming to Bellflower.

We started off fining Connie Hui $10 for her bright fashion
cloths/shoes outfit (putting down Dave's Tommy Bahamas
& Aces).  Then I was told later, several too light fines: 
Bill Zastrow and Steve Litzinger $10 each for no name
badges and Doug Easer $10 for coming in late.  Hey, at
least he came by to say Hi!

We were reminded about our Back-to-School shopping
event at Kmart September 13th at 7 AM.  PLEASE
Rotarians and Spouses COME OUT and support these
Bellflower kids!!!
Later that day the Bellflower Chamber of Commerce is
having it's 1st Annual "Salute Our Heroes" Event at the
Plaza on Belmont Street from 1-7 PM.
Everyone was asked to pick up some brochures and 
spread the word to promote Our 22nd Annual Golf
Tournament.  We would like our neighboring clubs
to realize the importance of these fundraisers as we
do theirs.  I want to get this back-n-forth going again
as we are all the core that gets so many needy projects
done.

Jeff Stewart spoke to us about so many good things
happening in Bellflower.  We were lucky to have him to 
come to our fair city.

We have just voted to Co-sponsor the Compton Club
to be re-chartered into R.I.

Remember, "A Rotary Heart" and 1.2 million members
to lend a hand or an ear.  

We had a wonderful speaker this week.
None other than Jim Kelly, the just retired
Chief of Security for The Marriott Hotel Chain,
Pacific Division.

Jim Murrin complained about a five year old Morgan Stanley Smith Barney 
Pen that Doug Easer had given him.  That cost Doug a $5 fine.  
Howard Davis's Phone went off during our speaker's
presentation which resulted in a $25 fine.

Our Comedy, Magic, & Dinner Show was a BIG success.  Everyone
had GREAT time.  We raised more than two thousand dollars for
our foundation.  Thank You Connie Hui for all your hard work.
Thank all our members, visiting Rotarians, and guests.  Without
you we could not do all our good work locally and around the world.

We haven't heard back from Kiwanis about a property exchange 
meeting...I think they like our bell!?!  In the mean time, I hope you
are enjoying my Great Grandmother's School Bell.

We went to "Movies Under the Stars" Friday night, sat with Janna and
Peter Enkhorn.  The Miss Bellflower Court was there dressed up as
Disney Princess.  Most of the little girls dressed up too and danced
with them up front before the movie "Frozen" was shown.  Older 
kids played games with The Volunteer Center Folks.  It was a full
open house.

Come to meeting next week to get a City update from our City 
Manager - Jeff Stewart.

The Head Librarian at Brakesiek Library in Bellflower spoke to us today.

We have two anniversaries this month.  Mike Lundgren eight years.
That should be worth $24.00. Jeff Zwiep seven years.
I think that will be $21.00.  Ok, guys?  Ok!

Kiwanis member Ray Hamada has suggested we meet to exchange
Club Properties.  Anyone who would like to participate see me.

Dr. Howard Davis asked to have a Rotary Member 5 minutes at
meetings.  I will ask each week if anyone would like to share.

Ken and Caroline Hall's Granddaughter, Claire Adams made The
USA Swim Team Finals.  She is holding the flag on the left(right
as you look at the pic.).
He was proud enough to pay a $100 Happy Fine.  
Thanks and Congratulations Ken, Caroline, & Claire.

Laurin is The Head Librarian at Brakesiek Library in Bellflower.
She spoke to us about the many programs the library has to
offer.  it was enlightening, to say the least.  There are "FREE"
eBooks, Audiobooks, Magazines, Streaming Movies, MP3 songs,
and more.  For those of you that were not here, you should
stop by and check it out.

Kmart Back-To-School Shopping is Saturday, September 13th.
Be there at 7 AM.  I will have the Miss Bellflower Girls there,
some kids from The Bellflower Volunteer Center, and others.
Mostly, we NEED YOU!!!

Help make our 22nd Annual Golf Tournament a BIG success.
September 24th @ 12:30.  P/U Brochures at Jim's.

Ok, See you all Saturday at Merlin's !!!

Oh, by the way, if you want to go see "Frozen" at the movies with
Peter Enkhorn and the Miss Bellflower Court.  There will be food.
Behind Hambones.  Friday the 22nd from 6:30 - 9:30 PM.
 

Tonight we all had a GREAT time at The Rib Trader!!!
 

We had time to socialize before drink, soup, salad, chicken, ribs, magic, & comedy.

What a night!  Everyone enjoyed Merlin.

Thank You All!  

We will look for you at Rotary Club of Bellflower's next ???

Our District Governor Elsa Gillham, Her Chief of Staff
Melody St. John, and Our Assistant Governor 
Jerry Brown were our guests today.

We started off with "Happy" Fines.  First up was Jon Matson -
$50 for his 26 great years with Jaci.  Then we had Jim Murrin -
​$32 for 32 wonderful years with Sheila.  We hadn't been graced
with Dr. Roger Rabanera's presence at meetings for a while, so
we honored his 44 years with Cindy and 74th Birthday at once.
A hundred bucks did the trick!  Finally we saw Mr. Pravin Pranav
​cruising the boulevard in his new Silver Lexis.  That was worth
$100.

A Rotarian since 1998, Elsa Gillham a member and Past President
of The Wilshire Rotary Club of Los Angeles is our District Governor
this year and our speaker today.  A Rotary Foundation alumnus,
she served as the team leader of the Group Study Exchange to 
the Philippines in 2006-2007. The same year serving on the Special
Projects Committee, she was instrumental in helping charter the
Rotary Club of Historic Filipinotown. She has donned many hats in
the District. She served as Assistant Governor, Senior Assistant
Governor for International Service, Dominican Republic District
Humanitarian Trip Chair, District Conference chair, and District
Breakfast chair. She was Rotarian of the Year in 2006-2007.  
A warm & caring woman, born in the Philippines, she migrated
to the US at the age of 20.  Elsa’s passion is travel.  She has
visited more than 70 countries and just attended her 13th 
Rotary International Convention in Sydney, Australia with her
husband Larry.  WOW!!!  She loves the theater, music,
dancing, martinis, & just having fun.
Elsa presented Certificates to:  Our Longest Rotarian - 
Dr. W. Howard Davis(57yrs.), Our Club member who was 
most active in Club and District events in the last 12 months -
 Joe Vasquez, and Our Club Member who made the largest 
contribution to The Rotary Foundation during the last 12 
months - Doug Easer. 
We presented her with a check in the amount of $500.00
made out to The Rotary Foundation in her name.

We finished off with the famous "Happy Clap."

***Please get me seat names for "The Foundation Dinner!"

This week was our Rock-n-Roll Assembly Meeting...
            Yah had to be there!?!?

Our V.P., Ken Hall opened the meeting as Dave was LATE?
And then...."Elvis was in the house"!

There were announcements, Hollywood Bowl Night, Paramount Club Joint Meeting
with Steven Kuykendall, Elsa Gillam's Governor's Meeting, and our Comedy, Magic,
and Dinner Night.
We started "Lighting Up Rotary" with Connie passing out new pins and honoring
Bill Zastrow with a pin to represent his 46 1/2 years of PERFECT ATTENDANCE!!! WOW!!!
Then Dave began to introduce the new Officers and Board Members.
First of all we've got Vice President, "Big Bopper" Ken Hall.
Next we have Treasure, "God Father of Soul" James Murrin.
Now Secretary, "Viva Las Vegas" Marlys Severson.
President Elect and Director of Community Service, "Hard Headed Woman" Connie Hui.
Also got her President Elect Pin.
Our Immediate Past President and Director of Club Service, "Rocka-Hula-Baby" Jean
Seruntine.
Now our Executive Secretary, "Too Much Monkey Business" Steve Litzinger.
How bout our Director of International Service, "I Walk the Line" Joe Vasquez.
Our Director of Vocational Service, "Rock Around the Clock" Dave Romberg.
Director of Youth Services, "Big Boss Man" Jon Matson.
Now our Rotary Foundation Treasurer, "Hound Dog" Pravin Pranav.

Ladies and Gentlemen...Elvis has left the arena!!!

Our speaker on the 10th was Eileen Gonzalez from Wells Fargo Bank.

On the 17th Attorney Gene Kent spoke to us on Astronomy. 

Mrs. August Sonsma has donated $5,000 to our club in her passing.

Eileen is a Business Banking Specialist at Wells Fargo Bank here
in Bellflower.  Her branch is located at 17037 Bellflower Blvd. She
is trying to get Wells Fargo interested in our Charities and good 
work in Bellflower that would lead to supporting our Golf
Tournament.  Going into the branch and doing a little business 
their would not hurt.

July 17th, we had some announcements.
1)  Hollywood Bowl July 24th at 5:30 PM.
2)  Literacy Breakfast August 13th at 7:00 AM.
3)  District 5280 Membership Seminar 
     August 23rd at 7:30 AM.
4)  Next week is our Assembly Meeting.
5)  July 31st is Our Governor's Visit!!!
6)  Now that all seats are taken for the
     Foundation Dinner, I need the names
     of the people that will fill those seats
     and who to bill.  District wants the seat
     names and Pravin needs the billing names.

We have an ongoing auction each week that raises money 
to get bigger gifts in addition to those made and donated
for our Christmas Party and Fundraiser.  More details at 
meetings.

Connie has arranged for us to have "Merlin's Magic & Comedy Show"
at The Rib Trader Restaurant sold out to us on Saturday, August 16th
​from 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM.  Join us for a magical night of laughter and
great food.  Show and dinner tickets for this fun fundraiser are only
$50 bucks.  It hold 110 people.  We will only sell 100 tickets.  So buy
your tickets NOW!!!  JOIN the FUN!!!

Gene Kent was our speaker today.  He gave us an unusual 
presentation on Astronomy.  Lots of interesting information.
You can listen to the recording, however it was much better
if you saw the pictures as well.

If you want to see videos, there is a download area below
the "Weekly Recordings" area.  
Also, as I have said before, it is much better to view the
whole page by clicking on home than trying to view 
"Club Runner's Bulletin" when I send it.  I like Google Chrome.
 

What a GREAT turnout we had.  District Governor Doug Baker lead incoming Governor,
Past Governors, Assistant Governors, District Rotarian Of The Year, and many other
Honorable Rotarians.  Mayor Sonny Santa Inez, Council Members, Chamber of
Commerce Members, School Board Members, Miss Bellflower Promoters, Lions & Kiwanis
Club Members, friends & family.  WOW, what an amazing group of people.  
People THAT MAKE GOOD THINGS HAPPEN!!!

A perfect location on the tip of Naples Peninsula on Alamitos Bay.
The cool ocean breezes made social hour's food, drink, and friends heavenly.

Then the explosion of Polynesian Dancers taking us through the different island culture dances.
  

Steve Litzinger interviewed Jean Michael who was playing the part of Jean Seruntine.  
They were hilarious.  Jean M. Mentioned at least a dozen times how she liked to sing
and what a wonderful voice she had.  She belted out...Eck something(not music) a
couple of times.  Then she told us she spoke Spanish.  We found out...not fluently.  So funny!

Jean Seruntine, Connie Hui, Carolyn Hall, Doug Wilson, and Valarie Frost from
Lakewood Rotary entertained us all when called up by the Hula Dancers.  

Doug Wilson royally roasted Jean.  We know a lot more about her now.  
Maybe more than we might want to.  "You Did What?, Oh My GOSH!"  
He went on and on.  We were absolutely in stitches laughing so hard.  
Thanks Doug for being you.  Brash, Funny, Loveable, Adorable, You!

Joe with eloquent words of appreciation for Linton Morgan and jean.

Doug Easer, the glue that held everything together.  Great Job!

Jean received many accolades and proclamations on her awesome
service from Mayor Sonny Santa Inez, Jerry Cleveland from the
School Board, Don Knabe's Office, and many more.  
You must feel loved Jean!

Then Doug Baker installed the 2014-15 Officers.  He was still wiping
the fog off his glasses.  Note that he never has to wipe the fog off
his quick and witty brain.  Thanks Doug!!!

In coming President Dave Davis took mercy on us all by giving a brief but
inspiring speech.  His red nose was just right to keep it fun.  Dave's Way.

Many Thanks to Dorothy, Caroline, Connie, Didi, Howard, Roseangela, and
Joe for the many hours and hard work helping set up and take down.  
We could not have done it without you.  

Joe Vasquez spoke to us about his experiences at The District Level.

Dr. Mike & Jean have been married 66 years.  That related 
to a happy fine of $100 for our club.  Dave & Didi have been
married for 49 years, also resulting in a $100 fine.  Jean 
Seruntine knocked off seeing Colleen Moore's Fairy Castle from
her bucket list.  That cost her $25.


A new/old club is re-forming today in Compton.  It was 63 years old
before it dissolved.

Joe's tails of his experiences in Rotary were very interesting(download
and listen to the recording).  Did you know he is left handed?
 

Today our speaker was Todd Leatheuser representing:

Last week we got fined again for not shaking Jim's hand when we came in.
Pravin got fined for his Anniversary and Birthday.  Doug Wilson got fined
for his Birthday at Shelia Murrin's Birthday Party.  I haven't seen the pictures,
but believe be me it was a great surprise for her.

This year all of our six $1000 dollar Scholarship Recipients happened to be attendees
of Mayfair High School.
Last week four of those were at our meeting.
Carissa Cherpes is a Girl Scout Gold Award Winner, and started a foundation where she
​raised $7000 with Royale Health Care in Santa Ana.  She will attend The University of 
Denver, major in English, and Master in Library Science.
Ryan Farquhar has volunteered 250 hours in the Key Club and has the second highest
grade point average in his class.  He will be attending UCLA with a Biology major.
Eileen Tovar Volunteers with many organizations like Leo Club, Caring Connections, and
Our Back-To-School Clothing Event.  She will be attending UC Riverside studying 
Environmental Science.
Lindsay Cudd volunteers with organizations like the Key Club.  
She will be attending Arizona State University studying biology and psychology
to get into nursing as a RN or PA.
We also had Juan Ramirez from Cerritos College Associated Students and the
iFalcon Club speak to us.  He plans to transfer to UC Davis.

Ken Hall drew the orange ball.

This week The Rotarian of The Year paid a last official visit to our club.
We all raised our champagne glasses and had a bitter-sweet lemonade
toast to A.G. Linton Morgan who we will most certainly miss!
I know he will be back.
It is said that a `Hero' is defined as `Selfless'.  I know Linton is that.

Our other two Scholarship Recipients were present today.
Kirsten Miller is a swimmer so she volunteered with the local chapter of
"Swim Across America" to give money to Long Beach Memorial Hospital.
She will attend Cal State Long Beach to study biomedical engineering.
Kenneth Phin in an Eagle Scout and wrestler who challenges men 34 lbs.
above his weight class.  He will attend Cal State Long Beach as a premed
student with a Chemistry Major.  He would like to become a Pediatric
Physician.

Todd Leutheuser spoke to us about the Joint Educational Program on
the Cerritos College Campus.  The Southland Motor Car Dealers Association
and Northwood University built a facility where students can earn a Bachelor's 
Degree in there own time(average age is 35).  They can earn their Degree in
Automotive Marketing & Management or Business Administration.
 

Our Speaker this week was Alexandra Torres from The WINTER Group

We gave a big thank you to Connie, Jim & Sheila, Joe & Rose,
and Doug Wilson for representing our club at District Conference.
It's a lot of work the Club Banner and board, picking up strawberries,
keeping them cool, and setting them up.  
Thanks Again for all your hard work.  
I bet you squeezed a little fun in there.
We were lucky enough to have "The Rotarian of The Year"
with us today.
Yes, Linton Morgan is just that, one in 2600.
​What a well deserving recipient he is. 
It has been a genuine pleasure to have him as our AG this past year.

Ken and Caroline Hall are celebrating their 48 year Wedding Anniversary.

We got a nice thank you note from Becky Anagnostou for the flowers. 

Alexandra Torres from "The WINTER Group" spoke to us today.
Women In Non Traditional Employment Roles, Inc. (WINTER) is a
non-profit economic development agency and a national leader in
diversity workforce development and education. WINTER is the only
non-traditional employment organization for women and youth serving
Southern California since 1996.

Adult Programs and Services

WINTER provides women and youth from challenged background with basic
academic development, and high skills training that equip them for entering
a non traditional and rewarding career path leading to high demand
professions. Our training programs build on the existing strengths of each
participant, enabling them to significantly increase their earning capacity,
and relieve critical labor shortages in our communities.

Our programs spark in our participants a lifelong love of learning, setting
priceless and positive examples for their children and their community.
Our programs include:

• Career and Technical Training
• Support and Transitional Services
• Mentor Programs
• Community Outreach  

​Rosie the Riveter Youth Program

Mission Statement

Rosie the Riveter Youth Program helps “at-risk” (“at-promise”) students
who have not succeeded in traditional public schools turn their lives around
and become socially successful while achieving academic levels necessary
for high school graduation and success in registered apprenticeships in the
construction and building trades. We are committed to community
transformation through education, life skills training, employment training,
violence prevention strategies, and family advocacy.

Establish in September 2007, Rosie the Riveter Youth Programs champions
the spirit of progressive education; by providing a rigorous, standards-based
secondary education and the opportunity to experience the world around us.

In addition to core academic classes, we provide a rich elective and innovating
program that offer our students a chance to explore the opportunities that
community colleges offer such as culinary arts and auto repair. In addition
students interested in construction and  public utilities industry will be able
to explore these career opportunities. Our students can “test drive a career”
so to speak, and learn about the skills and earning potential these careers
offered.  We offer;

Small Class Sizes — all classes are capped at 20 students

Tuition Free Concurrent Enrollment in RRCHS and Community Colleges to
obtain college transfer credits

Complete High School or GED from YouthBuild Charter School of Califonia

Receive job training on construction and building trades

Receive monetary academic and on-the-job training stipends

Receive free tutoring and one-on-one academic support

Receive violence prevention, mental health and life coping skills classes
and services 

Job training, tutoring, counseling and retention services are provided by
professionals and outside organizations that have partnered with our
school program to provide valuable enrichment opportunities at no cost
through weekly classes in the course schedule.

Rosie the Riveter Youth Program is a four year program.

The girls will help with our projects and welcome donations.

Nora MacLellan from the Westchester Club was our
speaker today.  The subject was "Vision To Learn."

Our "We Welcome You To Rotary" Song left a lot to be desired today. 
It seems that eight of us didn't think that included wheelchair members.
Well...Jim was takin' names and assessing fines.  Eighty bucks levied.
Our great pianist, Kris paid a life is good fine.  Her oldest daughter just
graduated from collage and her biopsy came back clear, her son is 
getting married, and her youngest daughter is in Africa for two weeks.

Nora MacLellan spoke to us on the "Vision To Learn" project.  This 
organization was started in 2012.  It provides free mobile eye exams
and glasses to title one schools (300+ to date).  A title one school
has over 50% of it's kids on The Meal Program (Breakfast, Lunch, and
a Snack).  Since 80% of learning in the first twelve years is visual,
this service is invaluable.  Download & listen to the meeting recording
I provide for you.  If you are a kid that can't see a blade of grass or
the big "E" on the eye chart and you are plodding along not
understanding why you don't learn like your friends, this just might
be life changing to you. 

NOTE:  Under the "News" section on the left, look at the "Happenings>>" heading
see events other than our club.  Contact me if you want more information about 
any of them, or better yet, come to meetings and look at the "Event Book."
 

Mike Lundgren brought our two RYLA attendees who were our
speakers today.

Unfortunately a long time member, Jack Rowe passed away.

We were joined by two lovely young ladies from Bellflower
High School today.  Madaline and Leslie are both Sophomores.
They both maintain A+ averages while attending AP Classes.
They were our RYLA Camp attendees this year.  They told us
of the games and events they participated in that stressed
the 4C's(Cooperation, Communication, Creativity, and Compassion).
They also participated leadership skill workshops, team building
activities, an Olympics and talent show.  They had a great time,
as well as a wonderful learning experience.  When asked if they
would go back, there was a resounding YES!

We are at the Lakewood Club's Meeting Place at Lakewood City Hall
 on Clark Avenue next week at 12:00 PM.  Ware your
"Every 15 Minutes" Shirts if you have them.

We will be DARK the following week for District Conference.
 See Events for details.

Our speaker today was Dr. W. Howard Davis.
We couldn't help but show him some of his work?!?!

We had guests Frank Searey and Caroline Hall at meeting today.

Bellflower Kiwanis Silent Auction is Friday May 2nd at 6 pm.
Contact Ray Dunton to support our friends.

Jim will be adding $50 to this quarter's dues to cover lack of fines
collected and Demotion/Installation Dinner Expenses.

Dr. W. Howard gave us a very interesting talk on some of his past 
cases in the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery field.  We learned of the 
benefits implants have in growing bone.  There were also some
jaw movements that had dramatic effects on patients bites and
looks.

Thanks to Didi and Caroline, the members gave Howard a start when
he turned to face them and start his talk.  Those false teeth must
have knocked him off his game.

Oh Well, He got back on track and all was ok in the end.

Let's all come out next week to support our RYLA Kids back from camp.
Exciting for us and the two Sophomore Girls that We sent.

Rotary Club of Paramount met with us today. 
We both enjoyed our speaker: Sourena Vasseghi.

It was good to meet with our neighboring club from Paramount today.
There songleader, Bill prepared a song list and lead us.  It was fun.
We had guests from the past.  Naomi and John were kind enough to 
join us today.  Jeri Hardy who helped us with our "Rotary LOUD" project,
accepted our invitation and was present.

Our speaker: Sourena Vasseghi and without help from his hands or legs
was helped by his translator: Linda Werner.
Sourena has had muscular dystrophy his whole life.  He has never let that
stop him.  He graduated from USC Business School, got married, and last 
year fathered a baby boy.

He is a successful author and as you can see, with help, motivational speaker.
His newest book, "Big Dreams Take Small Sacrifices" is sure to be a BIG hit.

We hope to join with Paramount again very soon

Our Speaker Today Was Ray Dunton.
We made Rotary LOUD Day proud this week.

Joe Vasquez guessed the reason for Didi Davis's apple and cow decorations.  

The city derives its name from the bellefleur apple, which was grown in local
orchards during the early 1900s. Originally settled by small communities of
dairy farmers of Dutch, Japanese, and Portuguese descent, Bellflower and
neighboring Paramount served first as the apple and later the milk production
centers for Southern California.

Ray Dunton delivered a great "State of the City" address to us.  We learned 
many things like the coming of Golden Coral and Fire Museum.
Listen to recording of the meeting made available on this site.

Rotary LOUD Day was a BIG success.  There were our Members and Spouses:
Dave & Didi Davis, with their Granddaughter Nicole Soto, Dr. Mike & Jean
Michael, Jim & Sheila Murrin, Joe Vasquez, Connie Hui, and Dave Romberg. 
Jeff Westrup(our advisor from Valley Christian High School)brought us students:
Ally Gilbreath and her mom Lisa, Alex Fenderson, Max VanDenberg, Matt Sigala,
Matt Taylor, and Teacher: Nichole Davis.  From Holy Redeemer Blaine Food
Pantry Program: Jeri Hardy.

We all meet at Library Garden Park across from Clifton M. Brakensiek Library,
9945 Flower St., Bellflower, CA.  We did some landscaping and cleanup which
included replanting and removing some previously planted shrubs.  We then
bought and planted fifty 5 gal. verities of California Drought Resistant Shrubs
and fourteen flats of bedding plants.  It was a great project and even though
the park looks 100% better now, we can't wait to come back when those
plants grow in.

SOOO I THINK WE WERE ROTARY

 LOUD!!!

Today we had guests from Kiwanis, Lions Club, and Somerset
High School.  Our Speaker was Manny Pacheco.
 

Our speaker was Manny Pacheco, a southern California radio
and TV personality for more than three decades.  His
informative talk focused on the Golden Age of Hollywood and
explored the intersection of 20th and 21st century history
with the film capital of the world.

Pacheco has enjoyed a growing acclaim through his Forgotten
Hollywood Book Series, now included in the library collections
of the Hollywood Heritage Museum, Academy of Motion Picture
Arts and Sciences, American Film Institute, among others.
He has also spoken to 33 Rotary clubs.

"I will focus (this presentation) on the actors beneath the titles,"
he said, zeroing in on actors who didn't necessarily receive top
billing but were the workhorses of the movie-making industry.

His presentation described the relationship to American history
of actors Van Heflin, Peter Laurie, Sidney Greenberg, Lionel
Barrymore and Frank Morgan, with the production of films such
as the Wizard of Oz, Shane, Cry for Battle, Captain Courageous
and Shop Around the Corner.  "You might know this last film
better by its remake, You've Got Mail," he said. 

When Pacheco asked Rotarians if anyone knew who the highest
grossing actor was for the MGM studios, several members called
out old-time actor names.  Close, but no cigar, It was Lassie, the dog.  

Pacheco elaborated on the impact of Metro Goldwyn Mayer and Columbia
Picture studios on American culture starting in the 1930s to
contemporary times. 

Historical events that were influenced or somehow linked to Hollywood 
included the Manhattan Project in World War II, Lee Harvey Oswald and
the assassination of President Kennedy, and Super Storm Sandy that
devastated the East Coast a few years ago.

He concluded his luncheon speech with an obscure story linking President
Franklin D. Roosevelt with the well known actor of the 1930s and '40s,
Lionel Barrymore.

Because Barrymore insisted on working at the MGM studios after learning
that arthritis would soon confine him to a wheelchair, a letter from
Helen Keller to Eleanor Roosevelt alerting Mrs. Roosevelt to Barrymore's
condition prompted the President to go public with his own disability.
Soon, FDR championed The March of Dimes to raise funds in the fight
against polio, the disease that confined him to a wheelchair. This little-known
fact launched the decades-long lure of Hollywood star power with America's
political elite.

Pacheco concluded with this observation.  "Now, Rotary International is
within five years of eradicating polio from the face of the planet. 
I thought you folks in this audience might like to know where it all started."

Our St. Paddy's Day Celebration - Featuring:
Decorations By Didi
Green Man By David
Speakers: Miss Sue Nicolette, Chrystal, Vince, & Samuel
Photos By  Dorothy & Our DG: Linton Morgan

This week we had a visit from the Leprechaun(aka Dave Davis) today.
He got us started with some Irish Dancing and by throwing some
green(magic?) candies around the room.  Then we played a dart game
for a gift card to Hambones Restaurant.
Joe Vasquez started off with a bullseye that pretty much sealed the deal.
One of our student speakers won the consolation prize of "Lucky Charms." 

We were honored to have Linton Morgan visit us.  He helped with pictures.
Not sure what all the complaining about AG's at PETS was about...or is 
Linton just that special(I think the latter).  

Sue Nicolitte lead today's presentation- "Civic Initiative" assisted by
seniors:  Chrystal, Samuel, and Vince.  They have been inspired by 

Cristina Garcia - California State Assembly's
Program..."Democracy In Action".


California has joined the P21 Partnership and with the "Common Core"
Tool Kit is moving forward into the 21st century of teaching and learning.  
Bellflower High School has applied and been accepted as one of twelve 
"Civic Democracy Schools".   This is a great honor, showing our educators
willingness to open mindedly take this leap of commitment to themselves
and their students.  This is partly made possible by the S.D. Bechtel, Jr.

Foundations generous commitments.

Listen more in this weeks recordings on this site.

“The purpose of life is a life of purpose.” 
― Robert Bryne

We are lucky to have Mike Lundgren in charge of speakers this month.
Today we have Bellflower's 1998 California Teacher of the Year - Lin Thompson.

Today is Pin Day.  Members showed off their many collected and traded pins.

The "Every 15 Minutes" Program will take the place of our March 20th 
meeting.  We will have lunch at Mayfair High School.  I need to know
how many of you will be there and how many will be at the assembly
the next day.  I can't imagine anyone not wanting to be with our joint
Communities both days.

Today we are lucky to have Lin Thompson, a 28 year teacher from Bellflower
High School speak to us about "What's Real."

He started out with some pictures of sidewalk 3D art.  Then we were 
embarrassed further with a flat night time map of the World.

To get more of this great talk you had to be there.  I have included a 
audio in the weekly meeting section for you to download.  I suggest you
do that.  It will not be a waste of your time.  If you find it is, you know
where I live....Ha,Ha,Ha.

Anyway, Just Come To Meetings.  I want to see those of you I have never meet
and keep getting great speakers.

Thank You,

Valerie Frost of the Rotary Club of Lakewood will talk to us about

"Every 15 Minutes."

Bill Zastrow was fined twice for his birthday last year so because this year marks his 47th year of PERFECT Attendance, Jean fined him an additional $20.00.

Valerie Frost, our speaker, introduced us to Lakewood Rotary's "Happy Buck" Program.  Share something that makes you happy and kick in a buck.  She spoke to us on the "Every 15 Minutes" Program.  This program will be on Thursday, March 20th and Friday, March 21st.  We will be dark so that every member can be there Thursday morning from 8:30 AM to 12:00 PM.  Thanks in advance.

Saturday Night is Opera Night at the Bellflower City Hall. The Symphony will perform and Dorothy will let you in.  Starts at 7:00 PM.

We will be dark February 6th for Bravo Awards that start at 11:00 AM.  Get there early for parking.

The PayLess Shoe Shopping Event is Saturday Morning at 7:00.  It will be held again at the store on Rosecrans just before Pioneer on the north side of the street.  All come with spouses, partners, and Rotary(Bellflower) dress.  I'll the banner for photos. 

Rotary Day of Service is April 12th.  This year it's your own communities.  Turn a plan into the district and it will be published.

The High School Art's Program.

The District Conference May 15-18th at the Hyatt Grand Champions in Indian Wells.  Be sure to bring little soaps and shampoos to make bags for the Homeless Children Project.

Our speaker next week is Doug Easer.  

Sorry about the formatting, Clubrunner is having a problem...... 

»•Officers and Board Members for 2014/2015•«

Without objections, and with Board Approval, these
members will be our Officers and Board Members
for the 2014-2015 year:

                                          Club Officers

President  ........................................................  Dave Davis
Vice President  .................................................  Jim Murrin
Treasurer  ........................................................  Jim Murrin
Secretary  ........................................................  Marlys Severson
President  ........................................................  Connie Hui
Immediate Past President  ..................................  Jean Seruntine

                                        Board Members

Executive Secretary  ..........................................  Steve Litzinger
Director of Club Service ......................................  Jean Seruntine
Director of International Service  .........................  Joe Vasquez
Director of Community Service  ............................  Connie Hui
Director of Vocational Service  .............................  Dave Romberg
Director of Youth Services  ..................................  Jon Matson
Foundation Treasurer  .........................................  Pravin Pranav

Chairs and Committee Members to follow.
Thank all of you for your continued service.

Keeping Our Eye On The Ball!!!

Ideas to Persuade New Members

Anyone wanting to attend this conference to help at Bellflower High please sigh up.

WE ARE THIS - CLOSE !

Great Meeting!  Glad so many of you showed up.

So many good people got to here the Keynote Speaker...Special Agent Nick Vicencia of the Joint Terrorism Task Force.  He has worked with the FBI since 2004.  This force is our nation's front line on terrorism.  He brought us down from Hollywood into the real world and it was very interesting. 

  Oscar Butao was our guest speaker.

Oscar is one of two patrol sergeants in the mid-cities.  

He has been on the force for eighteen years.

A past information officer, he went back to school while on the force to get his masters.

We had enforcement updates and a very informative Q & A session.  He passed out 

his cards and asked us to call him with any questions or concerns.

             We meet again on July 11th.

Installation of Officers, Directors, and Two New Members.  

 Our Master of Ceremonies was Doug Easer.  

 He took great pleasure in roasting most of us.

PDG John Colville took over and began taking care of business by inducting 

Mike Lundgren and Connie Hui.

He then moved on to installing new officers.  Jean began her third term.

We all had a good time.

Kevin Woyjeck, Seal Beach firefighter 

killed in Arizona wildfire, 

wanted to follow in father's footsteps

Rotary Chick's will be having their "Board Meetings" for the next few months as listed.

I need all new Rotary Members' significant other or wife's name,email address, and phone/cell numbers if they would like to be added to our communications and invitations.

 

Rotary Chick's will be meeting on the following dates at the homes of members thru the summer months:

 

Tuesday, June 18th             Lorraine Wilson    Potluck

 

Tuesday, July 16th             Caroline Hall      Potluck

 

Tuesday, August 20th           Connie Hui         Potluck

 

Tuesday, September 17th        Linda Nesst        Potluck

 

Details will be sent to Rotary Chick Members.  All evenings will begin at 6:30PM, RSVP's to event hostess and Sheila requested, so our hostess/members can prepare appropriate main dish servings. Members will have sign ups prior to the event to prevent duplicate complimentary dishes to the menu. 

"Service Above Self?"

A mother dog risked her life to save her puppies from the fire
surrounding the burning house...

The mother dog, Amanda, raced back and forth between the house,

putting her 10-day-old puppies in the safest place she could find – a
Fire Truck

As an onlooker photographed it with his cell phone after she already
had a few in one of the truck's equipment compartments.
She didn't stop racing back into the smoke and fire until
all of her puppies were safely away from the fire.

The firemen on scene could not believe their eyes.
Most people have never seen a dog this smart or this brave!
She brought each one out, six trips into the fire and no one could stop
her.

All the firemen could do was to try to keep a little water spray on her
to keep from singing as she kept making trips running through the
open door.
You can see some of the singed hair on her back end, forehead and
lower legs.

After rescuing all of her puppies from the blaze, Amanda sat down

next to them to nurse, protecting them with her body.

Jon Matson introduced our six scholarship recipients and RYLA kids. 

James was one of the RYLA kids.  As he spoke of his revealing new look at himself and others he turned around to reveal, on the back of his shirt, the motto and core of RYLA:  

 T ogether

 E veryone

 A chieves

 M ore

Christel told us about her revelation at camp about the different types of leaders.

Both loved the "Service Above Self" motto.

It was interesting to note that this year all six scholarship recipients were young women.  

Isn't it wonderful to see and know these great kids we help to achieve and thrive?!?

*Next week we will have Troy Davis, DDA in Compton Superior Court as our speaker*

Schedule of Events Thursday Wine Tour Take a look at online auction, www.biddingforgood.com/rotary5280. Clubs are encouraged to participate in Rotary Basket Challenge. Organized and supervised children activities available. Select service project to attend. Link to brief video describing each. AdamsSchool: http://youtu.be/fHb7BXp0Xx0 UnityShoppe: http://youtu.be/MfCwGuzjQJs Clubs with members attending are encouraged to display a club exhibit. Fabulous Hospitalityis the place to be Friday evening. Food, fun, and fellowship, it's all here. Clubs with members attending can host a station. Governor's Fiesta includes entertainment by Zermeno Dance Academy. Dress theme is "red & black". Use your imagination. Sunday "Celebration of Life". We remember those Rotarians that have passed on.

A great time, I'm sure, was had by all.

Our District Assembly Educational Forum was very informative.  Governor Doug set a new tone for us.   Look over the booklet link below.

If you would like to here more, contact Jean Seruntine, Joe Vasquez, Bob Frohn, Dave Romberg, or myself.

District Assembly 2013

Pictured above (left to right): District Governor Lew Bertrand, Hollywood Rotarian & Day of Service Co-Chair Melody St. John, LA5 Rotarian & Day of Service Co-Chair Marjorie Heller, and DGNG D.J. Sun.