IT HAPPENED THIS WEEK 6/16/10

By Dannie Cavanaugh

June 16, 2010

In these tough economic times organizations like the YMCA are essential for keeping the fabric of our communities together. We are

very lucky to have the Culver Palms Family YMCA as part of our world.

Wednesday was our annual visit to the Y, an organization to which we are tied at the hip since the Culver City Rotary Club was one of the original sponsors. This meeting is always a more laid back affair and always a lot of fun with a visit from the preschool kids providing great entertainment. Red Betts got things started with an Invocation, the kids led us in the Pledge, and the whole room joined together in God Bless America.

President Bill thanked Darlene Kiyan for arranging the venue, Ann Murakami for providing the food, and Ron Coombs for handling the cooking chores at the grill. The steaks were awesome Ron – great job as always. Lisa D'Angelo a Rotarian and also the Director of the Westchester YMCA was our only Rotary guest although we were joined by many of the staff members of the Culver Y.

With the introductions accomplished we were treated to a couple of songs by the preschool kids, who were just wonderful. After the kids left, President Bill and Red Betts presented Darlene Kiyan with a $5,000 check from our club to the Y as part of our annual support. Staff members from the Y came up next and gave brief presentations relating to their experiences at the Y and recounting the good that our money does in helping families in need continue to use the Y.

Jerry Chabola was in attendance and he took center stage to give a brief report on happenings at Culver High School. Jerry thanked everyone who had helped out this year, particularly acknowledging Chris King for his work with Interact, Kathy and Tony Haworth for handling all of the medals at the track meet, Ann Murakami for helping at the barbeque, and Craig and Laura Ferre also for their work at the track meet. Jerry saved the best for last thanking Tim Messmer for his tireless work in making this year's track meet the best one ever.

Paul Knoll closed the meeting with a bit of wisdom reminding us all that the end of Bill's term is near.

Have a great week Rotarians.