Club Assembly

In the matter of membership, which he made a priority for his year, our club had a net gain of 8 new members, which is the result of subtracting old members who dropped out, moved away or passed on, and adding new members who were recruited.  Although Pres Ray did not make his goal of a total club membership of 90, a new gain of 8 is excellent.

   President Ray made a point of trying to increase our presence in the Downey community, introducing the Fireworks Sales and an E-waste disposal program.  Working more closely with Rancho Los Amigos Hospital is still under study.

  In addition to keeping up with our present projects, President Ray said he never lost sight of our original aim – to have fun.

  Larry McGrew reported on activity in the Community Services department.  The Club has produced the annual pancake breakfast to benefit the YMCA; put on a golf tournament which is a major fundraiser for the club; and made possible the Arc Fishing Derby, which Larry said was “just me.”

  This year there were no Habitat for Humanity projects in the region, and the City of Downey did not have any either.  But the Fireworks Stand was introduced, and will be the first event of the start of the new year, on July 1.  Please volunteer to serve if you have not already done so!!

 Dale Self commented on the San Diego chartered fishing trip, which was fun.  The community services committee also organized the exhibition of photographs taken by Art Morris, with Stay Gallery as the show place.  The opening night was well attended by Rotary members. 

 Alex Lopez reported on Club Service.  For our weekly meeting opening ceremonies, he has been responsible for having a Fine Maser as well as someone to say the invocation and the flag salute.  Dan Fox and Judge Phil and Bob Flynn, he of the lengthy and beautiful introductions at the piano, lead   us in song.  Some new Finemasters who have stepped up and done well in a new task, are Diane Davis and Sam Torres.

   The Cookie Sale at Christmas made a small profit, and the movie night broke even, but the l0K night was the best financial success ever.  We spent more, for the gambling tables and such, but the return was better than anticipated.  Last year in 2012 we spent $13,551 approximately and took in $20, 1811, netting $6330.  This year in 2013 we spend $16,272 but took in over $25,000, clearing more than $8,800.  It also helped that this year every number on the grid was sold.

 Vahid Babaeian reported from the International Committee that the Club had hoped to arrange something with Wayne Wilcox who is in Guatemala, during the two years he is on his church mission there.  But so far Wayne has been too busy with his work in dental clinics, and travelling around the country to get to the clinics, to get anything set up.

 Vahid did show us a project called Shelter X-boxes, on which we had a program earlier.  A Shelter Box costs a little under one thousand dollars, and is sent to an area after a disaster.  The Box is equipped with non-food items such as a tent, blankets, ponchos, mosquito netting and first aid kits.  In case of flood, fire earthquake, war, these are deployed on the scene where they are coordinated with food dispersal.  Headquarters determines where the need is greatest.

  New Generations is the name for the former Interact committee, and Diane Davis reported that we sponsor Interact Clubs, co-ed of course, at Warren, Downey High and also Our Lady of Perpetual Help School.  Warren’s is largest.  We also give a scholarship to each of these schools. We awarded $500 for participation in a Rotary District Event to Warren High School. 

 Diane’s committee secured 10 mini-grants of $250 each, using $800 of club money and the rest matched and contributed by the District.  These went to schools and other Downey organizations such as a Boy Scout troop and the Downey Symphony.  The Interact Clubs raised money by having auctions at our club programs of cookies and cupcakes they had baked and frosted.

  Diane has also been Program Chair, and thanks members for calling her with ideas for speakers.  This year’s programs have been consistently interesting, as reported on in the HubBub.

  For Membership, Kevin MacDonald said we have a net of 8 new members. His co-chair Raul Lopez put in a good word to thank those of us who sponsored these new members.

Now for the nitty-gritty of the club’s business, Pres Ray called on Paul “I Quit” Mathys, who says he can’t quit because no one else will take the job of CPA, accounting for our treasure.  Kidding aside, Paul, you have done your job well, not only because you are a good and conscientious numbers man, but also because you provide history and continuity on the board as regards                                      the financial picture.

  A complete financial statement was provided to each club member at the meeting.  Paul discussed the difference between this year’s and last year’s.  This year he has cleaned up some of our old accounts receivable, which is to say, members who have not paid their dues.  This amount can add up very quickly to a large figure.

   Four serious long-terms debts were either collected or the members resigned and their debts were written off as uncollectible.  There have been some hardship stories and personal tragedies here, although the details have been kept confidential.

  The club has no debts, all bills are paid, and we have money in the bank as well as a “good” accounts receivable fund, which means the debts turn over quickly, as they are paid off promptly.

  The 10k event was run carefully and responsibly.  Each $100 ticket/obligation was personally handed to a member or the number assigned over the phone.  Paul thanked Alex Lopez for keeping things under control so that by the end of the festive evening, Paul was able to check out all the expenses and income and they balanced out the first time.

  Then incoming President Paul Velasco was called upon.  He said he would keep his remarks for his plans for next year until the Demotion dinner.  But he did introduce his incoming board, which is: President Elect, Larry Garces; Past President, Ray Andazola; Secretary, Patricia Megallon; Treasurer, Tom Hutchinson.  Paul’s motto for next year will be “Engaging Rotary,” and Paul will have a special pin to give each member at the Demotion/Installation next weekend, June 29.

LAST CLUB MEETING OF THIS YEAR JUNE 25 IS IN FURMAN PARK.  COME SHARE DELICIOUS STEAK AND FELLOWSHIP IN THE PARK!!!