Jim's story for the February 22 Bulletin

It was Monday, February 8, 2021, and President Tim Hageman stepped aside to enjoy the vocal renderings of our previously hidden talent, David Boochever, who sang Stephen Foster’s 1854 song, Hard Times, which urges solidarity with the less fortunate, repeating the phrase “hard times come again no more”…..Our first in a while Fireside Chat is set for March 9 at 6:30 pm on Zoom. This is for our five newest members, featuring Board member presentations, but all are invited to attend.

 

Returning again to report on their work were our welcome guests of Rick Farrell, namely Jerry (a Costa grad) and Tatenda (a native Zimbabwean) Johnson.  They moved together to Africa in 2009 and are now in Harari, Zimbabwe, where they rescue street orphans.  Zimbabwe has 1.8 million orphans, highest in the world per capita, and 90% unemployment.  Like the parable of saving one starfish, they devote their lives to the fortunate few children they can help.  They thanked our club for our support, which has included a water-making machine, a solar energy system, and computer labs.  They now raise funds by empowering local women to work in bead-making.

 

Former City Mayor Nick Tell joined our meeting to promote the first annual Manhattan Beach International Film Festival, organized in part by Nick’s son Nick, whose friend Michael Kerr (Scot accent and all) gave us some background on what they are calling “Florana,” scheduled for February 26-27 in the Manhattan Village Shopping Center.  All net proceeds will go to California coastal waters protection and environmental groups.  11 countries are included so far.  Film competition judges will be our prominent local talent.  We can attend online or by buying tickets to be among the 55 cars at a time that can drive in.  They are seeking sponsors.  Check out www.floranafestival.com.  

 

Councilman Richard Montgomery reported on the shutting down of traffic on Manhattan Avenue from Manhattan Beach Boulevard to 12^th Street to accommodate outdoor dining.  Vaccine plans in the City are on indefinite hold while a statewide vaccine shortage is addressed.  The City has so far lost 13 residents to this pandemic…..School Superintendent Mike Matthews told us that Grades K-2 are starting to reopen, and that reopening of more grades is a week-to-week process.  Five individual sports are now allowed to compete.  Emotions are high, with parents, teachers, administrators, fundraisers, and children all struggling to keep education on track.

 

President Tim was unable to honor our newest Paul Harris Fellows in person, but he presented photos and photographed pins to recognize them on Zoom.  Thank-yous to Matt Peck (PH+7), John Russo (PH+7), and Mike Matthews (PH+7 and +8).

 

This day’s craft talk was presented by Debbie Goldberg, who, with her husband, Adam, founded Fresh Brothers Pizza, starting out in 2008.  Debbie came by cooking naturally—her Vietnam Vet Marine father gave Emeril LaGasse his first job in the kitchen.  Her mother started at McDonald’s and went on to be Pitney-Bowes number one salesperson in the world—so entrepreneurship is also in her blood.  She went from Emerson College to the film industry as a show creator, producer, writer and director (from San Quentin to killer bees) (Adam was also in the business).  But the birth of twins in 2004 and a long look at her brother-in-law’s pizza shop in Indiana set Adam and her off in a new direction.  They started in the midst of the 2008 market crash but were undaunted, adding store after store in city after city, to the point that they now have 22-23 locations, $8 million+ annual revenue, and national recognition in the industry.

 

Debbie told us that Fresh Brothers’ philosophy has been “give until it hurts.”  This has also been good for business, as they form community partnerships.  She described some of her marketing efforts, mostly while working from home, including Yelp, Facebook, radio, billboards, and “mom blogging.”  She has accrued prominent investors, including Skechers’ Michael Greenberg and private equity producer Peter Nolan.  Debbie has now retired from Fresh Brothers to get more active in philanthropy, to explore some new work in food automation, and to continue to enjoy her two children.  (Nate is a recognized local surfer and artist, and Ryan is a student at Brown.  They are budding filmmakers, including a recent documentary on the Manhattan Beach Pier Black Lives Matter protests.)

 

Of the various Rotary lines of service, the most effective may be the least recognized:  Vocational.  Our craft talks give us a chance to return to the vocational roots of Rotary International, focusing on the integrity and accomplishment in our businesses that most directly benefit those around us.   Debbie Goldberg has given until it hurt and made money doing it.  Now that has to make Paul Harris, wherever he is, smile.