Craft Talks Are a Two-Way Learning Experience
by Sue Vogl
As President Cedric Tuck-Sherman was flying to Johannesburg, Past President Bill Bloomfield was flying from Park City to take Cedric’s place at the podium.
But first, Martha Mansfield announced a series of upcoming social activities, proving that she and co-director Tarek Shaer have been hard at work. See "Club Activities" below to start filling in your calendar. Then, encouraged by Kathleen Terry, John Van den Akker displayed the book he has recently finished.
It was now time for Rotary Reflections by Bill Bloomfield. Bill started his Rotary career at the Westwood Club, encouraged by his father who valued the business contacts. There he met Dave Long and Lee Walker, now long-time MB Rotarians. Although many clubs, such as Westwood and LA5, have significantly fewer members than in the past, MB Rotary continues to grow. Bill attributes this to, among other factors, our switch to breakfast from lunch meetings, a big help for young professionals. Although he joined for business reasons, Bill stayed for both community service as well as friendship. That became important when his Rotary friends became matchmakers, introducing him to his future wife Susan. Although Bill admits he botched their first meeting, two other social encounters went much better, and they have now been married 13 years.
Tim Hageman introduced our speakers from Operation Mend, Executive Director Dr. Jo Sornborger and Director of Development Leah Brown. Headquartered at UCLA, Operation Mend offers treatment for physical injuries, brain health and PTSD for post-911 active military and veterans. This comprehensive approach has attracted military from all 50 states. Part of the healing process, Dr. Jo explained, is equine therapy. Pictures of patients with both horses and donkeys showed just how empathetic those animals can be. Recognizing that family caregivers are an important part of the recovery process, Operation Mend has a program for them also. They even offer a summer family camp, a special treat for many children who have never attended a camp. After Dr. Jo’s presentation about this impressive program, Leah Brown talked about Operation Mend’s upcoming events. Operation Mend doesn't received any university or government assistance; it is funded by donors. In fact, Operation Mend is one of the beneficiaries of VetFest profits.
Look for a new/old face next week, as Paul Allman is President for the Day on November 17.
For more meeting photos, go SmugMug.
VetFest - An Annual Rotary Tradition
by Editor
It was another VetFest for the Rotary Moment books. Our annual VetFest celebrated our active military, veterans and first responders in an event that combined heartfelt appreciation, family fun, plus beer, wine, two rock bands and the best-ever barbecue. This partnership between Kinecta and MB Rotary just keeps getting better!
Head organizer Dan Graham reports that more than 241 vet tickets were sold, with more than 300 veterans, spouses and kids attending. He headed a group of 28 committee members as well as another 28 non-committee volunteers (like me).
This year, I took a flier and put it in the mailbox of my neighbors Glenn (who is a veteran) and Shelley. When I saw them on Saturday, Shelley told me that Glenn had put the flier on the refrigerator so that they wouldn't miss it. It just shows you how much this celebration means to those we honor.
You didn't want to fill your beer or wine cup too full, because there were so many options - eight craft breweries and four wine vendors -- all offering their favorites. I was pouring for Five Point Five, so, of course I had to sample. Their Kolsch is excellent!
Plus there were a lot of food options, and, although the line for barbecue was long, it moved quickly. I'm partial to the brisket, and it stacks up very well against what I've had in Kansas City. Pizza from Fresh Brothers, lemonade from Raising Cane's, cookies from Mychal's Learning Place and the Kinecta ice cream truck rounded out the options.
Once again, local favorites Pine Mountain Logs and Joe's Band drew a crowd of folks to the dance floor.
As a lone piper led flag-carrying Boy Scouts to the stage (you might have spotted Russ Samuel's sons), the ceremony began. MC Tim Hageman, both a veteran and first responder, did the honors along with Keith Sultemeier, Rotarian and Kinecta CEO. As we raised our glasses in appreciation for all the men and women who serve our country, three flyovers from the Condor Squadron brought the crowd to their feet.
A number of organizations that support veterans had booths including: Operation Mend, Jimmy Miller Foundation, Pinups for Vets, Team Rubicon, and US Army Recruiter.
Sponsors included: Kinecta; Skechers; brewery sponsors Rock 'n Brews, Sugar Monkey, Culture, Common Space, HopSaint, Hermosa Brewing Company, Los Angeles Ale Works, OB Pub and Grill; wine sponsors Dragonette Cellars, Uncorked Wine Shops, Ciento Cellars; Lemonade sponsor Raising Cane's; food sponsors Fresh Brothers Pizza and Kinecta. Other "large" donors, per Dan, were Harris Bass, Bill Bloomfield and Norm Levin.
Tables were purchased by: Bob Stephenson, Mike Rotolo, John Acker and Duke Winser, and Dave Gendron. Tables donated to vets were from: Jim Hunter, Roger Rombro, Dave Boochever, Lee Walker, and Charlie Steinmetz.
For more VetFest photos, go to SmugMug.
SCHEDULE CHECK (click to calendar)
|
|
|
|