Getting Crafty with Audra and ChristinaBy Jim McFarland
Meeting opened with Wade Austin in the Air Force attire he wore 56 years ago. He led us in the flag salute and dedicated it to those who still serve across the world. Then, removing the Air Force shirt, he revealed a stars and stripe shirt underneath. Some of us remember when he was much larger than he is now. He prayed for God to help him. He then removes the stars and stripes to reveal another shirt, KTK! He participates daily in Kiss the Knees and proceeds to lift his leg to the podium (not on the podium). He does a few stretches, bends over and touches the floor then jumps down and gave us 45 push-ups!!!! His advice! Push some weights and stay limber! Help God help you!! Nice job Wade!!!
Guests, Scott Yanofsky brought his son Brandon and his grand son Dillon. Some members of the RLS campaign attended, and Audra Platz’s partner was here to hear her craft talk. President John auctioned off a Sean McVay bobble head, won by Dick Chase for $5.
Happy Dollars. John Ranaudo gave $20 for the 56th anniversary of the first date with his wife. Don Jung gave $20 for his 47th running of the MB 10K. Dan Saks gave $20 for his 4th running and to celebrate his grandson’s first birthday.
Mystery Rotarian - Scott Yanofsky. President John asked him to tell his joke. There was a man in the hospital, and a beautiful young nurse walks in. The patient had an oxygen mask on and asks the nurse…are my testicles black? The young nurse was startled, but she reluctantly took a look. Everything looks fine, she answered. The patient took off the oxygen mask and said,“ Are my test results back?” LOL!!
VetFest! Tables still for sale!! Buy your tickets! Torrance Sunrise is having a Rise Against Hunger event. Contact them if you are interested.
Dave Gendron came up to speak to us about Measure RLS - Repair Local Schools. He introduced the chairman of the RLS committee, who gave a presentation on why we need to pass measure RLS and what the funds would go for as well as qualify us for funds from the state. YesonRLS.com for more info.
Rotary Bowl. Get your tickets from Nelson Gray!! Monies you send in goes toward your Paul Harris donations. Dow Jones predictions are due before election day!!
We had some great photos of “Rotarians in the Wild” -- photos of last weekend at the Hometown Fair Wine Garden! Larry Johnson and Mark Burton looked like they really had fun!! Pictures of members at SoFi Stadium for the Boys and Girls Club event and participants at the MB 10K, notably, Larry Wolf, Don Jung and Dan Saks. Thank you, Lisa Hemmat-Lupercio for the race photos.
Jason Wallace announced that dine around signups were on their way for October and November. There is no better way to get to know your fellow club members than to sign up to HOST or attend these wonderful get togethers. Great food, wine and friendship!
Craft Talks
First up, we enjoyed hearing from Audra Platz. She talked about October 7, remembering all who have been displaced, injured and killed. One person described her as one of the “Peoplest” people she knows. Born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin; had two sets of grandparents there. At age of 2, she moved to Michigan, and, between elementary and middle school, she lived in Kansas, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Michigan, because her dad worked for Chrysler. But her heart has always been in Milwaukee; she loves a good brat. In 1984, they moved to Indianapolis. Through all the moves, she was very insecure, so she would ask classmates to be friends. She had her own TV show at age 6 with football great Ray Nitschke. She was a communications major at Ball State, and won an internship with Entertainment Tonight in 1991, where she worked 40-hour weeks for no pay. Later, she found her calling -- working as a volunteer with inner-city children at HOLA ,Heart of Los Angeles. In 2000 she joined the staff. She gave birth to her daughter Georgia at age 38. Met her partner Brent in 2013. She is currently the Director of Philanthropy and Planned Giving for South Coast Botanic Gardens. Words of wisdom…Pushing outside your comfort zone improves brain health!!!
Christina Pascucci is a former member of El Segundo Rotary. She used Chat GPT to help her compose her talk. She found out she has a bit of Jewish heritage and is remembering October 7th as well. Her mom and dad were big influences. Her sisters were quite a bit older and one of them was bipolar, so Christina had some experiences with her that changed how she looks at life. Her husband has been a big influence as well. She is a USC grad and majored in journalism. Fight On! Worked in small local TV. Once had an exclusive interview with Arnold Schwarzenegger. She was doing a remote for the local station covering the planting of trees when Arnold’s entourage stopped at the Starbucks across the street. She yelled, “How about an interview?” She then moved to the local station in Reno, where she learned it was difficult to drive in snow. She had a stint in Palm Springs, and then ended up at KTLA, doing segments that allowed those she interviewed to tell their stories. Great video that showed the highlights of her time at KTLA. She loves to fly and is a licensed pilot. She ran for the U.S. Senate in 2022. She also loves to travel. 105 countries so far! She and her husband just took her baby daughter on her first trip, visiting 17 countries…she met the Pope!! Giving back to Big Brothers and Big Sisters is important to her, and in 2019 she was Big Sister of the Year! To find out more! https://christinaforcalifornia.com/meet-christina/
For more meeting photos, go to SmugMug. |
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