Setting the tone for another great meeting, the talented Jim Hartman shared an inspirational invocation, reminding us all of our Rotary values.  Always upbeat and positive, the delightful Kjell Hellberg started us off with the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by local opera star Les Fishman who led us in singing our national anthem.

In addition to our guest speakers, Bob Johnson introduced our guests for the day:  Jon Anderson –visiting from the South Bay Sunrise Club and also Kath Anderson’s son,  and Susan Griego, former Rotarian and guest of Rick Mendoza.  Our guests were thrilled with the spirited singing of our iconic Welcome Song, led by Norton Donner.  

Julia Parton got the festivities started by recognizing Rotary anniversaries, birthdays and wedding anniversaries.  A lot of yummy cookies were distributed in honor of these milestones.  I’d like to lead a SHOUT OUT to Julia for her hard work in spearheading this fun recognition program every month.  It’s nice to take a moment to congratulate our fellow Rotarians on their anniversaries and birthdays … and who doesn’t love a giant sugar cookie?  Three cheers to Julia for doing this every month!   

Key announcements included the following:

Wednesday Night Live – September 20 at the Red Car Brewery on Sartori Avenue in Torrance.  

No club meeting on 9/22. 

A send-off party for Kjell is being planned for October.  It will be at Kath Anderson’s home…stay tuned for more details. 

Rick Mendoza distributed Raffle Ticket Books for the upcoming District Foundation Dinner.  All club members are asked to sell at least one book ($100).   Tickets and money are due by 10/21.  If you need tickets or have any questions, contact Julia Parton or Rick Mendoza.  

Our Community Service maven, the dedicated Juliet DeMoss, announced a possible service project with Habitat for Humanity.  In order for the project to go forward, we need to commit to having 25 volunteers, combined with a donation of $25 per volunteer.  A clipboard was distributed for signups.  IF you are interested in learning more and possibly participating, contact Juliet.

Juliet was also busy collecting toiletries for “Doors of Hope”.  Thanks to all the Rotarians who donated!  

Finally, Marc Mazorow announced plans for a very fun day of Rotary fellowship!  On Saturday, November 11, Club members will enjoy “A Day at the Races” at the beautiful Del Mar track.  We will travel by bus.  Cost is $80 and signups will begin at our next meeting.   Mark offered to cover all gambling losses for the first ten to signup.  (Kidding!!) 

Guest Speaker 

President Lynne introduced our guest speaker, Barbara Saltzman, Founder and President of The Jester & Pharley Phund.  Accompanying Barbara was Amy Hastings, Executive Director of the organization.   Barbara recounted the story of her son David’s book, The Jester Has Lost His Jingle, and how the tragic death of David when he was only 22 years old, inspired the founding of her nonprofit.

 Barbara said that the real story of the book is what is has accomplished over the past twenty plus years, specifically in the two focus areas of helping children with cancer and promoting literacy in school aged children across the nation.   She explained how “read-a-thons” at elementary schools encourage reading while enabling school children to raise money to donate the Jester book to other children who are hospitalized with cancer.  It’s truly kids helping kids!   

Barbara also spoke about how the bilingual version came to be just five years ago and how this version has opened the door for countless more children to benefit.  She told several heartwarming stories about the children that she has personally read to in hospitals over the years, as well as school children who now LOVE to read based on their experience with the read-a-thon program.  

Both the book and Jester doll make wonderful gifts and can be purchased on both Amazon and Barbara’s website:  www.thejester.org.  Books purchased on her website will be autographed by Barbara (aka, The Jester’s Mom).      

Our club members were truly touched by hearing Barbara’s story about how she and her husband turned the tragic loss of their son into a nonprofit organization that has been making a difference in thousands of young lives for twenty-one years.