Last Monday night was the first annual Bowling for Boxes. Bowling teams of Rotarians and friends turned out to support a wonderful cause: raising money for ShelterBox, a Charity Navigator Four-Star charitable foundation whose mission is to “build awareness of global displacement and provide families with lifesaving shelter and essential tools, and supplies that will enable them to rebuild their homes and transform their lives after disaster.”
Safe Grad Night 2026 was a success! Rotary Club of China Lake volunteers helped to make it so by working at the event, and by coordinating, picking up, and delivering the food donated by restaurants all throughout town to the Safe Grad night venue at Cerro Coso Community College. Thank you, Rotarians Don Beene, Ricca Charlon, Stephanie Hudson, Dan Kus, Daniel Lagunez, Linda McCauley, Laura Metcalf, Betty Miller, Michaela Plunkett, Julia Morse, Riley Morris, Cyndy Noel, Cynthia Roberson, and David Saint-Amand for your support of this important event.
The rotary social on may 28th was an adventure for sure! It ended up being Ricca, Deb, Mary, Esther, Cynthia and her mom, Linda, Dan, Cyndy and her husband, Don, and David. 12 - A pretty good crowd!
Shotty’s was double booked and too crowded for our group. So about five of us decided outside of Shotty‘s at 6:05 to go to La Fiesta. We told the employee in Shotty’s our plan where we were going and asked her to please tell anybody that showed up where we were. That worked out and the rest joined us at La Fiesta for a good time.
Rotary Social!
Ricca Charlon
2026-06-03 07:00:00Z
0
Fellowship
June is Rotary Fellowship Month
From Rotary International
Rotary Fellowships are international groups that share a common passion. Being part of a fellowship is a fun way to make friends around the world, explore a hobby or profession, and enhance your Rotary experience.
How do I join a fellowship?
Membership in a fellowship is open to any interested individual. You can learn more about fellowships directly by using the link below:
Still at large on their travels across the nation, Chris and Gina Noble have found yet another example of Rotary making the world a better place. In Gina’s words, “Another wonderful Rotary spot in Southport, North Carolina.”
The inscription reads: "Rotary Club of Southport. Celebrating 100 years of Rotary. 1905-2005." Photo courtesy of Gina Noble.
On Memorial Day, Monday, May 25th the Rotary Club of China Lake joined with other community organizations to honor those who were lost or wounded in defense of our great nation.
Club President Elect Jill Bradford has announced her Board of Directors for the 2026-2027 Rotary Year. This year’s Board is a mix of current and new members.
On Monday the 18th of May at 9:00AM, in front of the Library of the Cerro Coso Community College (CCCC), the Rotary Club of China Lake’s Peace Pole was unveiled.
It has been an event-full week since our last luncheon. On Wednesday the 13th, at our annual dinner led by Don Beene and Cyndy Noel, the Rotary Club of China Lake awarded $72,000 in club and donor-funded scholarships.
As we celebrate The Rotary Club of China Lake's 75th Anniversary, we invite you to take a moment to reflect on the incredible legacy of service and community impact that defines our organization.
The Rotary Club of China Lake was chartered on June 27, 1951. Starting with just 20 members, the club quickly became a force for community service in the Indian Wells Valley ... and still is today!
Right now, over 117 million people have lost their homes worldwide due to disaster and conflict. ShelterBox is working to change this by providing emergency shelter.
Last Thursday three students from Immanuel Christian School were delivered to the 2026 District 5240 Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) event at Camp Ramah in Ojai, California. There they learned leadership and self-development skills and made life long friendships with other High School students from across District 5240, including exchange students from Germany.
A huge ‘Thank you!’ to the Browns who hosted all the tired tax-filers who made it through Tax Day. There was excellent tri-tip and Chicken, potluck-style side dishes and salads, good wine, and fine fellowship. Thank you!
Thank you to the Browns for a Wonderful 1040 Party
Chris and Gina Noble are still on the move, this time in the great state of Louisiana. Once again they have evidence of Rotary making communities more fun and more beautiful.
The subscript reads: “1918 A Centennial Gift to Baton Rouge 2018.”
Rotary, in the immortal words of Gina: “This is crazy - Everywhere.”
Rotary bench at the Vermilionville History Museum in Lafayette.
This year’s Scholarship Dinner and Auction was another banner event!. More than 200 tickets were sold and all the tables were Reserved, with the exception of one for Open Seating. All the bills have been paid and the net income from this event is $44,200, $5,000 more than last year.
Congratulations to President Elect Jill Bradford and her committee. Well done!
Scholarship Dinner and Auction 2026 - Update
David Saint Amand
2026-04-06 07:00:00Z
0
Community Service,Fund Raiser,High School,scholarships
I am sad to inform you that, after many discussions, we have decided to cancel the Pours for Paws event this year. Unfortunately, we did not receive enough responses from attendees to make the event cost-effective.
We appreciate the support and enthusiasm shown for this event, and we hope to revisit it in the future when we can ensure stronger participation.
Thank you for your continued support of our club and its service efforts.
Pours-for-Paws Cancelled
Ricca Charlon
2026-04-06 07:00:00Z
0
Rotary at Large
While Traveling across Texas, Chris and Gina Noble found more evidence of Rotary making communities fun and more beautiful.
Last Saturday evening was this year’s Scholarship Dinner and Auction. Among the numerous community and Rotary leaders in attendance were District 5240 Governor Mike Dutra, District Governor Elect Margarida Eidson, and Ridgecrest Mayor Travis Endicott.
With an excellent meal provided by Rose Fusco and team, and a lively auction lead by James Bell, the evening was well enjoyed by all.
While the preliminary numbers are not yet in, with more than 200 tickets sold and all tables reserved at some level, leaving only one with Open Seating, it appears that this year’s Dinner and Auction was another banner event!
Scholarship Dinner and Auction 2026 - Preliminary Report
David Saint Amand
2026-03-30 07:00:00Z
0
Community Service,Fund Raiser,High School,scholarships
Satellite Club Desert Cleanup
Last Saturday morning, members of our Satellite Club were up and at it for their first Desert Cleanup.
Jill Bradford “found some Rotary in Jackson Hole, Wyoming.” These Elk Antler Arches “have been the gates to the Jackson Town Square since 1960.” The antlers are shed by the bull Elks each spring and are collected by local Boy Scouts and sold at auction each May.
Hello Rotary Club of China Lake Adopt-A-Hwy Litter Removal Crew. We (nine of us on this cool, sunny today) filled & stacked 11 of those AAH litter bags, and two downed/broken metal road signs.
Rotary can be proud as our 2-mile strip of Ridgecrest is a lot cleaner. I reported this to Caltrans & they collected it up on Monday. Thank you for your support and teamwork on this project.
February’s Adopt-a-Highway
Linda McCauley
2026-02-27 08:00:00Z
0
Community Service,People of Action,Road Clean Up
Scholarship Fair 2026
Despite the crazy wind and chill in the air, the event last Thursday night, February 19th, went well and we got lots of feedback from the attendees on our exit survey too.
Sixteen organizations participated in the fair, offering a total of more than $1 million dollars in scholarships to our local High School Graduates. One hundred and seventy eight students and parents came to the fair. Fifty six surveys were filled out and the general consensus was that it was a great event and wonderful to have all these scholarships in one place. Of the several suggestions offered by the respondents, this one stands out “offer jobs and internships.” Something to think about for next year!
High School,People of Action,Youth Services,scholarships
Rotary Dinner/Auction Planning Meetings
Arrangements are underway for our 2026 Scholarship Dinner and Auction. If you’d like to be a part of organizing this amazing event, join President Elect Jill at an upcoming planning meeting:
10 Feb 6 pm Jill Bradford's home
24 Feb 6 pm Jill Bradford's home
9 Mar 6 pm Jill Bradford's home
Our annual signature event provides the funds for scholarships for graduating High School students from the Indian Wells and Searles Valleys. Help make dreams of college or trade school come true by helping make the dinner and auction a reality!
Rotary Dinner/Auction Planning Meetings
David Saint Amand
2026-02-02 08:00:00Z
0
Community Service,auction,dinner,scholarship
February Children’s Book Drive!
During the month of February, the Rotary Club of China Lake is holding a Children’s Book Drive. Help make a difference in our community by donating new/gently used children’s books to fill the library at the Oasis Family Resource Center.
At the November 19, 2025 meeting of the Board of Directors of the Rotary Club of China Lake Charitable Foundation (RCoCLCF), the board voted to grant $26,000 for the purchase of metal instruments for a planned Music Garden at the Maturango Museum. The funds were been transferred and the RCoCLC received a letter of thanks from the museum.
If you know of a non-Rotarian whose business practices exemplify the Rotary Four-Way-Test, please speak with David Saint-Amand about nominating them for this year’s Vocational Service Award.
Nominations are due by January 31st.
Nominations Being Accepted for Vocational Service Award 2025-2026
The Rotary Club of China Lake Charitable Foundation's annual Scholarship Auction and Dinner is scheduled for Saturday March 21st. This signature event is how we fund our scholarships for local High School Graduates.
Rotarian Tex Hoppus is to be honored by the Ridgecrest City Council on Wednesday, January 21, 2026 at 6pm. The meeting is open to the public. President Ricca encourages everyone to attend and show their support as Tex receives a well-deserved recognition.
If you know of a non-Rotarian whose business practices exemplify the Rotary Four-Way-Test, please speak with David Saint-Amand about nominating them for this year’s Vocational Service Award.
Nominations Being Accepted for Vocational Service Award 2025-2026
In October of 2025, Rotary International announced:
For the 17th consecutive year, The Rotary Foundation has received the highest rating — four stars — from Charity Navigator, the largest and most utilized independent charity evaluator in the United States.
The Foundation earned the recognition for adhering to sector best practices and executing its mission in a financially efficient way, demonstrating both strong financial health and commitment to accountability and transparency.
Rotary Foundation received Charity Navigator's highest rating
David Saint Amand
2026-01-14 08:00:00Z
0
Award,Charitable Foundation
Interact Decorates the Rotary Rose Parade Float
Some 30 Interactors, Interact Advisors, and Rotarians descended upon the Rotary International Float last Saturday to work an 8-hour decorating shift on the 2026 Rotary Rose Parade the float.
Start of Shift. Photo courtesy of Youth Services Director Cheryl Saint-Amand.
Thank you to all the Bell-Ringing-Volunteers who were out raising funds for the Salvation Army on the 12th!
I will of course give my gratitude in person at a meeting in the new year, but my sincere thanks to our great club for an amazing 2 days of ringing the bells. A wonderful effort, great hearts, and income that will make a difference to neighbors in need.
My sincere thanks and truly wishing everyone in our great Rotary Group a very Merry Christmas!!!!
Blessings to all,
Major Mark Thielenhaus, Corps Officer
The Salvation Army – Ridgecrest Corps
THANK YOU from Rotarian and Salvation Army Major Mark Thielenhaus
Mark Thielenhaus
2025-12-24 08:00:00Z
0
Community Service
WOW! Rotarians Rock (and Ring)
Thank you all so much for your contributions of time, money, or both, to support Salvation Army and helping to fill their kettles this holiday season.
Here is what was raised during our time with the bells: (insert drum roll now, please)
Friday, December 12th - $669.38
Saturday, December 20th - $2112.65
GRAND TOTAL: $2782.03!
Yet again, the Rotary Club of China Lake comes through for this community and really does rock and ring :)
As we approach the close of another year of service, I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude to each of you. Your generosity, dedication, and commitment to “Service Above Self” continue to make a meaningful impact in our community and beyond. It is truly an honor to serve alongside such compassionate and driven individuals.
I wish you and your loved ones a Merry Christmas filled with joy, peace, and shared moments that warm the heart. May the New Year bring you renewed purpose, good health, and countless opportunities to make a difference.
Please note that our weekly luncheons will be dark for the next two Wednesdays—December 24 and December 31—so you can enjoy this special season with friends and family. We look forward to gathering again in the new year, refreshed and ready to continue our good work together.
Thank you for all you do. Your service truly matters.
With appreciation and warm holiday cheer,
Ricca Charlon President | Rotary Club of China Lake
With Gratitude and Warm Holiday Wishes, Rotarians!
The Rotary Club of China Lake was chartered on June 27, 1951. Starting with 20 members, the club became a force for community service in the Indian Wells Valley.
Proof of an early start can be found here in a February 19, 1953 newspaper clipping from the local Times-Herald out of Randsburg. The caption reads: “China Lake Rotary Club sponsors Boy Scout Troop at recent meeting. Forrest Branch, junior past president, the jones twins, Charles and Clifford, members of the Scout Troop, and LCDR L.J. Goddard, the club’s first president, are shown above. From the NOTS Rocketeer.
Thank you to Tex Hoppus of the Historical Society of the Upper Mojave Desert for finding this wonderful memory of our club Doing Good in the World!
75 Years of Rotary
David Saint Amand
2025-12-17 08:00:00Z
0
Community Service,Fellowship
Rotary at Large
Last Tuesday evening the McCauleys sent this to us from the Bakersfield California Living Museum (CALM) Zoo. Nearly everywhere you go you can find Rotarians helping make a more beautiful world.
“Disease results in misery, pain, and poverty for millions of people worldwide. That’s why treating and preventing disease is so important to us. We lead efforts both large and small. We set up temporary clinics, blood donation centers, and training facilities in under served communities struggling with outbreaks and health care access. We design and build infrastructure that allows doctors, patients, and governments to work together.
Our members combat diseases like malaria, HIV/AIDS, Alzheimer’s, multiple sclerosis, diabetes, and polio. Prevention is important, which is why we also focus on health education and bringing people routine hearing, vision, and dental care.
How Rotary makes help happen
We educate and equip communities to stop the spread of life-threatening diseases. Rotary members have hundreds of health projects underway around the world at any given time.”
For more information on Rotary’s Disease Prevention and Treatment program visit:
December’s Rotary International Theme - Disease Prevention and Treatment
David Saint Amand
2025-12-03 08:00:00Z
0
People of Action
Gratitude and Warm Thanksgiving Wishes
Dear Fellow Rotarians,
As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday, I want to take a moment to express my sincere gratitude for each of you. Your dedication, service, and commitment to our community are what make our club so special. Whether you are leading a project, volunteering behind the scenes, or simply showing up with a spirit of fellowship, YOU are making a real difference! Thank you for all that you do!
Please note that we will not be holding a luncheon this week in observance of the holiday. I hope the break gives you time to rest, reflect, and enjoy meaningful moments with family and friends.
Wishing you and your loved ones a warm, joyful, and peaceful Thanksgiving. I am truly grateful to serve alongside you.
Together, We Serve,
Ricca Charlon President | Rotary Club of China Lake
Last Saturday night Rotarians and friends gathered at Kim and Mike Metcalf's home for Pumpkin Palooza!
Beverages, ham, smoked salmon, delicious side-dishes, fabulous deserts; all with a hint of pumpkin. Best of all, a relaxed evening of fellowship and celebration of the Fall season.
In keeping with the theme, some of the revelers, dressed in pumpkin orange.
Photo courtesy of David Saint-Amand.
Pumpkin Palooza!
David Saint Amand
2025-11-18 08:00:00Z
0
Fellowship
Paul Harris Fellow Dinner 2025
Our annual Paul Harris Fellow (PHF) Dinner was held last Friday evening, November 7th in the Maturango Room of the SpringHill Suites. Attendees gathered for an evening of celebration of the generosity that is an ear mark of the spirit of Service Above Self.
The display of all our club's PHFs. Photo courtesy of David Saint-Amand.
Our newest member, Riley Morris, was inducted at the November 5th luncheon.
Membership Director Dan Kus inducts Riley as Riley's sponsor,
Ricca Charlon, prepares to present her with a Rotary pin.
Photo courtesy of David Saint-Amand.
Riley is an Assistant Program Manager at Teya Enterprises and a volunteer with Almost Eden Rescue whose mission it is to “…reduce the over-crowding and euthanizing of adoptable pets in our shelters.”
The Salvation Army is asking for our support to provide gifts for disadvantaged Teens in Ridgecrest through their annual Angel Tree Program.
This year the Angel Tree program will be assisting children 13-18 years old and if you would like to sponsor one or more children, please complete the application attached to my October 31st email and send it back, BEFORE 20 November, to Major Michelle: Michelle.Thielenhaus@usw.salvationarmy.org (Note: the form says 01 November, but we actually have until 20 November to reply).
How many of you Rotarians want to help Salvation Army this holiday season and ring the bell for a great cause and even have some fun?!Besides the good-hearted cheer that this service-above-self opportunity will give you, it’s also a friendly competition with Kiwanis to see which one of us can raise more money during our time slots.
The second-to-last Rotary bike rack was installed at Beansters Esspresso the morning of November 4th. The location for the last bike rack for this Rotary year is awaiting confirmation.
The penultimate rack is at Beansters. Photo courtesy of Linda McCauley.
Kudos to Howard McCauley for a great project; making Ridgecrest more bicycle-friendly, one Rotary bicycle rack at a time!
Update: The Southern Starbucks bike rack is to be relocated. More details to follow.
Much fun was had the evening of October 28th at the Haunted Hudson House. Hors d’ Oeuvres. lasagna, salad, luscious deserts, wine and home-made punch, all courtesy of Stephanie and her husband Peter.
From the Foundation’s web pages: “At the 1917 convention, outgoing Rotary president Arch Klumph proposed setting up an endowment “for the purpose of doing good in the world.” That one idea, and an initial contribution of $26.50, set in motion a powerful force that has transformed millions of lives around the globe.” Today that Charity Navigator, Four-Star foundation has done a great deal of good in the world through more than $4 Billion in life changing projects. For more on the Rotary Foundation visit:
Chris and Gina Noble, in their continuing adventures in retirement, came across this at the Shore Acres State Park Botanical Garden in Charleston, Oregon.
Photo courtesy of Chris and Gina Noble.
The Coos Bay/North Bend Rotary Club is helping light up the world as part of the garden’s Christmas Lights display!
Hello from the Rotary Club of China Lake Adopt-a-Highway Litter Removal Crew!
Photo courtesy of Linda McCauley.
Last Saturday, the 25th, eight of us filled 14 Caltrans litter bags and picked up several large pieces of plastic and cardboard as well. Rotary can be proud as our 2-mile strip of China Lake Blvd is a whole lot cleaner.
Our haul was reported to Caltrans and they scheduled it to be collected on Monday the 27th. Thank you, team, for your support and work on this project.
Thanks to all of you who contributed something to this wonderful cause. 32 coats were delivered to the Oasis Family Resource Center last Friday, the 24th of October.
From left to right, Oasis Family Resource Center CAPK Supervisor Eric
LeBarbé, Club President Ricca, and Community Service Director Stephanie.
Photo courtesy of Stephanie Hudson.
Once again, the Rotary Club of China Lake came through with some amazing support for our community!!
Two new Rotary bike racks were installed at Cerro Coso Community College last week, and the newest Starbucks, the one near Chipotle, received the latest installation as of Thursday the 23rd!
Two new bike racks at Cerro Coso Community College. Photos
Past Club President and current Chair of the annual Totally Tables! event, Betty Miller presented a check to members of the Ridgecrest United Methodist Church at the Rotary club luncheon of October 22nd.
Pictured from left to right are President Ricca Charlon, Community Service Director Stephanie Hudson, Past-President Betty Miller, and Community Dinners ministry coordinator Laura Miller and Pastor Jae Lew of the United Methodist Church. Photo courtesy of David Saint-Amand.
The Further Adventures of Sunny on the Pilgrim’s Trail
On her trek along the The French Way Pilgrim Trail, Sunny came across this plaque from the Rotary Club of La Coruna, a large port in Galicia in the northwest of Spain. With a population of around 249,000, the city sights reflect its history as a fortified harbor that has seen many a conflict.
“Between and from Cape Fistera and Cape of Creusa, working with you for the future.”
Supporting Interact at Burroughs High School Club Day
I had the pleasure of attending Club Day at Burroughs High School on Sept 25th to support our amazing Interact Club. Armed with goodies—bright yellow Club bracelets, Rotary keychains, and fun temporary tattoos—I joined the booth to help spread the word about the great work Interact is doing.
As a special thank you, I gave each Interactor a “Unite for Good” logo pin to wear with pride. Six enthusiastic and knowledgeable students manned the booth throughout the day, engaging with their peers and sharing what Interact stands for, who it supports, and how others can get involved.
It was inspiring to see their passion and dedication in action. The booth drew a lot of interest from students, and the Interactors did a fantastic job representing the values of service and community.
All in all, it was a great day—and a great reminder of the power of youth leadership and Rotary spirit in action!
Saturday, September 27th - The life of Rotarian and Thrice-Past-President of the Rotary Club of China Lake was celebrated at the home of Ron Kicinski and Sharon Girod (known in Rotary to some as the She Devil).
September 27th - Saturday evening's Totally Tables was a complete success! The event raised money for the United Methodist Church’s Friday Night Community Dinners ministry. Fun, fellowship, fantastic food by Rose Fusco and her team, and beautifully decorated dining tables made the event a very special occasion indeed. Thank you to Betty Miller for leading this effort, Betty’s set up team, and to the Interactors who joined us to provide support! Thank you too to the sponsors who made this event a successful fundraiser!
Here are the tables along with their sponsors.
Dogs. Pawsing for fun - Peggy Breedan
Easter for Ridgecrest - The United Methodist Church
Gina and Chris Noble are mobile, enjoying retirement, and driving about the Western United States. In the course of their travels, they’ve come across numerous examples of Rotary Clubs making their mark. They sent these photos of one of the more colorful examples from their journey.
Flower Baskets - a gift from Rotary to their community. Photo courtesy of the Nobles.
President Ricca received a ‘thank you’ postcard from Immanuel Christian School for our donations to their school via the Support Our Schools project. The card said “We deeply appreciate your generosity” and was signed by more than a dozen students. Recognition that our club is making a difference, and doing good in the world.
“More than 775 million people over the age of 15 are illiterate. That’s 17 percent of the world’s adult population.
Our goal is to strengthen the capacity of communities to support basic education and literacy, reduce gender disparity in education, and increase adult literacy. We support education for all children and literacy for children and adults.”
For detailed information on the actions Rotary International is taking to reach that goal, visit https://www.rotary.org/en/our-causes/supporting-education.
Saturday evening, August 23rd, Rotarians Tim Johnson, Dan Kus, Linda McCauley, and Julia Morse joined Club President Ricca for City Nights at City Hall. They spoke at length with five to ten people, got two really good leads, and answered the question “What’s Rotary?” innumerable times. President Ricca said: “The booth at City Nights served its purpose. It was a great evening!”
Rotarian volunteers headed over to the Ridgecrest United Methodist Church Social Hall on August 15th to prep food, pass out meals, and clean up after the Free Community Dinner. Club President Elect Jill Bradford planned the menu, purchased the food, and lead the team. Meal Prep in the Morning was supported by Sandra Brown, Club President Ricca Charlon, and Past-Presidents Betty Miller, and Patty
Wharton. Meal Service in the Evening was supported by Community Service Director Stephanie Hudson, and Jill’s husband Al.
Free community dinners are offered at the Ridgecrest United Methodist Church on the 1st, 3rd and 5th Friday of every month. Anyone is welcome to drive thru and pick up a to-go meal! Please let Jill know if you are interested in helping Feed Our Community in the future.
I wanted to let everyone know that I delivered $435 in Grocery Gift Cards to the Women’s Center. They were so very grateful for all the help, and they send us a big Thank you!!
A big thanks too, to all who helped make this possible! The Center is doing such a great job helping the women of our community who are in need. If there is anyone who has not contributed, or still wants to, I am still taking gift cards and will delivering any I receive to the Center.
Community Service,Donation,Indian Wells Valley,People of Action,Youth Services
Rotary at Large
In the Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, along the Foothill trail, there is a Rotary Memorial Grove.
Here’s a photo of a memorial in the grove.
And when I looked it up on the Interwebby thing, here’s a narrative I found:
That it was dedicated in 1952 by the Rotary Clubs of California. Rotarian Harvey Lyon, of Oakland, had thought of a memorial grove since his son, Bruce, died in a B-24 over Germany in 1945; Bruce had loved the redwoods. The Rotarians raised over $10,000, which was matched by the State of California, to acquire the grove.
Rotary is lots of places!
Rotary at Large
Tex Hoppus
2025-08-13 07:00:00Z
0
Fellowship
Rotarian Frank Bellino has Passed Away
Frank Bellino of the Rotary Club of Indian Wells Valley passed away last Tuesday the 5th of August. Frank experienced an aneurism on July 31st and was undergoing treatment at the Antelope Valley Hospital, where he passed away. Fellow Rotarian Kay Lloyd requests that we keep Frank’s wife Terry and her family in our prayers.
Frank at Kay Lloyd’s installation party on June 28th. Photo courtesy of Kay Lloyd.
Frank will be missed, but not forgotten if we remember the good that Frank did in the world.
Howard and Linda McCauley have been traveling about and report that Sunny has been enjoying her "visit to Canada and France’s North American Territories."
Former Rotarian Gina Noble writes “Acknowledging that we are on state 8 and have yet to not see Rotary on a welcome sign or as part of a road-side beautification. More than a club. A vocation that serves all.”
State Senator Grove’s goal for the drive in the Indian Wells Valley was to collect 200 backpacks on behalf of the local CAPK office who would fill them with back-to-school supplies and distribute them to students in need.
Nineteen Rotarians, family, and guests gathered together last Wednesday evening at the Bradford’s house for the annual Ice Cream Social where they enjoyed heavy Hors D’Oeuvres and luscious homemade ice cream with all the fixings.
WHEN: Volunteers needed August 15th, 8-10 a.m. to prep food & 4:30-6:30 p.m. to pass out meals and clean up.
WHERE: Ridgecrest United Methodist Church Social Hall, 639 N. Norma St.
Free community dinners are offered at the Ridgecrest United Methodist Church on the 1st, 3rd and 5th Friday of every month. Anyone is welcome to drive thru and pick up a to go meal!
I will be planning the menu and purchasing the food. All you need to do is show up and help out. Please let me know if you are interested.
It's hot out there! Come in and enjoy a cool treat and appetizers at the Bradford's house on July 30th at 6:30 p.m.!
Dust off your favorite ice cream recipe or try a new one and join us in an ice cream tasting contest! It is not necessary to make an ice cream, if you just want to come enjoy that is great also. Combine your favorite flavors in a delicious banana split!
RSVP is not required but if you know you are coming and/or you would like to bring a homemade ice cream, please let me know so I can be prepared!
On Friday, July 18th, our Club delivered 23 backpacks to State Senator Grove’s representative Stephan Sanchez for the Senator’s Back-to-School Backpack Drive. As of the 29th, another 25 await transfer.
The first 23 backpacks for the drive. Photo courtesy of David Saint-Amand.
The original goal of the Senator’s drive was to collect 200 backpacks in this area, which would then be given to our local CAPK to be filled with back-to-school supplies and distributed to students in need.
If you would like to donate a new school backpack, bring your donation to the July 30th luncheon and David Saint-Amand will collect them and hand them in.
While Stephanie and Peter Hudson were out enjoying their trip to Europe, Stephanie saw this at the airport in Zagreb, Croatia. It’s a rather clever coin collector for the Rotary Club (Klub) Zagreb Centar. Rather than stuff it in a drawer upon your return, you can toss the local currency into this installation on your way out of the country and help Do Good in the World.
Photo courtesy of Stephanie Hudson.
Klub Zagreb Centar was founded 22 years ago and is very active in both Community and International projects. The description of their Club is “Rotary Club Zagreb Centar invests long-term and strategically in charitable projects financed by donations from its members and other donors.”
Membership Tzar Dan Kus inducted our newest member; Cyndy Noel. Sponsored into the Club by Stephanie Hudson, Cyndy joins the Club with a long and honorable history of service to the community. Cyndy’s classification is Military Support Services and her Mentor is Betty Miller.
Welcome to the Rotary Club of China Lake Cyndy!
From left to right: Dan Kus, Betty Miller, Cyndy Noel, and Stephanie Hudson. Photo courtesy of Linda McCauley.
It’s truly an honor to be your Club President for 2025–26. This is a role I take on with both pride and a deep sense of responsibility.
Over the past several months, I’ve had the opportunity to prepare for this moment. Along the way, I’ve learned from inspiring leaders and connected with incredible Rotarians who share the same passion for service and community that brought me here.
I’m proud of how far our club has come - and even more excited about where we’re headed!
One of my key goals this year is to share Rotary with the community. I want to take a Road Trip Through Ridgecrest, sharing what an EXCEPTIONAL club you are, all while keeping us focused and aligned around the vision we’ve set as a club. I want our goals to be more than just words on a page - I want them to guide our conversations, shape our decisions, and inspire meaningful action.
Of course, I know I’m not on this journey alone. I’m incredibly thankful for the support of our Assistant Governor, fellow club leaders, and the entire district leadership team. Most importantly, I’m grateful for each and every one of you - our club members - who give your time, energy, and heart to make a difference.
So, let’s make this a year to remember … a year full of fun, friendship, service, and growth!
Friday evening saw the transfer of the Club Presidency from David Saint-Amand to Ricca Charlon. It was a festive Murray-the-Silky-Terrier themed affair with dog treats and toys, human snacks served in Murray-sized dog bowls, custom wine bottles, and themed beverages available from the bar.
The bench for the Cecilia Toussaint (2009-2024) Memorial has been installed at the site where Cecilia was found deceased on Las Flores Ave.
Last Friday afternoon, Tex Hoppus and two friends assembled the bench and mounted it on the concrete slab laid by the City of Ridgecrest near where the young woman passed away. The memorial is marked by a plaque that Tex procured for the site.
The project was initiated by a request from the City for Rotary to provide a bench. Thank you to Tex for his leadership, and for coordinating this project with the city, and thank you to his two friends who helped bring it to completion. Well done.
“Rotary makes high-quality health care available to vulnerable mothers and children so they can live longer and grow stronger.
We expand access to quality care, so mothers and children everywhere can have the same opportunities for a healthy future. An estimated 5.9 million children under the age of five die each year because of malnutrition, inadequate health care, and poor sanitation — all of which can be prevented.”
“The 2025-26 presidential message, announced at the 2025 Rotary International Assembly in February, will remain Unite for Good, which calls on Rotary members to be a force for unity in a world increasingly divided by politics, geography, and ideology. Through service projects, Rotary brings together people of every background — across races, religions, and professions — in a shared mission to do good in their communities.”
You already know all the fun events, parties, and projects that we’ve enjoyed together, so I won’t go into that. I will however thank you for all that you’ve done for the club and our community. The world would be a poorer place indeed without your commitment to Service Above Self.
I look forward to more fun and fellowship in Ricca’s year. See you there!
Linda McCauley and her clean-up crew were out early last Saturday morning working on keeping Highway 178 clean from the front gate of the Navy Base all the way to Denny’s Restaurant.
This quarter’s Adopt-a-Highway event focused on the lot between the Clarion Inn and the Ridgecrest
Regional hospital, and the lot just North of Home Depot. Previous efforts in these areas paid off and only around eight bags of refuse were collected. Keep up the good work Linda and Crew!
Linda McCauley sent this picture via email, saying:
“Fellow Rotarians working hard to keep Kona, Hawaii clean, via the Adopt-A-Highway program there as well. Spotted this sign while on our trip last week in Kona. Community-minded, hard-working Rotarians everywhere we go.”
Rotary Club of China Lake Recognized at Governor’s Step-down
On Saturday at the District 5240 Governor’s Step-down and Installation in Nipomo, California, our Rotary Club received a District 5240 Silver Club Award for all our activities during the past year. We also received the District Community Service Award for a medium sized Club. Of the more than sixty clubs in the district, only three received an award in this category; one each for a Large, Medium, and Small Club.
Well-done Community Service Director Stephanie and all of you who helped make this possible!
Rotary Club of China Lake Recognized at Governor’s Step-down
David Saint Amand
2025-06-19 07:00:00Z
0
Award,People of Action,Step-down
Interact Clubs Receive Chamber of Commerce Award
On Friday evening, at the annual Chamber Awards and Installation dinner, the Interact Clubs of Burroughs and Immanuel Christian High Schools received the Chamber’s Youth Award, sponsored by Cerro Coso Community College, for their support of community projects and non-profits. Both clubs have been active in such activities as: the Rotary Club Scholarship Dinner and Auction, the China Lake Museum Auction, the Burroughs High Access Road Clean Up, the Rotary Adopt-a-Highway Clean Up, and annual events for Special Needs students such as the annual Pumpkin decorating party in October and Valentines Day lunch in February.
Congratulations to our Interactors on this well-deserved award! Your efforts exemplify our motto of Service Above Self!
Award,Chamber of Commerce,High School,Interact,Youth Services
Rotary Club of China Lake Received Bronze Hero Award
Last Friday morning, District 5240 Governor Sherry Sim notified Club President David Saint-Amand via email that the Rotary Club of China Lake has been awarded the ShelterBox Bronze Hero Award.
Rotary Club of China Lake Received Bronze Hero Award
David Saint Amand
2025-06-19 07:00:00Z
0
Award,Donation,ShelterBox
How Swiftly Does the Year Go By
With only the month of June left to go in this Rotary Year, I thought it would be a good time to reflect on the accomplishments of the Rotary Club of China Lake. Fortunately, someone already has: Betty Miller has prepared a comprehensive list of activities for her updated club “brag sheet” to include, but by no means limited to:
Community Service,People of Action,Service Above Self
June is Rotary Fellowships Month
From the Rotary International Web Site: “Rotary Fellowships are international groups that share a common passion. Being part of a fellowship is a fun way to make friends around the world, explore a hobby or profession, and enhance your Rotary experience.”
The list of Fellowships includes, but is not limited to, Yoga, Whiskey, Travel and Hosting, Wine, Hiking, Hunting, Wildlife Conservation, Genealogists, Flying, Scouting, Real Estate, Cycling, Pickleball, Jazz, Coffee Lovers, Camping, Metalhead, Beer, Mental Wellness Counsellors, Authors, Lawyers, 4x4, and many, many more. With over 100 different Fellowships you’re bound to find more than one of interest!
The Rotary Club of China Lake partnered with the Tehachapi Rotary Club on their rain water harvesting project in Kenya. Click the link to watch the video to see this ingenuous project in action.
District 5240 Rotary Youth Leadership Awards 2025 is now in the past.
What is RYLA you might ask? From the District 5240 website:
“Each year, thousands of young people take part in the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) program worldwide. Young people are chosen for their leadership potential to attend an all-expenses-paid camp to discuss leadership skills and to learn those skills through practice. Rotary clubs and districts select participants and facilitate the event’s curriculum."
The RYLA 2025 Awards Ceremony. Photo courtesy of David Saint-Amand.
The 15th of April saw the Rotary Club of China Lake’s annual 1040 Party. Hosted by Linda and Howard McCauley, the party featured a feast of delicious home-made dishes, beverages of every type, fascinating lists of Income Tax trivia, and fabulous See’s Candy chocolate coins. A hearty thank-you to the McCauley’s for making their home available for this celebration. I hope that the clean-up afterwards wasn’t too…taxing.
If you missed this year’s party, don’t miss next year’s for fun and Rotary Fellowship!
Stephanie Hudson, our Community Services Director, sends her congratulations to everyone for a wonderful evening at the first annual Community Scholarship Fair! She thanks all who participated in the Fair for interacting with, and making themselves available to the many students and parents from our community who attended.
Ready to support the students of the Indian Wells and Searles Valleys.
Chamber of Commerce,Community Service,scholarships
The February Adopt-a-Highway Made a Clean Sweep
Over the course of two hours, six Rotarians filled 14 Caltrans’ garbage bags at last Saturday’s Road Cleanup. Your Club, making Ridgecrest a better place to live.
For more information on this Club project, or to volunteer, contact Linda McCauley.
For more on Adopt-a-Highway visit https://dot.ca.gov/programs/maintenance/adopt-a-highway
Every year the members of the Sherman E. Burroughs High School Interact Club raise the funds necessary to sponsor a young girl in India to attend the PACE Universal school in Piyali Junction, India. This opportunity for an education means that young girl will have a real chance to break the bonds of poverty and avoid the difficulties that await many young women in her village.
The 2025 Scholarship Dinner and Auction Tickets are Available!
David Saint Amand
2025-02-11 08:00:00Z
0
Annual,Fund Raiser,scholarships
February’s Theme - Peace and Conflict Prevention/Resolution
Rotary International’s definition of Conflict includes war, “violence, persecution, and human rights violations.” Rotary sums up its commitment and approach to addressing the issue in this way; “As a humanitarian organization, peace is a cornerstone of our mission. We believe when people work to create peace in their communities, that change can have a global effect.”
Preparations are well underway for the first-ever Ridgecrest Chamber of Commerce and Rotary Club of China Lake Scholarship Fair, and signs are popping up everywhere!
It's that time again for the most important event of our year - the Rotary Club of China Lake Charitable Foundation's Scholarship Auction and Dinner - on Saturday March 8th!
While going about his duties as a volunteer at the Historic USO building on Ridgecrest Blvd, Rotarian Tex Hoppus came across the original Club Charter for the Rotary Club of China Lake. Dated 27 June 1951, our Club’s foundational document is showing some wear from the passage of time, but has been restored to the club in time for the celebration of the Club’s 75th anniversary in June of 2026.
The Rotary Bike racks have been installed and are in use!
Photo courtesy of Linda McCauley.
With the submission of the District 5240 Matching Grant Final Report, this year’s Bike Rack project is now complete. All toll, eleven racks were installed this year; nine along Balsam Street in “Old Town” and two at the Splash Pad next to City Hall. In addition to that, eleven bicycles and gear purchased by Rotarians, and through other donations, were given to eleven deserving youth in our community. What an amazing project and a beautiful expression of Doing Good in the World.
Vocational Service Month is here and vocational service was a founding ideal of Rotary, which began as an informal association of businesses who believed in:
* Adherence to and promotion of the highest ethical standards in all occupations
* The recognition of the worthiness of all useful occupations
* The use of Rotarian’s vocational talents to solving the problems of society and meeting the needs of the community
As Rotarians, each of us strives to adhere to those ideals in our daily work.
If you know of a non-Rotarian business person who exemplifies those ideals, you can recognize them for the same by nominating them for the Rotary Club of China Lake’s annual Vocational Service award. To make a nomination, speak with David Saint-Amand for more details.
Rotary International’s float for the 2025 Tournament of Roses Parade is a winner!
Out of all the floats in this year’s parade, Rotary’s On the Road with Rotary was one of 23 entries that won an award. This year Rotary was honored with the Tournament Volunteer award for the “Most outstanding floral presentation of the Rose Parade Theme among floats 35 feet and under in length.” Small, but mighty, the float took over 6,000 volunteer labor hours to complete. Thank you to our Interactors, Advisors, Family members, and Rotarians for all your hard work in helping to make this year’s float such a success!
Rotary Rose Parade Float is a Winner
David Saint Amand
2025-01-07 08:00:00Z
0
People of Action,Rose Parade
China Lake Decorated the Rotary International Float
On December 30th, Rotarians and guests woke up and ventured forth into the chilly early morning darkness to drive down to Irwindale, California to decorate this year’s Rotary Rose Parade Float entry. The 30th is the day that the floats are covered with the perishable greenery and flowers, and the opportunity to see the floats up close with their carpets of Roses.
China Lake Decorated the Rotary International Float
David Saint Amand
2025-01-03 08:00:00Z
0
Rose Parade
Rotary’s January 2025 Monthly Theme – Rotary Awareness
This month’s theme is Rotary Awareness. What exactly does that mean?
At first thought, it might seem that January is the month intended for letting others know about Rotary; an intense advertising/word of mouth effort regarding the service we provide to our community, and other communities around the world.
That might be true to some extent, but there is more to it than that.
On Saturday the 14th, Interactors from the Immanuel Christian andBurroughs High Schools, their parents, and their Club Advisors drove to Irwindale, California, for the 4:00PM to 8:00PM Rotary International (R.I.) float decoration shift.
On Friday the 7th the Rotary Club of China Lake and Rotarians from the Rotary Club of Indian Wells Valley celebrated the Holidays! Members and guests gathered at the Saint-Amand’s house for an evening of feasting, fellowship, and fun.
Members and guests enjoying a favorite bite and sip.
This holiday season the Rotary Club of China Lake, the Rotary Club of Indian Wells Valley, and Immanuel Christian School came together to add a little bit of warm and fuzzy to the lives of the residents of High Desert Haven.
Rotarian David Saint-Amand and Friend-of-the-Club Steven Griffin updated the Welcome to Ridgecrest Community Service Bill Board on Inyokern Road. Added were brand new signs for the Salvation Army and Altrusa.
The Rotary Club of China Lake is pleased to announce the installation of 11 new, bright Rotary blue, bike racks in Ridgecrest. There are now nine installed along Balsam Street and the remaining two will soon be installed at the Splash Pad near City Hall.
Just in time for the holiday season, the bikes and gear were presented on
Monday, December 2nd. Photo courtesy of David Saint-Amand.
Rotary International understands that “disease results in misery, pain, and poverty for millions of people worldwide.” That’s why Rotary and Rotarians world-wide are committed to preventing and treating disease. Among the many efforts lead by Rotarians are temporary clinics, blood donation centers, and training facilities in underserved communities. Rotary designs and builds the infrastructure that allows doctors, patients, and governments to work together to expand opportunities for health care.
It has been a busy week for the Rotary Club of China Lake.In addition to all the other activities, Howard McCauley and his team installed Rotary Bike Racks on Balsam Street.
Tuesday morning, November 19, four Rotarians from the Rotary Club of Indian Wells Valley and five from China Lake decked-the-halls of High Desert Haven.Thank you all for bringing Holiday Cheer to those who need it!
The annual Rotary Club of China Lake’s Paul Harris Fellow Dinner was held last Friday evening in the Maturango Room of the SpringHill Suites.Attendees enjoyed fellowship and a lovely meal, after which our latest Paul Harris Fellows were awarded, once again making our Club a 100% Paul Harris Fellow Club.While this achievement is only recognized officially the first time it is reached, the Rotary Club of China Lake has maintained this status every year since.Few, if any, Rotary Clubs can claim that honor.
Last Wednesday the Rotary Club of China Lake was treated to an excellent District Governor’s speech at our luncheon, and a delightful and informal reception in the evening.
Just north of Bishop, California, the Laws Railroad Museum has a building with historical displays of the medical devices and furniture from various Doctor’s Offices. On the wall amongst the tools of the trade of Dr. Clarence L. Scott, MD, is a plaque in a place of honor: “C.L. Scott, President, Bishop Rotary Club, 1948-49.
Photo courtesy of David Saint-Amand.
You can find Rotary nearly everywhere you go. Thank you, Dr. Scott for your years of service in caring for your community, both as a physician and a Rotarian.
The R.I Foundation is a Charity Navigator Four-Star Charity, the highest rating they award. The money raised for the Foundation is used to fund Rotary projects at home and abroad
November is Rotary International (R.I.) Foundation Month.
David Saint Amand
2024-11-08 08:00:00Z
0
District 5240 Conference 2024
The weekend of October 25 and 26, six Rotarians from the Rotary Club of China Lake attended the District 5240 Conference in San Luis Obispo. The weather was perfect and we and Rotarians from around the district, and from our Sister Districts in South Korea and Mexico, enjoyed the Fellowship that Rotary brings.
This photo was taken at the Friday evening reception in the Secret Garden at the Madonna Inn and shows five of our six. It was a little chilly, but fun!
On Halloween afternoon High-Desert-Haven will be holding a Trunk-or-Treat for the kids of the REALMS Charter School. They are in need of donations of additional candy for the residents to hand out during the event. If the spirit moves you to donate a bag of candy, bring it to one of the next two Rotary meetings and Stephanie Hudson will collect and deliver it. Your donation will bring the Halloween Magic to the children of REALMS and the residents of the Haven.
With the arrival of the Rotary Logo racks, and the donations of bicycles and riding gear, the Club’s Bike Rack project is rolling forward! For information on the project, or the planned placement of the racks, contact Howard McCauley. To inquire about donating bikes or gear, speak with Stephanie Hudson.
On Friday the 18th, Stephanie and Peter hosted this year’s Rotary Halloween Party at the Haunted Hudson House. Rotarians and friends enjoyed an evening of conversation, relaxation, and a costume contest.
A couple of days ago the McCauleys, on an adventure bicycling thru the Redwoods, spotted a “Rotary” sign along the roadside in the Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park. Linda and Howard asked a Ranger about the sign and were told that Rotary had made a donation to the Rescue the Redwoods League, and the League put the sign up to honor the contribution. Linda wrote about the occasion, “We were proud to see Rotary doing good work helping save the Redwoods.”
Rotarians everywhere, serving their communities. Well-done Rotary!
Last Sunday evening, Rotarians and guests gathered at the Saint-Amand house to wish Rotarian Bob Gould “Fair winds and following seas” as he departs for his new home in Virginia. Bob has been a member of the Rotary Club of China Lake since 1983, 41 years of association! To mark the occasion, District 5240 Governor Sherry Sim sent Bob a letter of congratulations on his years of service.
In addition to being the club Sgt.-At-Arms for two decades, Bob is a Rotary International Foundation Major Donor Level 2+, a Bequest Society Member Level 2, and has personally sponsored numerous STEM scholarships for graduating High School Students via our club’s annual Scholarship Awards Program.
Rotary International's theme for the month of October is Economic and Community Development. Rotary programs and projects provide training for, and access to good-paying jobs, and access to financial management institutions designed to assist, promote, and develop new businesses. All with an aim toward helping people and communities thrive and break the cycle of poverty.
From the Rotary International Web Site: “ Nearly 1.4 billion employed people live on less than $1.25 a day. Our members promote economic and community development and reduce poverty in underserved communities through training, well-paying jobs, and access to financial management institutions. Projects range from providing people with equipment to vocational training. Our members work to strengthen local entrepreneurs and community leaders, particularly women, in impoverished communities.”
Rotarian Tim Johnson was out and about in August and came across the annual Garlic Festival in Bennington, Vermont. What’s more, he found the local Rotary booth! I’m not sure what Tim’s infraction was, but here he is experiencing some colonial justice. Note the inflatable Rotary Wheel in the background.
Tim is pilloried for an unknown offense. Photo courtesy of Tim Johnson.
On Sunday morning, September 29th, the first of the cleaned and polished service-club signs were bolted to the Welcome to Ridgecrest billboard on Inyokern Road by Rotarian David Saint-Amand and Friend-of-the-Club Steven Griffin. The billboard, erected by the Chamber of Commerce in 1963, was originally a project lead by Archie Meyer, the father of our very own Mary Lundstrom!
Photo courtesy of David Saint-Amand.
Thank you to all the Rotarians and Friends who helped with this project over the years!
Saturday, September 21st, 2024, the Rotary Club of China Lake’s Peace Chair, Julia Morse, attended the PeaceBuilder Relay Culmination event held at Validation Ale in Santa Barbara, California. At this event the three Peace Batons, signed by Rotarians, Civil Servants, and elected officials throughout District 5240 were brought back together in a ceremony to celebrate the United Nations Day of Peace, and Rotary’s commitment to conflict resolution. Julia was responsible for our region’s baton and for bringing it to the event. Well done Julia!
Rotarian and Rotary Club of China Lake Peace Chair Julia Morse.
August 17th, Linda McCauley and eight of her crew, composed of Rotarians and friends, took to the streets for the quarterly Road Cleanup. Starting extra early in the morning so as to avoid August’s mid-day heat, they collected 21 bags of rubbish from alongside of Highway 178, aka China Lake Blvd, within the City of Ridgecrest.
Kudos to Linda for bringing this project to the Club and for leading the effort, and thank you to the Rotarians and Friends who are making Ridgecrest more beautiful.
On August 13th four Rotarians and one friend from the Rotary Club of China Lake dropped by the Ridgecrest Corps of the Salvation Army to help prepare for the Free Farmers Market. Sorting and packaging different fresh foods, these five helped feed our community with high quality produce.
Pictured from left to right: Esther Sires, Stephanie Hudson, Gina Silong, Jill Bradford, and Linda McCauley.
Totally successful! Saturday evening’s Totally Tables was packed with nearly 100 attendees and their amazingly decorated tables. All in support of the Friends of the Ridgecrest Branch Library.”
On August 7th Rotarian Julia Morse presented the District 5240 Peace Baton to representatives of the City of Ridgecrest; Mayor Bruen and the City Council.
Last Wednesday evening at the beginning of the Ridgecrest City Council meeting, Mayor Bruen and the Council declared September 2024 to be Service Clubs Month in “appreciation for all the significant contributions these organizations make to our communities.”
Rotarian's in attendance at the Proclamation, from left to right, Andrew Bergman, Cheryl Saint-Amand, David Saint-Amand, Mary Lundstrom, Linda McCauley, Julia Morse, and event organizer Stephanie Hudson. Not pictured were, Solomon Rajaratnam and Ricca Charlon.
From Rotary International: “More than 775 million people over the age of 15 are illiterate. That’s 17 percent of the world’s adult population. Our goal is to strengthen the capacity of communities to support basic education and literacy, reduce gender disparity in education, and increase adult literacy. We support education for all children and literacy for children and adults.”
The Rotary Club of China Lake has a tradition of supporting education through our annual Scholarship program, but there’s more that can be done. Follow this link for more information on Rotary International’s efforts to support Basic Education and Literacy: https://www.rotary.org/en/our-causes/supporting-education.
Firstly, I want to thank Immediate-Past-President Pam Smith for her wonderful year as Club President. Thank you Pam! It was productive, effective, and fun for both old and new club projects and events!
President Pam Smith gives her farewell address to the Club. Photo courtesy of David Saint-Amand.
One of the messages from the Club Fireside Chat was a desire for more social events and more participation from Club members. I think you’ll find that every month in the Club Calendar, with the exception of July, has a Rotary event outside of the weekly club meetings. They are a mix of projects, fund raisers, and club functions, but they all share a common feature: the opportunity to enjoy the company of people who feel a common passion about doing good in the world. I hope that everyone in the Club takes advantage of that opportunity.
Our commitment to service continues with the on-going Adopt-a-Highway program, the new annual Community Clean-Up event, and Howard McCauley’s project Rotary Themed Bike Racks for the City of Ridgecrest. There is renewed interest in constructing a Welcome to Ridgecrest sign up on US. 395 and there are plans to restart the Animal Shelter Fundraiser, formerly known as Wine and Weenies. All those and more! If anyone has an idea for a new project or for enhancing an existing project, please let the Board of Directors know.
Don’t keep your light under a bushel. Join your friends in Rotary for service, fellowship, and fun!
The announcement was made on June 26th at the Annual Step Down and Installation Dinner. Linda McCauley is this year’s Everett A. Long Rotarian of the Year!
Linda McCauley receiving her Rotarian of the Year Award
from Rotarian of the Year committee member David Saint-Amand.
It has been my privilege to serve as president this year. I am so impressed with the quality of our club and the service-focused membership we have. As an organization, we donated significant amounts of money to students, the community, and other charitable organizations. And, as individual members, you donated significant amounts of an even more valuable commodity: your time. Service is at the core of what Rotary is all about, and service is something this club does exceptionally well. You have made being president this year easy with your graciousness, generosity, and selfless service. I'm grateful to have been president, and even more grateful to be a member of such an amazing group of people. Thank you for supporting me as president this year; I look forward to next year under President David.
Last Friday night, 31 May, was the Safe Graduation Night event at Cerro Coso Community College. High School Graduates were treated to an evening of food, games, and fun.
While it isn't a Rotary Club event, Rotarian Stephanie Hudson is one of the key leaders of the event, and it was well supported by numerous volunteers from our club. The volunteers assisted the event by transporting food to the party from Restaurants throughout the Indian Wells Valley.
On Thursday evening, May 30th, the Mesquite High School Graduation Ceremony was held at Ridgecrest's Kerr McGee Center. A member of our club was there to present a Certificate of Recognition to our scholarship recipient Autumn Gannon. The certificate was from California State Senator Shannon Groves and commended Autumn’s efforts to further her education in pursuit of a bright future.
Wednesday evening, May 15th, the Club celebrated those students who were awarded a scholarship. The dinner was held at the Clarion Inn and the catering was delicious! A special ‘Thank you’ to Cheryl Saint-Amand for organizing the event and to Stephanie Hudson and Sean Hancock for their presentations of the scholarships. They had some thing personal and meaningful to say about each graduate making this event a very special occasion!
Photo courtesy of David Saint-Amand.
This annual event was the culmination of our Club’s 2023-2024 effort to raise funds to support the educational dreams of High School Graduates in the Indian Wells and Searles Valleys.
Thank you Jill Bradford for organizing Rotarians in support of the Wednesday, May 15th service event. Free food and beverages were made available to service personnel, past and present at the new Base Chapel on the Naval Air Warfare Center, China Lake. Thank you too to all the Rotarians who rolled out to honor those who serve our Country: Ricca Charlon, Bob Gould, Gina Noble, David Saint-Amand, and Patty Wharton!
Another Rotary Adopt-a Highway road clean up last Saturday on China Lake Blvd with members of the BHS Interact Club. The group met at 7 am, and ended with a cold drink at Beansters Espresso. Great Job everyone!
Community Service,Interact,Ridgecrest,Road Clean Up
Community Cleans Up
!
This last Saturday Rotarians and volunteers from the community turned out to clean up Bowman Road from China Lake Blvd to Downs Street. Over the course of three hours they scoured the Road and collected 49 large bags of trash. One volunteer thanked the Club saying “This is my neighborhood and I see this trash everyday. Thank you for arranging this.”
Thank you Ridgecrest City Councilman Skip Gorman and all the members of the community who turned out to help with this project! Thank you to our Rotarians and those who accompanied them that morning!
Photo courtesy of David Saint-Amand.
From left to right: Todd St. Laurent and Gina Silong, Patty Wharton, Linda McCauley, Stephanie and Peter Hudson, volunteers Dan and Rebecca Stroud, Steve Boster, and Elsa Henning. Rotarians not pictured were Bob Gould whose car was a critical support for the sun shade
All the trash was placed in the green Roll-On-Roll-Off dumpster provided by the City of Ridgecrest.
This last Saturday Rotarians and volunteers from the community turned out to clean up Bowman Road from China Lake Blvd to Downs Street.
Thank you Ridgecrest City Councilman Skip Gorman and all the members of the community who turned out to help with this project! Thank you to our Rotarians and those who accompanied them that morning!
From left to right: Todd St. Laurent and Gina Silong, Patty Wharton, Linda McCauley, Stephanie and Peter Hudson, volunteers Dan and Rebecca Stroud, Steve Boster, and Elsa Henning. Rotarians not pictured were Bob Gould whose car was a critical support for the sun shade, and David Saint-Amand who took the photo.
China Lake Rotarians and friends ran just for the fun of it on April 27th at the 36th Annual Run Through the Vineyard, a 10K and 5K race sponsored by the Temecula Sunrise Rotary Club and held at the Maurice Car’rie Vineyard and Winery. The intrepid athletes were, from left to right, Todd St. Laurent, Al Bradford, Jill Bradford, Christian Speredelozzi, John Speredelozzi and Gina Silong.
From the R.I. Web Site: “Youth Service recognizes the importance of empowering youth and young professionals through leadership development programs such as Interact, Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (R.Y.L.A.), and Rotary Youth Exchange.”
Our Rotary Club has an active Youth Services Directorate, sponsoring 2 Interact Clubs, and sending 4 or more local High School students to R.Y.L.A. every year. To volunteer for this Avenue of Service, please speak with Director Cheryl Saint-Amand.
For more information on this Avenue of Service follow this link:
One of Rotary International’s Areas of Focus is the Environment and Rotary International is “…committed to supporting activities that strengthen the conservation and protection of natural resources…” So far, 18.4 million dollars in Global Grant funding has been awarded to support environmental projects.
The Rotary Club of China Lake has pitched-in with our Adopt-a-Highway project along China Lake Blvd., and the upcoming Community Clean-Up on May 4th. Join us to help make our community an even better place to live!
The Rotary Club of China Lake proudly supports the John S. Ward Respect for Law Dinner. If you would like tickets, please contact Rotarian David Saint-Amand prior to March 12th. Tickets will not be sold at the door.
On Saturday, February 24th, the Burroughs High School (BHS) Interact Club held their annual Burroughs High Access Road Clean up.
Photo courtesy of David Saint-Amand.
Four Interactors, their advisor Judy Dwyer, and Rotarian David Saint-Amand spent an hour and a half collecting litter, ultimately filling up a pickup truck bed!
Photo courtesy of David Saint-Amand.
Well done Interactors!
The garbage collected was taken to the local landfill.
Last Saturday, February 24th, 13 Rotarians donned the Yellow Vest and Hardhat and cleaned up a portion of China Lake Blvd.
Photo courtesy of Linda McCauley.
After three hours of work and fun their haul included 25 Caltrans garbage bags, two large dilapidated business signs, and several pieces of scrap wood and cardboard. Project Leader Linda McCauley said of the event “Rotary can be proud as our 2-mile strip of China Lake Blvd is a whole lot cleaner today.”
Photo Courtesy of Linda McCauley.
The Rotary Club of China Lake is responsible for cleaning up the two-mile stretch of Highway 178 from the N.A.W.S. Front Gate to the intersection of 178 and Ridgecrest Blvd. With today's totals, they have collected over 125 bags of garbage.
The collected waste is carried away and disposed of by Caltrans crews. Clean up events are held quarterly.
Wednesday, December 27th, Rotarians from our Club, along with friends, headed on down to Irwindale, California to help decorate the Rotary International Rose Parade Float. Their effort, and the efforts of the Interactors and their family in the previous trip down, paid off.
Esther Sires was inducted as our Club’s newest member at the December 13th luncheon meeting. Esther comes to us with the classification of Special Education Teacher (retired).
Hitting the ground running, Esther has already completed half of her Red Badge duties!
On Saturday, December 16th, Rotarian Cheryl Saint-Amand led a party of 20 Interactors from Burroughs and ICS High Schools, their Club Advisors, Teachers, and parents to Irwindale, California, where, over the course of an 8-hour shift, they prepared and applied organic materials to Rotary International’s Rose Parade float. The theme for this year’s Rotary float is “Clean Water – The Music of Life” and the float will feature a Duck and three ducklings sliding along a keyboard.
The totals are in and members of our Club, over two Saturdays of ringing bells for the Salvation Army Red Kettle fundraiser, raised over $3,500! Rotary’s own Lt. Gina Noble when reporting the news wrote: “We are Beyond Grateful!”
Photo provided by Lt. Gina Noble.
The original goal was for $1,500 or $125 an hour. By raising more than twice that the ringers truly went above and beyond!
Well done China Lake, and a huge Thank you to Todd St. Laurent for coordinating this event!
On Tuesday the 12th of December, Rotarian Linda McCauley helped the Salvation Army prepare for food deliveries to Senior Citizens of our community. Lt. Gina Noble praised the effort saying “The loading of 40 boxes of food each weighing 25Lbs and 5Lb bags of meat for our super seniors on Tuesday is no joke. Stephanie and Linda (pictured) brought their game and we are so thankful for their strong service above self.”
Community Service Director Jill Bradford closed out this year’s Coat and Hoodie Drive. The annual collection gathered over 40 new hoodies and more than 200 gently used coats! All of these garments will be distributed to those in need this Winter Season. Thank you to Jill for coordinating the drive, and to all those who donated; Rotarians, friends, and members of the community. Thank you also to State Farm and the Ridgecrest Regional Hospital for hosting collection boxes.
Photo from Jill Bradford. Pictured are Rotarian Tera Moorehead and a co-worker.
On Saturday the 9th members of our Club rang the bells for the Salvation Army Red Kettle fund raiser. In three two-hour shifts Elsa Hennings, Forrest Lloyd, Steve Boster, David Saint-Amand, Jim Hoover, and Club President Pam Smith collected donations, listened to Christmas music, and greeted shoppers at the Ridgecrest Stater Bros. grocery store.
Photograph from David Saint-Amand.
If you are out shopping this coming Saturday the 16th, stop by and say hello to our second shift of Ringers and make a donation!
This Tuesday morning Rotarians and friends turned out to help sort food donations and prepare boxes of fresh fruits and vegetables for the under served members of our community. From the Salvation Army post on Facebook “Thank you Community Action Partnership of Kern food bank and Rotary Club of China Lake volunteers.” The food is to be distributed on Wednesday, 13 December, beginning at 8:00AM at the Farmers Market outside of The Salvation Army Ridgecrest Corps Center for Worship and Service Thrift Store.
Photograph from Lt. Gina Noble of the Salvation Army.
Last Friday night was the Rotary Club of China Lake's annual Christmas Party. Held at the Saint-Amand’s, the party featured great food, good beverages, and fine fellowship. To add to the festivities there was an ugly Sweater Contest and a Yankee-Swap-Gift-Exchange.
Last Saturday morning Rotarians and Interactors from Burroughs High School served hot spiced cider and hot cocoa to the participants of the Cerro Coso Community College’s First Annual Jingle Jog.
Rotary International’s December Theme is Disease Prevention and Treatment. Rotary supports hundreds of health projects, both large and small: temporary clinics, blood donation centers, training facilities, and educating and equipping communities to combat life-threatening diseases like malaria, HIV/AIDS, Alzheimer’s, multiple sclerosis, diabetes, and polio. Prevention is also important to Rotary International, which is why they include a focus on health education and making routine hearing, vision, and dental care available to people around the world.
Youth Services Director Cheryl Saint-Amand has received a 2022-2023 Rotary International (R.I.) Avenues of Service Award for her on-going support of the two Interact Clubs sponsored by the Rotary Club of China Lake, and for her leadership in the club’s Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) program.
Earlier this Rotary Year the Rotary Club of China Lake donated $3,000 to the U.S. branch of ShelterBox, an international disaster relief charity established in the United Kingdom in the year 2000. For this the Club was recognized with a ShelterBox 2023-2024 Silver Hero Award.
Every year the Salvation Army Ridgecrest Corps prepares Thanksgiving meal boxes for those in need. This last Sunday, November 19th, in only two hours, Rotarians and Interactors along with members of Kiwanis and their Key Club packed 200 boxes of food to help make this Thanksgiving bountiful for 200 families: 40 military and 160 households of our community.
People of Action, in action. Photo courtesy of Salvation Army Lt. Gina Noble.
Just a few of the two hundred boxes for distribution for Thanksgiving.
last Saturday, November 18th, twenty Rotarians and guests gathered to celebrate our the Rotary Club of China Lake being a continuous 100% Paul Harris Fellow Club (PHF).
Rotarians and Guests enjoying Fellowship prior to Dinner.
On October 28th creatures of all sorts gathered to enjoy an evening of fun and fellowship. Here’s a few pictures of the party goers enjoying a festive evening. The theme was American Werewolf in London, but wearing a constum was not required.
The weather out side was pleasant, so the party spilled out onto the porch.
Rotarian Jill Bradford led the recent Community Dinner and said the event went very well indeed, with 104 meals served to the community and 3 trays of lasagna donated to the Ridgecrest Women's shelter. Jill prepared the food and Bob Gould helped to package it; along with Rosemary Gilbert, an English teacher at Burroughs High School, and 8 CSF students.
Jill would like to send a special shout-out to Bob for his help! Thank you Bob!
On June 29 the Rotary Club of China Lake held its annual Step Down and Installation Dinner at the SpringHill Suites in Ridgecrest. Club President Steve Boster (2022-2023) received the thanks of the Club for his successful third term of office.
Master of Ceremonies David Saint-Amand (left) presents now Past President Steve Boster (right) with his updated Past President Plaque which lists all three of his terms as Club President.
On June 24, 2023, at the Club's annual Step Down and Installation Dinner, Rotarian Jill Bradford was announced as the Everett A Long Rotarian of the Year for 2023-2024.
As a new member, Jill Bradford joined both the Club Board of Directors as Community Service Director, and the Club Foundation Board as a Director. As the Community Service Chair, Jill has put her spin on community events and expanded our Club's impact on the community.
Jill Bradford (right) Receiving her Rotarian of the Year plaque from Past Rotarian of the Year Betty Miller (left). Photograph courtesy of Mary Lundstrom.
I’m honored to serve as the President of the Rotary Club of China Lake for the 2023 – 2024 Rotary Year.
My primary goal for the year is to continue all of the good work that the club has been doing:
We’ve donated time and money to several charitable organizations to included Animal Shelter, Mountain Rescue, Salvation Army, Safe Grad, PACE, and Shelter Box;
We’ve cleaned China Lake Blvd and painted benches;
We’ve given thousands of dollars in scholarships;
We have thriving Interact groups; and
We have a lot of energy and momentum, and I’d like to sustain that.
The international theme this year is Create Hope in the World, and the 5240 theme is Let’s Have Fun. I think our club easily represents those goals. Thank you all for everything you do for our club and community. I look forward to working with you all this year!
* NOTICE * Our May 31st 2023 meeting (Wednesday) will be a change of venue. We will meet at Charlie’s at the Clarion at 11:30am. Anticipating a larger than average attendance we've made a one-meeting change in venue. Please being a friend.
The Rotary Club of China Lake Scholarship Dinner and Auction is scheduled for 18 March 2023. The proceeds of this event go towards scholarships for High School Students in the Indian Wells and Searles Valleys. A very important part of this fundraising effort are the sponsors of the event, both Corporate and Personal.
Rotarians and Friends ! Our annual event is scheduled for March 18th. If you haven't done so already, block that evening out on your calendar and invite your friends to join us in raising money for a very worthy effort! Tickets will be available soon at $35 a person. Table sponsorships will also be available.
Come to Boise, Idaho on July 30, 2022 to learn the meat and potatoes of Food Security, which is becoming an increasingly important issue across the Western US. Join fellow Rotarians and community members to learn about current efforts and best practices to increase food security, reduce food waste, and prepare for a changing future in agriculture in our communities and around the world.
On June 29 the Rotary Club of China Lake held its annual Step Down and Installation Dinner in the garden of Rotarian Peter Brown. Club President Betty Miller (2021-2022) received the accolades of her club members and guests as she departed office.
Outgoing President Miller gives her farewell address as Master of Ceremonies David Saint-Amand looks on.
President Miller addressed the club through her simulated "Zoom" window. Photo by Peter Brown.
The Rotary Club of China Lake Everett A. Long Rotarian of the Year committee is pleased and honored to present the Everett A. Long Rotarian of the Year Award to Cheryl Saint-Amand.
As is the Club custom, last year's recipient of the Everett A. Long Rotarian of the Year award, Betty Miller, presented this year's award to Cheryl Saint-Amand at the Club's 2022 Installation and Step-Down dinner. In her speech introducing Cheryl as this years awardee, Past President Miller's said to the assembly of Rotarians and guests:
President Betty Miller of Rotary Club of China Lake received these thank you letters from the students who went to RYLA this year. The Rotary Club of China Lake's commitment to youth makes a difference.
Are you interested in starting a new service project, or are you looking for support for one that already exists? The Rotary Club of China Lake may be able to help.
Every year, the Rotary Club of China Lake Rotarian of the Year committee meets to identify and honor a member of the Rotary Club of China Lake who exemplifies the Rotary Motto of Service Above Self. A nominee must demonstrate a commitment to club and community service and participation in club activities. The worthy recipient selected is presented with an Everett A. Long Rotarian of the Year Award.
This year the selection committee was pleased and honored to present the Everett A. Long Rotarian of the Year Award to Betty Miller.
This year's honoree, for not only this year, but for the three short years she has been a member of this club, has been involved in club governance and created two new club events; Totally Tables and Gifts that Give Hope. She actively supported the annual club scholarship auction and led last year’s effort through a difficult time. She has spent countless hours assisting with other club events and encouraging and supporting Past President Cheryl Saint-Amand during her year as Club President, earning Cheryl's deepest gratitude.
Wednesday, June 30th, 2021. Utilizing the magic wand passed to her by Past President Cheryl Saint-Amand, Club President Betty Miller led the Rotary Club of China Lake's first in-person club meeting in over a year.
Photos from David Saint-Amand
President Betty working her magic to produce a successful "blended" meeting.
The 2021 Scholarship Program is open. Graduating High School Seniors may now apply for a college or technical school scholarship. The letter of introduction and application may be downloaded here:
The cost of going to a college or a technical school rises every year. More than ever, scholarships help graduating High School students get past their difficult first year by helping with those expenses.
As we all know, the pandemic has not allowed us the same opportunities to have our traditional Scholarship Dinner Auction. We are resilient and able to adapt. After significant discussion and research we have decided to hold a Virtual On Line Auction to raise funds for our Scholarship Program. So we need ALL of your help.
Every year, the Rotarian of the Year Committee meets to identify and honor a member of the Rotary Club of China Lake who exemplifies the Rotary Motto of Service Above Self.
This year, in addition to selecting a Rotarian of the Year to be awarded in a few weeks, the committee created a new award for a Rotarian who has not received Rotarian of the Year, but through steady, quiet effort over a lifetime, has upheld, supported, and promoted the Rotary Club of China Lake.
The Rotary Club of China Lake Scholarship Auction is proceeding virtually. Starting today (Wednesday, 27 May 2020) a limited number of items, those with perishable contents or time-sensitive gift certificates, will be available for bidding.
THIS WEEK'S AUCTION IS FOR BIDS FROM THE INDIAN WELLS VALLEY AREA ONLY.
Rotary District 5240 Governor Savi Bhim spoke to the Rotary Club of China Lake last Wednesday, May 6th, 2020. She reviewed the history of Rotary's survival and growth during past times of great international difficulty and spoke about the opportunities presented by the COVID-19 outbreak for Rotary to do even more good in the world.
The Salvation Army in Ridgecrest is still seeing a heavy demand for food and personal hygiene supplies, with one recent day seeing hundreds of people showing up to receive support. In normal times, the Salvation Army here might expect 20 people.
Last Saturday local Commander Turnie Wright received a shopping basket of donations from the Rotary Club of China Lake.
On September 25th, 2019, U.S. Geological Society Seismologist Dr. Susan Hough spoke at the Rotary Club of China Lake luncheon on the "Ridgecrest" earthquakes. Follow the link below for the article in the Daily Independent.
RI President-elect Mark Daniel Maloney’s theme for 2019-20, Rotary Connects the World, asks Rotarians to strengthen the many ways that Rotary Connects the World, building the connections that allow talented, thoughtful, and generous people to unite and take meaningful action through Rotary service.
DRFCC Wade Nomura was recently appointed by the Rotary Foundation to serve as the Technical Coordinator of Cadres in Water and Sanitation Worldwide. Wade was asked to serve by incoming Rotary Foundation Chair Ron Burton and approved by the Board of Directors and Trustees to serve a three year term as a Technical Coordinator of Cadres for Water and Sanitation. There are 21 Technical Coordinators worldwide in Rotary, with 3 coordinators with staggered three year terms in each of the 6 Areas of Focus, and 3 in Financial Oversight. Wade will be one of three Technical Coordinators for Water and Sanitation, and the only one from North America. The Technical Coordinators have the responsibility to evaluate the grant process, work with the Trustees in making certain the grants models are efficient, and address any concerns the current grant model and policies may have, including making recommendations on improving the current system. Wade will also be serving on two Breakout Panels in Toronto on the “Role of the TRF Cadre” and on “Community Assessments”.
How can I find out what is going on in the club. Where is information on the social events and club fundraisers?
We enter information for our events on the club calendar. The current month's calendar is on the top left of the Home Page. Just click on the date you are interested in and if there is an event, it will open to that page.
You can also use the menu bar at the top of the website. Put the mouse over the item Calendar and you will get a pull down menu for Club Events, District Events, and RI Events. Just click on the you want and it will open the full calendar.
If you see words highlighted in light blue, usually that means there is a link to a new page. Just click on the blue words and you will go to a new page or a new website.
The Rotary Club of China Lake's First Club President
L.J. "Captain Jack" Goddard Club President 1951 to 1952
May 10, 1918 to April 26, 2012
Jack was born May 10, 1918 in Marion, Illinois. His mother was Sara Jo Alsbrook, and his father was Jack Hobson Goddard. Jack went to 19 different schools, growing up in Mississippi, Texas, Panama, Philippines, and even China.
Jack graduated as a Navy Ensign from a three month program at Northwestern in Chicago dubbed "90 day wonders" in 1941. He was on the Battleship USS Maryland at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, and was in charge of one of the first gun crews to return fire. The USS Maryland was parked off Ford Island, during the attack on Pearl Harbor. Goddard was bossing an anti-aircraft battery of four 1.1-inch guns five decks above the main deck. Goddard was joined by two cooks, a postal clerk, and a laundryman whom he trained to operate the weapons while his own gun crewmen secured ammunition from a locked armory below deck.
Goddard then commanded a convoy of 11 ships from Pearl Harbor to Majuro, in the Marshall Islands. He captained his own vessel in the Pacific, the USS LST (Landing Ship Tank) 225, the flagship of Group 38, during the invasions of Saipan and Tinian. The ship delivered 500 marines and 18 tanks to island beachheads during the Battle of Saipan, and continued to maneuver and receive the wounded for five consecutive days and nights while under fire. As executive officer of the USS Mercury, a cargo ship commissioned by the Navy for service delivering goods and equipment to ships and stations in the war zone, Goddard was responsible for the successful organization and administration of the first transferring of complete supplies to Task Force 58, the main striking force in the Pacific theatre.
After World War II ended, Jack finished college at Claremont Men's College, now called Claremont McKenna College. He was in the original group of graduating classes there, called the "Pacesetters". Jack later served as aide to the Commanding Officer at the China Lake Naval Weapons Station, as well as Port Director in Naples, Italy.
After he left the military, he became a businessman, selling life insurance and then starting what he called "PFN" - Personal Financial Navigation". Jack continued his strong ties to CMC, establishing a CMC "4th Friday" for alumni, friends and anyone else who needed help with finding what they wanted to do for a living. Jack had a lifelong love for dogs, and rescued many dogs during his life. Prior to his death, Jack was married to Millie for 63 years. They were blessed with five sons, Larry, John, Bill, Dan and Tom, and their families as well as six grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.
The Rotary Club of China Lake's First Club President
Our friends in the Rotary Club of Ventura have started a fundraiser to help those impacted by the Thomas Fire. We have many Rotarians and friends that have been affected and some still in harms way.
_______________________________________ Dear Rotarians, This is Ellyn Dembowski, president of the Rotary Club of Ventura. Many of our fellow Rotarians from throughout Southern California (and from throughout the nation) have reached out to ask how they can support our efforts as we respond to the devastating fire that impacted our community. I am so proud of the group of Rotarians in our Ventura Club who have their finger on the pulse of this situation. We are raising funds to help support the local agencies that will be helping families and individuals rebuild from nothing. We will also use the funds to address specific, immediate needs… needs that fall through the cracks and are not necessarily addressed by insurance claims or other relief efforts. We urge you to support our Thomas Fire Fund and help us put service above self in Ventura County.
Please share the link to our Go Fund Me page with your club members and community network. Help us as we respond with care and compassion to this horrible event.
Join the Rotary Club of China Lake and event sponsor, Ridgecrest Regional Hospital, on November 15th, for an educational and informative presentation on human trafficking in the United States, the challenges for vulnerable and diverse populations, and how communities can become true allies to protect and empower the victims.
Dawn was fifteen years old in 1976 when her family moved into an apartment complex managed by 32-year-old porn star John Holmes. After grooming Dawn, Holmes began a sexual relationship with her, manipulating her with drugs and alcohol, abusing her physically and emotionally, and prostituting her on the streets of Hollywood, to brothels and drug dealers. After the famed Wonderland murders in 1981, they fled to Florida, where she ultimately broke free and turned him over to the police."
One might think this sounds like the synopsis for a Hollywood movie, but it was the reality for our speaker, Dawn Schiller.
Kern County and our valley are being used as corridors for transporting victims of human trafficking. Ignorance of the human trafficking issue coupled with the growth of the internet has allowed it to flourish. Many do know how to spot nor know how to help victims of human trafficking. The issue is so urgent that Ridgecrest is one of three communities that have formed human trafficking community response teams; Frazier Park and Bakersfield are the other two communities.
Mark your calendars, for educational and informative evening. Dawn Schiller is a survivor and an amazing woman with an incredible story to share. She is an author, educator and advocate for victims of sexual and mental abuse. As a speaker, trainer and author, she combines her personal experiences and academic studies to raise awareness about sex trafficking, domestic violence and teen victimization. After the lecture she will be available for a meet and greet and she will have her book available as well. Seating will be limited. The evening is brought to you by Rotary Club of China Lake and Ridgecrest Regional Hospital as a community service project.
Rotary Club of China Lake is sponsoring a coat drive now through January 2018. We will be collecting new and gently used coats of all sizes, including children and adult sizes. Please drop off any donations to Mary Lundstrom at Coldwell Banker, 710 North China Lake Blvd. Ridgecrest CA. Help us make the cold winter months just a little warmer for needy members of our community.
The Rotary Club of China Lake is pleased to announce the induction of three new members. Cheryl Saint Amand, Derrick Haynes and Steve Martinez joined the club on September 6th. They were sponsored by David Saint Amand, Forrest Lloyd and Elsa Hennings. We look forward to getting them involved in club activities and Rotary service projects.
Mark Daniel Maloney, of the Rotary Club of Decatur, Alabama, USA, is the selection of the Nominating Committee for President of Rotary International for 2019-20. He will be declared the president-nominee on 1 October 2017, if no challenging candidates have been suggested.
Barry Rassin, of the Rotary Club of East Nassau, New Providence, Bahamas, is the selection of the Nominating Committee for President of Rotary International for 2018-19. He will be declared the president-elect on 1 September 2017, if no challenging candidates have been suggested.
Sam F. Owori, Rotary International president-elect, died unexpectedly Thursday, July 13th, as a result of post-operative complications from a planned surgery. Sam was a member of the Rotary Club Kampala, Uganda, for 38 years.
We have a special guest speaker on August 2nd, 2017. The Commanding Officer of NAWS China Lake will be speaking to the club. This is a great program to bring a guest or potential Rotarian.
For more information, contact a Rotarian or use our Facebook page.
Captain Paul M. Dale, USN
Captain Dale is a 1994 graduate of the University of Michigan (Ann Arbor) with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering. He earned his Surface Warfare Officer designation then subsequently earned selection for lateral transfer followed ultimately by Naval Flight Officer wings in 1998.
Captain Dale’s command tour occurred from February 2012 to May 2013 as Commanding Officer of VAW-116, the “Sun Kings”, located at Naval Base Ventura County flying the E-2C Hawkeye 2000.
His at-sea tours prior to his Command tour involved duties on an Aegis Cruiser and two E-2C squadrons.
Ashore Captain Dale served as a Hawkeye Weapons and Tactics Instructor at Naval Strike and Air Warfare Center (NSAWC) in Fallon, NV. He also attended the US Naval War College Newport Rhode Island. Joint duty occurred as a member of the NORTHMCOM J3 directorate Colorado Springs Colorado. His assignment prior to NAWSCL was as the N6 / Carrier Airborne Early Warning Weapons School (CAEWWS) Department Head at the Naval Aviation Warfighting Development Center (NAWDC), which was previously known as NSAWC, located in Fallon, Nevada.
Captain Dale’s decorations include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal Strike/Flight, and Battle E. He has accumulated nearly 2700 E-2 flight hours and 575 carrier arrested landings on three different aircraft carriers.
Photo Source: The Rocketeer II Caption: Capt. Paul M. Dale, second from right, reads his orders assuming command of NAWS China Lake
Lunch Program Features NAWS CO Captain Paul M. Dale
This year is the 100th Anniversary of the Rotary International Foundation. Our incredible endowment began with the grand sum of $26.50 left over after paying the expenses of the 1917 Rotary Convention. Then outgoing R.I. President Arch Klumph proposed the idea of starting a charitable foundation for “the purpose of doing good in the world.” The Foundation gave its first gift in 1929, a $500 donation to the International Society for Crippled Children. That organization, founded by Rotarian Edgar F. Allen, later grew into Easter Seals. More recently, during the Rotary year 2015-2016 alone, the Foundation gave out $25.2 million in District Grants and $68.7 million in Global Grants.
The Governor’s challenge is this: he would like each Rotarian in each Club in the District to help celebrate the Foundation’s 100th birthday by making a special donation of $26.50.
Rotarians have planted trees in the name of fellowship, friendship, and community service since the early 20th century. These trees, which can be found worldwide, have grown into enduring monuments of Rotary’s ideals.
As president emeritus, Harris traveled extensively during the 1920s and 1930s, often accompanied by his wife Jean. During these trips, the nature-loving Harris planted trees to symbolize goodwill and friendship.
In the fall of 1932, Harris embarked on a five-week tour of European Rotary clubs and planted trees along the way.
“Wednesday forenoon I planted my first tree of friendship in European soil. It seemed to me especially appropriate that it took place in Germany—in its metropolis—Berlin. The planting occurred in a sports platz formerly devoted to war purposes, and a large number including Rotarians, city officials, and others were in attendance.”
Harris also planted trees in Tallinn, Estonia, and Göteborg, Sweden, during this trip.
(Paul Harris and members of the Rotary Club of Tallinn, Estonia, plant a friendship tree in 1932.)
We had a great lunch program today. Erica Beeler, China Lake Engineer, shared information about the great program to encourage 6th, 7th and 8th grade young men the importance of math and science skills, The Young Engineers and Scientists of Ridgecrest Young Men's Conference will be held September 17th at McLean Lab on NAWCWD.
Our District has 'passed the hat' many times in support of providing relief during disasters around our globe. This time, the need is in our own back yard. We all know about the Erskine Fire in the Lake Isabella area which has resulted in the loss of life and property. Our own Immediate Past President Bill Brown lost his home in the fire.
At the July Board Meeting, it was decided that we want to set a goal of raising at least $1000 to be sent to the Erskine Fire Fund from the Rotary Club of China Lake. The board has earmarked $250 to start the pot. We will pass the hat at the next couple of meetings. Members are encouraged to be generous. You can also bring a check to include in the funds. We will be depositing all money in the Rotary Club of China Lake Charitable Foundation. Members can donate directly to the RCCLCF to get a tax donation receipt if requested.
The Annual Rotary District Conference will be held October 14-16, 2016 at the Hyatt in beautiful Westlake Village, CA. Registration will be on-line soon!
RI President-elect John F. Germ chose Rotary Serving Humanity as his theme for 2016-17. Noting Rotary’s unique ability to bring together committed professionals to achieve remarkable goals, Germ believes that “now is the time to capitalize on our success: as we complete the eradication of polio, and catapult Rotary forward to be an even greater force for good in the world.”
The members of the Rotary Club of China Lake approved the change in our dues structure at the May Club Assembly. Please contact Sharon Girod or Elsa Hennings to get your 2016-17 Club Pledge Form. You will need to select one of the two dues options for the upcoming year. Members who do not submit the annual Club Pledge Form will default to Tier 1 dues structure on July 1, 2016. Tier 1 is the best option for members that attend most of the meetings. Paying for all your lunches would actually end up costing you more than the monthly dues. Tier 2 is the best option for club members that can not attend more than 2 meetings a month. Those members are encouraged to keep their attendance percentage up by attending social events, fundraisers, District events, make-ups and service projects.
Club Dues Structure - Two Tiers to Meet Member Needs
The BHS Interact Club held a Pizza Party for the Special Ed Students today. It was a big success. They handed out lots of Valentines they had made and shared Cheese, Pepperoni Pizza followed with cookies, brownies and cake.
Interact is a club for young people ages 12-18 who want to join together to tackle the issues in their community that they care most about. Every Interact club carries out two service projects a year: one that helps the school or community and one that promotes international understanding.
BHS Interact is sponsored by the Rotary Club of China Lake.
Way to go Interact!
BHS Interact Puts on Pizza Party for Special Ed. Students
Join us on 23 October for Rotary’s third annual World Polio Day event. We’ll be streaming live from New York City, so tune in at 6:30 p.m. Eastern Time to watch a global status update on the fight to end polio and take part in the conversation. Guests will include Global Polio Eradication Initiative partners, celebrity ambassadors, polio survivors and others.
The Rotary Global Essay Competition (ROGEC) is being organized by Rotary Club of Pune Katraj (R.I. District 3131). Through this competition, we intend share ideas and promote understanding on humanitarian issues among the Rotary fraternity.
Theme 2015 - World Understanding and Peace
"Peace is not the product of terror or fear. Peace is not the silence of cemeteries. Peace is not the result of silent repression. Peace is the generous contribution of all to the good of all." - Oscar Romero
Peace is typically described as not having violence, avoiding being in conflict and most importantly not being under constant fear of brutality. However on the other side of the coin, peace is also a way of life, it is about having constructive relationship not only every human being, but environment as whole. The concept of peaceful existence extends right from constraints of an individual's mind to that of a family and from the community that you live in to national and international levels.
The lunch program on July 22nd was Angela Marie Winters of Cultural Homestay International, a 501 (c)(3) Non-profit Educational Exchange Program. She explained how the program worked with a focus on becoming a host family.
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Cultural Homestay International
Opening your heart opens minds...host a high school exchange student for 5 or 10 months! Every year high school-aged youth from over 30 countries around the world participate in CHI's high school foreign exchange program. Host families are the backbone of the Cultural Homestay International Academic Year Program (AYP). By volunteering and opening your home and heart to the world’s young people, you are donating to them an uncommon gift: an offer of friendship, a willingness to share themselves and their way of life, and a genuine interest in learning about culture and customs.
Rotarians celebrate the opening of the House of Friendship and attend the Opening Session of the 2015 Rotary International Convention in São Paulo, Brazil.
A reminder to all members that the 2015 Vocational Services Awards Luncheon will be on June 17th. Vocational Services Director Pam Smith is asking members to please submit your nominations for this year on the form she sent previously via email and return to her by the 9th June. Hopefully you've had someone in mind all year. We have a great community with lots of hard working folks. A copy of the nomination form was attached with this week's club bulletin in case you did not receive one previously.
São Paulo feels like a museum of modernism. A single iconic image of the city might be a cityscape of endless towers fading into the horizon, or a photo of luxurious high-rise apartment blocks with pools and exotic flora on their terraces, all set against the favelas and their red roofs.
We have a very timely lunch program today. The Kern County Counsel will be speaking on the State of the County. With the Kern County Board of Supervisor's 5-0 vote to approve the Land-Use Plan last night, this is an interesting time for the legal department of Kern County.
(photo from Peter Brown's view point at the Supervisor's meeting on Tuesday)
On May 13th at the Clarion Inn, The Rotary Club of China Lake is hosting it's annual Scholarship Luncheon. Barbara Butler, New Generations Director, and members of the Scholarship Committee will welcomed the scholarship recipients, their family and members of the community at the luncheon. The program will include the presentation of over 20 academic scholarships to some very deserving young ladies and gentlemen.
This amazing scholarship program is possible, in part, due to the community's support of the Rotary Club of China Lake Charitable Foundation's Annual Dollars for Scholars Auction and Dinner. This club project will make an impact on the lives of the scholarship recipients today and has the potential to make the world a better place in the future.
Dear District 5240 Rotarians,
By now, you all know about the devastating earthquake that struck Nepal this past Saturday. More than 3,800 people are confirmed dead and that total is expected to rise. Thousands more are injured and/or displaced because their homes have been destroyed. The isolated region and damage to the roads and infrastructure are making it extremely difficult for aid supplies to get through, although headway is being made. Many relief organizations are already providing immediate aid to the affected area; however both short and long term assistance will be needed.
A casual social gathering at Charlie's at the Clarion. Members are asked to bring significant others, friends and random strangers for fellowship and fun. Our club normally hosts a 1040 Party each April. It is a chance to relax and mingle with friends and for many a chance to enjoy a breather after getting taxes done. This year the 1040 Party is being called a Spring Fling. Join members and their friends at Charlie's at the Clarion on Saturday, April 25th from 6:00pm until 8:30ish....
China Lake's own Bud Sewell will be entertaining with his singing talents on May 1st at 7:00pm at Maturango Museum. This is a fundraiser for the museum and with Bud's talents.....tickets will sell out quickly. Wear your club pin and claim a make-up!
On February 25, The Rotary Club of China Lake hosted representatives from local non-profits at the lunch meeting.
Non-Profits participated in selling tickets for the Community Dinner and Rotary was pleased to return $3600+ to those present for their portion of the ticket sales. 2014 was the 18th year Rotary hosted the Community Dinner, using it as opportunity for the community learn about services offered by local organizations. It is also an fundraiser for these local non-profit organizations.
Represented today were Daughters of Revolution (DAR), Eastern Star Cancer Comfort Station, Guide Dogs for the Blind, Habitat for Humanity, Immanuel Christian School, IVW CERT Team, IWV Concert Association, IWV Family Resource Center, IWV TV Boosters, Lions Club, Pink Ladies Volunteer AUX, Rand Museum, Ridgecrest Chamber Music Society, DCOA, Women’s Center, and the Maturango Museum. Others unable to attend today, but who will receive their funds: A Helping Hand, AAWU, BHS Boosters, Boy Scouts Troop 412, CA Turtle & Tortoise Club, Cherokee Community of CA, Exchange Club, NCMA, Pregnancy Care Center, Sage Pistol Club, Scorpions Soccer Club, Sister City, St Anns, and TOPS. Rotarian Wade Tallman, Chair for Community Dinner, was on hand to hand distribute the checks.
The Annual Dollars for Scholars Auction and Dinner is set for 7 Mar 2015. The Rotary Club of China Lake sponsors this annual event which raises funds for scholarships for our local students attending college. On a yearly basis the club awards over $17,000 in scholarships to attend CCCC and major universities around the country. Event is open to the public. Tickets are $30 and include dinner, dancing, a silent auction and a live auction.
Mark your calendar for Mar 07, 2015
5:30 PM – 9:00 PM
Kerr McGee Center
100 California Ave
Ridgecrest, CA 93555
United States
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more at: http://portal.clubrunner.ca/2828/Event/675d1714-a008-48ab-bee7-ca2a2b90185a#sthash.NmMVwDuz.dpuf
December 13th, 6:30pm at Avalos' home at 135 E. Monte Vista
Steak/Chicken and drinks provided
Please bring a salad or dessert
Bring a gift (value $25) for a wild gift exchange
Call Mary @ 382-1991 to RSVP
It is that time of the year ........time for the Rotary Club of China Lake's Christmas Party and Gift Exchange for members, family and friends.
Please RSVP with Mary Lundstrom. Please bring your spouse or significant other.
The wild gift exchange is our club's annual tradition. Bring a wrapped present to participate in the gift exchange. If your spouse or guest will be participating, bring a wrapped present for them too. The gift value should be about $25.
This is an adult party and attire is holiday or cocktail or if you really must...your holiday pajamas. You might even be rewarded if you have on an ugly Christmas sweater!
June 27th is an important date for the Rotary Club of China Lake. It is the 63rd Birthday of our club! And it is the annual installation dinner at the Springhill Suites. We will be joined by world traveler, BMX bike legend and friend of the club PDG Wade Nomura and his equally impressive wife, Roxanne Nomura. This is a great social event to share our accomplishments of the year and to look forward to another great year for the Rotary Club of China Lake. This is a great club and is made strong by the contributions of each and every member. Register today for this fun event.
The 63rd Birthday of the Rotary Club of China Lake
Please visit our club's Facebook page. We having been using the site to share information about the club and our special events like our Dollars for Scholars Auction, the Community Dinner.
The Rotary District 5240 Facebook page is available for us to join as are many Rotary information groups, RYLA pages, and other club pages. Join today and make new friends in our Rotary family.
Last Monday night was the first annual Bowling for Boxes. Bowling teams of Rotarians and friends turned out to support a wonderful cause: raising money for ShelterBox, a Charity Navigator Four-Star charitable foundation whose mission is to “build awareness of global displacement and provide families with lifesaving shelter and essential tools, and supplies that will enable them to rebuild their homes and transform their lives after disaster.”
ifferent schools, growing up in Mississippi, Texas, Panama, Philippines, and even China.
Rotary Club of China Lake is sponsoring a coat drive now through January 2018.
Mark Daniel Maloney, of the Rotary Club of Decatur, Alabama, USA, is the selection of the Nominating Committee for President of Rotary International for 2019-20. He will be declared the president-nominee on 1 October 2017, if no challenging candidates have been suggested.
Barry Rassin, of the Rotary Club of East Nassau, New Providence, Bahamas, is the selection of the Nominating Committee for President of Rotary International for 2018-19. He will be declared the president-elect on 1 September 2017, if no challenging candidates have been suggested.
M. Dale, USN
Registration for the 2018 Toronto RI Convention
We had a great lunch program today. Erica Beeler, China Lake Engineer, shared information about the great program to encourage 6th, 7th and 8th grade young men the importance of math and science skills, The Young Engineers and Scientists of Ridgecrest Young Men's Conference will be held September 17th at McLean Lab on NAWCWD.
ecided that we want to set a goal of raising at least $1000 to be sent to the Erskine Fire Fund from the Rotary Club of China Lake. The board has earmarked $250 to start the pot. We will pass the hat at the next couple of meetings. Members are encouraged to be generous. You can also bring a check to include in the funds. We will be depositing all money in the Rotary Club of China Lake Charitable Foundation. Members can donate directly to the RCCLCF to get a tax donation receipt if requested. 
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A reminder to all members that the 2015 Vocational Services Awards Luncheon will be on June 17th. Vocational Services Director Pam Smith is asking members to please submit your nominations for this year on the form she sent previously via email and return to her by the 9th June. Hopefully you've had someone in mind all year. We have a great community with lots of hard working folks. A copy of the nomination form was attached with this week's club bulletin in case you did not receive one previously.
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