Dear Rotarians,

The month of October we celebrate Economic and Community Development, I look forward to sharing stories with you from around the globe where Rotarians have taken a step towards developing our communities in more ways than one so that those communities and countries/cities can become independent.

First we begin with our own Rotary Readers program, thus far we have received District Designated funds in the amount of $4500 and Jean Brodhead has found 4 schools interested in receiving books.

Our support of the Kindergarten water project was approved and 9 members of our International Projects Committee went to Tijuana last Wednesday to oversee the irrigation system being put in place. We partnered with the Tijuana Independencia Club in Tijuana Mexico. The Water not only provides enough water for the bathrooms but also provides potable water to the kids while at school.  An irrigation drip system was also installed so they can start a gardening program.

At our 27th Annual Peace Conference, we impact our understanding of other cultures and belief systems by educating ourselves.

We are still amidst the survey for our 5 year vision plan. So far, 30 members have completed the survey and we have just 25 more members who need to take 15 minutes to do the survey. Here is the link and the PDF if you have a difficult time with the survey, you can fill out the PDF and send back to me at [email protected]

We are taking reservations for the 5 Year Vision Planning Dinner on October 13 the fellowship hall at 5:30 – 8:30 pm. Rsvp to Greg Johansing, our Administration Chair, [email protected]

But before we take reservations for the October 13 dinner, Lucille and Grace are putting the finishing touches on our 1st Rotary on the Town this coming Thursday, October 6 at the 2100 Huntington Blvd dinner.  This is a great evening to bring family, spouses, kids and friends to get to know other Rotarians and enjoy a good meal together. I hope you sent in your $48.

If you have not yet submitted names of candidates to the Foundation Committee, they are considering names of worthy persons to be considered for the great honor of PAUL HARRIS FELLOW.  Applications are due by October 12.

I hope to see you at the South Pasadena Chili Cook off Fundraiser on October 15 (cost is $40) where we can mingle with our neighboring Rotarians and start building our bonds prior to our joint effort for Super Build in April 2017.  Our very own Bob Houston will be making his famous chili, if you don’t know, Bob is a “food snob” his words not mine!  The name of his chili entry is Liz and Dick’s Arroyo Chili.  I think he’s referring to Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor.

Delicious Destinations at the Crowell Public Library will also bet the night of the 15th of October.  Follow this link to reserve your space and enjoy the foods of Mexico and Japan, follow this link to reserve your tickets http://deliciousdestinations.org/

On October 20 we welcome UCLA bionics Lab and on the 27th our very own Dr. Cherniss will be talking about the New Gym in San Marino.

World Polio Day is celebrated on October 24.  The Interacters at SMHS are going to paint their pinkies purple and the Polio Pig will be inaugurated and spoken about at the assembly so kids can bring their extra change and throw into the pig at SMHS.  They are looking into t-shirts that they can wear END POLIO NOW.

Our first R2R Meeting or Networking with Other Rotarians has been moved to Thursday October 26 at Madelines in Pasadena at 5:30 – 7:30 pm.  Send your rsvp to Russ Osmonson at [email protected]

Bike Project Collaboration with Pasadena Rotary Club – we’ve been talking to Pasadena about joining hands with their Bike donation to needy families.  More news to come about this collaboration and the “hands on deck” we will need from all of you for bike assembly in November.  The Bikes will be delivered before Christmas.

An email was sent last week asking committee heads to gather a folder with the duties, timeline and work you do as a committee head. This folder is intended to provide continuity to a new committee head at the point you are ready to move on and take on another role.  Please take this request seriously and work with Denise Wadsworth, Will Bortz and Lee Mothershead if you need guidance and deliver your final folder to them for their perusal.

On a sad note, I’d like to share the passing of Paul Comi, member of our club for from 2012 – 2014 who passed away on August 26 with his family at his side, he was fighting Alzheimer’s for the past few years.  Paul was a successful businessman and actor. May he rest in peace.  I remember Paul when he attended our meetings, he was always so proud to share of his successes in life.  I just found out he starred in Twilight Zone – I’m going to watch some episodes to commemorate his work.

Yours in Service

Gilda Moshir