Rotary Club of Santa Monica

Meetings and Pictures

January through June 2006

On June 16, 2006 Paul conducted his last meeting. Paul was a very busy President. He presented "Spirit of Rotary" awards to several members who helped make his term a great success. Four New members were inducted and about 12 new Paul Harris members were honored. The highlight of the day was when Nicole Dickerson presented to us her emotionally charged "Craft Talk".

New members were Inducted!
	Nicole Dickerson shared her life's memories with us.
Holly Gustlin, a member of our charitable grants committee, presents a check to Talitha Phillips from the Westside Pregnancy Center. (Watch for Holly at the Dethroning, rumor has it she is part of a group of members that will make a very special presentation to help send Paul on his way.)

Greg Bonnan, producer of "Baywatch" was our speaker on 6/9/06

Greg is congratulated by Bill Werner and Don Dickerson. If you click and look at the full size picture you will notice that Bill and Don are using their patented 3 handed hand shake.
     "Baywatch" is famous for it's slow motion rescue saving sequences. Greg tells us that he honed his skills using this technique when he filmed 1984 Olympic documentaries.

Youth Service awards and a great craft talk presentation by Blair Brandenburg was the venue for lunch on June 2, 2006

Oded Wolf, presented a scholarship to Ms. Lauren Cianciminoto an outstanding student in the field of communications. Lauren is a student at SMC. This is an annual scholarship that is given in memory of PP Jack Siegal. Jack’s lovely daughter Jane was there to help present it.

On 5/19/06 - Volunteers from the Santa Monica Historical Society Museum took us through about 130 years of memories.

Pictured starting left (standing): Andrea Engstrom, Director of the Museum's Archives; our own Bob Gabriel, Museum founder with Louise; that great Kiwanian Jean McNeil-Wyner (The Museum Board President); Kris Andresen, Museum Architect; seated: our upcoming club VP of Committees, Iao Katagiri (The Museum Board VP), and Mr. Santa Monica ! Nat Trives (Museum Board Member).
The Santa Monica Historical Society Museum was started over 30 years ago by Louise and Bob Gabriel.

Bob Gabriel told everyone that our Rotary Club has been an important part of Santa Monica’s rich history and introduced the team above - they gave a fun and informative presentation about the Museum and the plans to open a spectacular New Historical Society Museum in the Santa Monica new public library !

Nat reminded everyone to please look through their attic or garage - and donate to the Museum - any precious items of history they may have.

For more info on this great community organization, please visit: www.SantaMonicaHistory.org    or call Bob, Nat, Iao or Kris

Congratulations Grandpa Gene!

Our long time member Gene Shank is all smiles after sharing with us his good news. Gene explains to President Paul that he is the proud recipient of his 5th Grandchild. Congratulations Gene!

NBC's world famous news anchor Paul Moyer shared us his recollections of his last 40 years of broadcasting on 5/12/06.

Paul took us down memory lane for his last 40 years of broadcasting. One incident that really shook Paul was when he was broadcasting at the Atlanta Olympics and was just 80 feet away from the explosion that killed and injured several people.

At the May 12 meeting, Dr. Tina MacDonald represented the Center for the Partially Sighted in accepting from Committee Member, Harmon Sieff, the Club's donation of $2,000 to pay for vision testing and evaluation equipment."

On May 5th 2006, St. John Hospital's Plastic Surgeon Janet Salomonson MD talked to us about "Cleft Care At Home and Abroad"

Dr. Salomonson (left) is shown immediately after Carol Follette makes a presentation to her. Dr. Salomonson is a caring physician who has bettered the lives of hundreds of her patients.

Administrative Assistants Day was celebrated on 4/29/06

Shown starting left our are Rotary players, Clyde Smith, Kaye Lehne, Diane Margolin, Gina Jacoby, and academy award winner PP John Lehne.

"Life After Office Hours"

John Lehne and RoseMary Regalbuto perform the Rotary version of the play "Life After Office Hours". I have seen a dozen or so Rotary skits, and this is one of the funniest! Thank you Chair, Diane Margolin and crew, what a show!

We celebrate literacy week on April 7, 2006. Our guest speaker was Carol Jago, a teacher and chair of the English Department at Santa Monica High School.

Everybody loves Paul!

Vince Muselli has always wanted to have his picture taken with our world famous Pharmacist President Paul. Alan Glick and Larry Maher also could not wait to have their picture taken with Paul. So our official photographer, Ann Greenspun helped grant their dreams when she snapped this picture! (By the way, did any one tell these guys about casual Friday?)

Step up on 2nd Street Executive Director Todd Lipka accepts a donation from Connie Maguire who is a member of the charitable grants committee. Todd tells us that Step Up will be using this money for a new meat slicer.

Carol (left) is shown with our favorite Librarian Susan Arnett. Carol gave us a great talk and explained the importance of reading. She recommends the classics, but also says that it is a good idea to read to just have fun.

Ron Davis - owner of SM Ford and Diana Price executive of the Auto Club were our guest speakers on 3/31/06.

Diana Price the new GM of AAA. We are so glad to have Diana as a member, and she plays the piano (did ya catch that Carol Jackson – another partner in crime) among a myriad of other talents. She is warm with the most contagious smile. Make sure you get a chance to talk to her and Ron Davis our second cRaFt TaLkEr. ...Rose Mary Regalbuto

Ron is the President and General Manager (and owner) of Santa Monica Ford since October 24, 2002. I cannot imagine why it took us so long to find him. Anyway, he believes that honesty and integrity should be the guiding principles in all his dealings. <This makes him a perfect Rotarian). Ron has always worked diligently to support his ideals, and has successfully created a warm and friendly dealership too. ... Rose Mary Regalbuto

Public Service Awards Day was celebrated on 3/24/06. We honored Santa Monica Police, Firefighters, Teachers and Bus Company Employees.

Joe Stitcher (right) Assistant Director of Transit Services presents award to Transit Maintenance Technician Reuben Hernandez. Hats off go to this year's chairperson Judy Neveau. Also working hard on the event was Co Chair Ken MIrch. (Sorry Ken, for missing taking your picture)

Santa Monica Fire Chief Jim Hone presents award to Emergency Services Coordinator Paul Weinberg.

Acting Superintendent of Santa Monica School District, Dr. Michael Matthews presents award to Principal of Franklin School Pat Samarge

Our Club Member Chief of Police Jim Butts presents award to Cory Rytterager from the Youth Services Division

Car races in Santa Monica, circa 1917, was the topic for lunch on 3/10/06

Our own super CPA Carol Jackson prepares for a ride in one of four remaining 100 year old vintage racing automobiles. These vehicles were used to race around Santa Monica in the early 1900's. Carol was allowed to take a test ride because she and Dave Rimer were the winning bidders in a charitable auction.

Dr. Dave Rimer cracks up after coming in for a safe stop after racing around the Riviera Country club's track. Dave braved the rough conditions with no seat belt, no helmet, or goggles. Dave, you are one brave soul!

Former Starsky and Hutch star Paul Michael Glaser was our guest speaker on 3/03/06. Paul updated us on the latest medical breakthroughs on the Aides virus through the great work of the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric Aides Foundation

Larry Mortorff (left) introduced his friend Paul. We were ecstatic to get this rare picture of relatively new member Larry and can't wait to hear his craft talk.

Karim Jaude and Joe Gonzales were our superstar speakers for lunch on 2/24/06

Karim was a wealthy young man who grew up in Lebanon. He was a Christian, who did not believe in the war. Karim was kidnapped and tortured by terrorists. He was forced to leave his Country and all of his wealth behind and move to Iran.
     He again prospered in Iran and was able to work hard and once again built his fortune while the Shaw was in power. Lighting struck twice. The Shaw was overthrown and Karim was forced to leave for America with only the shirt on his back and $17 in his pocket. He avoided death by sneaking out of the country dressed as a woman. He remarks, “a pretty one at that”.
     He came to America and remade his fortune in the real estate industry. He coaches executives to be the best that they can be. He tells us that his mission in life is to help people. Once in America he promised himself that he would help at least one person per day. He tells us that his goal has been accomplished so far!
    Karim it is great to have you back into our club. You are an inspiration to us all!

Long time member Joe Gonzales honored us with his encore “Craft Talk” presentation. Joe owns his own electrical contracting business. He tells us that his business is smaller than it was several years ago. He used to have a hundred or so electricians on his staff. Joe found that at this size the business was very hard to manage. Now he has a lot less staff, is more profitable, and he has a lot more fun.
     We found out that Joe is the contractor to the stars. Joe told us that Michael Jackson hired his firm to do a major project on his house. Joe believed that this was Michael Jackson, “KABC’s” talk show host. He found out otherwise, when he was asked to sign non-disclosure agreements. Anyways, Pop Star Icon Michael was happy and the job turned out great!
     Joe likes to fish and he told us a number of old fish stories. Joe educated us when he explained that it is bad luck to take a bananna on a fishing boat. When you next see Joe ask him about the joke he played on one of his fishing buddies when Joe “accidentally” had a banana for lunch on a recent fishing trip.
     Over the years Joe has amazed us all with his great work that he has provided to our club. He has been the moving force behind our award winning Immunization Clinic committee by providing thousands of immunizations at St. John’s Hospital to our pre school children.
     Joe, the club needs more stellar members like you!

Steve Soboroff was back with his encore performance on 2/10/06 to tell us about the Westside's Playa Vista Development

Playa Vista executive Steve Soboroff predicts that traffic will actually decrease when the Development is completed. He explained that over 100 intersections will be improved, Public transit will be expanded, and major corridors will be widened.

Los Angeles Times sports writer Lonnie White was our speaker on 2/3/06.

Lonnie was an award winning football player who played for the USC Trojans. Now he is an award winning Los Angeles Times sportswriter, and author, who is on the UCLA Bruin beat.
Among other things, he told us about the fierce competition that goes on in the recruiting for college athletes.

Our hidden cameras finally got a picture of our own Rev. Pat Farris. President Paul issued Pat a fine for her recent trip to Paris.

We were honored to have Harris Levey and Jim Westbrook share their life memories with us on 1/27/06.

Harris Levey scores a perfect 300 on his craft talk!

Harris tells us that he made his way through college on a bowling scholarship. Throughout his illustrious career he has been a rock musician, actor, and real estate professional. He told us that he turned down offers to work with a couple of no name bands called "The Carpenters" and the "Association". Harris is one of our long time members who has worked hard on a number of Rotary committees and has served on our Board . He has a world class sense of humor and we are all proud to have him as a part of our club!  (On a personal note, thank you Harris for sponsoring me into the best club in the world!   ...Larry)

Southern Boy Makes good!

     Jim who is our president elect for 2007/2008 shared his life memories with us. Jim was born and raised in the South, and gave us an example of his distinct Southern drawl.
      Jim who recently retired from his CPA practice tells us that he loves to help people. He had a huge amount of clients who agree.
     A couple of his passions in life are dancing and hiking. He tells us that there is no greater high than when he is on the floor with a hundred or so dancers all dancing in sync. He gets great joy when he is on vacation hiking with his son.
     Jim is going to make one great President, we can't wait!

Wild shirt and tie day is celebrated by our winners Karim Jaude, Marv Levin, Carol Jackson, and Mitchell Kraus

On January 20th former CIA Officer Gary Berntsen Spoke to us. We were also honored to have our Santa Monica City Officials grace us with their presence.

Starting left, Kris Andresen and our City friends, Assistant City Manager Gordon Anderson, USC fan Mayor Robert Holbrook who had a great sense of humor when we sang a special song for him - 'Texas Eyes Are Upon You', and we welcomed new City Manager Lamont Ewell, and our own MrSantaMonica.com former Mayor Nat Trives !

Our super Commercial Realtor Vince Muselli (left) is shown with our speaker Roger. Mr. Bernsten gave us an insight into the mindset of the Mid Eastern terrorists. He predicts that when the next attack comes, it will be from a U. S. citizen who has been converted to the terrorist's side.

On 1/13/06 Roger Snoble CEO of MTA of Los Angeles was our speaker

Roger (left) is shown with our favorite airport Manager Bob Trimborn. Roger told us that the average passenger to car ratio is 1.1 passengers per car. He told us if the ratio is increased by a small amount to 1.3 passengers per car the traffic problem would be solved. Amazing!

New members were inducted!

VP Monika (with a k) White was in charge of our program on January 6th 2005. Monika did a great job in keeping the meeting running smoothly. The day was declared ladies day when an all women panel sitting at the head table was introduced. Our guest speaker was super Rose Parade commentator Stephanie Edwards

CPA Carol Jackson (left) and Ann Greenspun (far right) rate this program as one of this years best. Stephanie is shown immediately after receiving a standing ovation for her amazing presentation.

Our Favorite Librarian Susan Annett invites everyone to attend our new library's grand opening this weekend. Susan advises that even if you miss the grand opening be sure to come and visit the new facilities located at 601 Santa Monica Blvd. For a preview also check out their Web Site at http://www.smpl.org/.

Back One Page

On 5/19/06 - Volunteers from the Santa Monica Historical Society Museum took us through about 130 years of memories.

Pictured starting left (standing): Andrea Engstrom, Director of the Museum's Archives; our own Bob Gabriel, Museum founder with Louise; that great Kiwanian Jean McNeil-Wyner (The Museum Board President); Kris Andresen, Museum Architect; seated: our upcoming club VP of Committees, Iao Katagiri (The Museum Board VP), and Mr. Santa Monica ! Nat Trives (Museum Board Member). The Santa Monica Historical Society Museum was started over 30 years ago by Louise and Bob Gabriel. Bob Gabriel told everyone that our Rotary Club has been an important part of Santa Monica’s rich history and introduced the team above - they gave a fun and informative presentation about the Museum and the plans to open a spectacular New Historical Society Museum in the Santa Monica new public library ! Nat reminded everyone to please look through their attic or garage - and donate to the Museum - any precious items of history they may have. For more info on this great community organization, please visit: www.SantaMonicaHistory.org or call Bob, Nat, Iao or Kris
	Congratulations Grandpa Gene! Our long time member Gene Shank is all smiles after sharing with us his good news. Gene explains to President Paul that he is the proud recipient of his 5th Grandchild. Congratulations Gene!

NBC's world famous news anchor Paul Moyer shared us his recollections of his last 40 years of broadcasting on 5/12/06.
	Paul took us down memory lane for his last 40 years of broadcasting. One incident that really shook Paul was when he was broadcasting at the Atlanta Olympics and was just 80 feet away from the explosion that killed and injured several people.
At the May 12 meeting, Dr. Tina MacDonald represented the Center for the Partially Sighted in accepting from Committee Member, Harmon Sieff, the Club's donation of $2,000 to pay for vision testing and evaluation equipment."

Administrative Assistants Day was celebrated on 4/29/06

Shown starting left our are Rotary players, Clyde Smith, Kaye Lehne, Diane Margolin, Gina Jacoby, and academy award winner PP John Lehne.
	"Life After Office Hours" John Lehne and RoseMary Regalbuto perform the Rotary version of the play "Life After Office Hours". I have seen a dozen or so Rotary skits, and this is one of the funniest! Thank you Chair, Diane Margolin and crew, what a show!

We celebrate literacy week on April 7, 2006. Our guest speaker was Carol Jago, a teacher and chair of the English Department at Santa Monica High School.

Everybody loves Paul! Vince Muselli has always wanted to have his picture taken with our world famous Pharmacist President Paul. Alan Glick and Larry Maher also could not wait to have their picture taken with Paul. So our official photographer, Ann Greenspun helped grant their dreams when she snapped this picture! (By the way, did any one tell these guys about casual Friday?)
	Step up on 2nd Street Executive Director Todd Lipka accepts a donation from Connie Maguire who is a member of the charitable grants committee. Todd tells us that Step Up will be using this money for a new meat slicer.
Carol (left) is shown with our favorite Librarian Susan Arnett. Carol gave us a great talk and explained the importance of reading. She recommends the classics, but also says that it is a good idea to read to just have fun.

Ron Davis - owner of SM Ford and Diana Price executive of the Auto Club were our guest speakers on 3/31/06.
	Diana Price the new GM of AAA. We are so glad to have Diana as a member, and she plays the piano (did ya catch that Carol Jackson – another partner in crime) among a myriad of other talents. She is warm with the most contagious smile. Make sure you get a chance to talk to her and Ron Davis our second cRaFt TaLkEr. ...Rose Mary Regalbuto
Ron is the President and General Manager (and owner) of Santa Monica Ford since October 24, 2002. I cannot imagine why it took us so long to find him. Anyway, he believes that honesty and integrity should be the guiding principles in all his dealings. <This makes him a perfect Rotarian). Ron has always worked diligently to support his ideals, and has successfully created a warm and friendly dealership too. ... Rose Mary Regalbuto

Public Service Awards Day was celebrated on 3/24/06. We honored Santa Monica Police, Firefighters, Teachers and Bus Company Employees.
	Joe Stitcher (right) Assistant Director of Transit Services presents award to Transit Maintenance Technician Reuben Hernandez. Hats off go to this year's chairperson Judy Neveau. Also working hard on the event was Co Chair Ken MIrch. (Sorry Ken, for missing taking your picture)
Santa Monica Fire Chief Jim Hone presents award to Emergency Services Coordinator Paul Weinberg.
	Acting Superintendent of Santa Monica School District, Dr. Michael Matthews presents award to Principal of Franklin School Pat Samarge
Our Club Member Chief of Police Jim Butts presents award to Cory Rytterager from the Youth Services Division

Los Angeles Times sports writer Lonnie White was our speaker on 2/3/06.
	Lonnie was an award winning football player who played for the USC Trojans. Now he is an award winning Los Angeles Times sportswriter, and author, who is on the UCLA Bruin beat. Among other things, he told us about the fierce competition that goes on in the recruiting for college athletes.
Our hidden cameras finally got a picture of our own Rev. Pat Farris. President Paul issued Pat a fine for her recent trip to Paris.

We were honored to have Harris Levey and Jim Westbrook share their life memories with us on 1/27/06.
	Harris Levey scores a perfect 300 on his craft talk! Harris tells us that he made his way through college on a bowling scholarship. Throughout his illustrious career he has been a rock musician, actor, and real estate professional. He told us that he turned down offers to work with a couple of no name bands called "The Carpenters" and the "Association". Harris is one of our long time members who has worked hard on a number of Rotary committees and has served on our Board . He has a world class sense of humor and we are all proud to have him as a part of our club! (On a personal note, thank you Harris for sponsoring me into the best club in the world! ...Larry)
Southern Boy Makes good! Jim who is our president elect for 2007/2008 shared his life memories with us. Jim was born and raised in the South, and gave us an example of his distinct Southern drawl. Jim who recently retired from his CPA practice tells us that he loves to help people. He had a huge amount of clients who agree. A couple of his passions in life are dancing and hiking. He tells us that there is no greater high than when he is on the floor with a hundred or so dancers all dancing in sync. He gets great joy when he is on vacation hiking with his son. Jim is going to make one great President, we can't wait!

Wild shirt and tie day is celebrated by our winners Karim Jaude, Marv Levin, Carol Jackson, and Mitchell Kraus