Woodland Hills Rotary - President Message

On Living 95 Years

Last week, I read a beautiful piece written by a friend of mine who had recently celebrated her 95th birthday. Several people loved what she had to say and asked if I could print it. Here is just an excerpt from it:
I worked hard at chores no one remembers. I made jam, baked cookies and packed super school lunches, but my daughters remember the lullabies I sang to them and that I read to them from storybooks. If I could be their young mom all over again, we'd sing more songs, we'd "waste" hours at home, on playgrounds, at the beach, having fun. We'd learn a lot and we'd all grow up.

This time around I worked hard to succeed, to accomplish more, to do things better. Next time I'd take more time and thought searching for meanings. I've learned that sometimes less is more and joy comes from relating to others. My life's greatest treasure is surely the love I receive and the love I can give.

Is all this talk about living life over a waste of time? We know this can't be done. . . .but, I can maximize each day I still have left to live. I believe this means giving in every way, the most that I can give, continuing in some meaningful work each day, listening to others with my heart engaged, and treasuring every minute this gift of my life. I think if I hold all this gratitude and awe close to my hear, I may get to live, live, live until the day I die.

I think my friend Alyse has the right idea and I hope I can keep these words in my heart and my head as I continue my journey.

Yours in Service,
Lois

Please help out!
Fundraiser May 19, 2012!
Our small committee continues to make progress on our May 19th Bless the Beasts and the Children fundraiser. We need more Rotarians to help with the event, and here are the ways we need your help:

soliciting auction items or sponsors

working on the food, equipment, logistics or program

day-of-event activities

obtaining in-kind donations

Please mark your calendars now and tell your friends and family about this great event! AND please, let me know if you are available to serve on the committee.

Meetings and Speakers

Last week, our speaker was a video taped interview with Rotarian Julie Jenkins, who was interviewed by Mel Powell. She talked about her visit to India for a National Immunization Day (NID). Mel Powell was at the meeting to introduce the video and he told us about the eClub he is now a member of. Jim Adlhoch from our club has recently transferred his membership to the eClub of the Southwest. Both Jim and Mel are enjoying the concept of attending meetings "online" and interacting with other Rotarians in their respective clubs.

This week, we had a very inspiring presentation by Andrew Skinner of the Triumph Foundation (pictured above). Andrew became a paraplegic in 2004 and has since become an inspiration to many others with spinal cord injuries by sharing his story and showing that one can still have a great life and accomplish much and that having an injury or disability does not have to be an obstacle.

Next week, our program will be the officers of the quarter from the Topanga Station. Bryna is looking for speakers for the upcoming months so if you have someone that would be a good speaker, please let her know.

January Rotary Anniversaries

January is a big month for celebrating anniversaries of some of our long term members. At top is Chuck Barbata, celebrating 54 years with our club . . .and with perfect attendance! Wow. Pictured above is Tom Ludowitz, also in the "54 years with our club" group. Below is another member of this elite group, Moe Mogul.

Rounding out the group is Hillard Torgan, but unfortunately, we don't have a photo for him.
Celebrating 48 years with the club is Dave Woods.

Chuck Underhill celebrates 11 years with us this month. Next week's Rotopinion will have the rest of our January anniversaries. Congratulations, all!

Guests, Happy Bucks & Announcements

Julie Leum (pictured at top) has visited our club several times as a guest and we hope will soon become a member. This week, Gina Guarino, pictured above with the beautiful smile, came as a guest of Art Pfefferman. In addition, Hanh Zuzang visited for the 5th time as a guest of Elegance Hippolyte.

Diane Nelson brought Joyce Hughes (below), a former member of the Warner Center Club, as her guest. Other guests included two boys from the Pacific Lodge, Jose and Shaun, and Arturo Velasquez, a friend of Ursula's who hosted her exchange student for the first half of his visit. Last week's guests included Vincent Leinen, Ellen Fleischmann, Rotarian Mel Powell and Melissa Taraneh who has visited with us several times.

Happy bucks were given by:

John Adams, who sent a letter along with his happy bucks, to thank Sheri Polak for making the trip to Camarillo to pick him up and bring him to Rotary, a 60 mile round trip. Not to be outdone, Sheri matched John's contribution by adding happy bucks of her own in honor of John's dedication to Rotary.

Elizabeth Tilkian was happy because she visited a Kiwanis meeting and she won the happy bucks meeting jackpot!

Elegance Hippolyte was thankful for all the work attire donated to Haven Hills.

Matt Schaaf gave happy bucks because he and Wendy are happy that the flamingos have flown elsewhere. Judy Rona said she has the "dubious distinction" of having them now in her yard. Who knows where they'll end up next?

Dave Woods was happy to have his son visiting from back east where it's snowing.

Linda and Harvey Tapper are celebrating their daughter's engagement.

Lane Sherman is celebrating her son, Brad, for is victory in the straw poll for re-election.

Gwyn Petrick thanked everyone for their generous donations of sweaters.

Kathy Rappaport was happy that she won the $10 pot last week even though she didn't win the "big bucks."

Diane Nelson thanked everyone for their help in filling her job vacancy at her office.

Eva Hainer gave happy bucks for the beautiful weather we're having.

Bryna Hornstein was thrilled to report that Ethan got his first haircut and he really enjoyed it.

At this week's meeting, Rotarian Dave Woods led us in singing a couple of patriotic songs to start off the meeting.

And believe it or not, Roger Myers, pulled the joker and took home 1/2 of our jackpot of more than $400! Does he look happy or what??
Congrats, Roger!!

Officers, Directors and Committee Chairs

2011-2012 Rotary Year

Lois Koch President

John Whitmore Vice President

Secretary

Frank Rappaport Treasurer

Matt Schaaf President Elect

Jack Whitson Past President

Diane Nelson Club Service Director

Gwyn Petrick Community Service Director

Tom Klarin Foundation Director

Elizabeth Tilkian International Director

Matt Schaaf Membership Director

Jay Hearst New Generations Director

Elegance Hippolyte Vocational Service Director

Sheri Polak Family of Rotary Chair

Bryna Hornstein Programs Chair

Nancy Porter Public Relations Chair

Jeff Harwood RYLA Liaison

Sergeant at Arms

Jay Saltzman Arts & Crafts Show Chair

Club Events & Activities - Please join in!

Jan 21 - Nethercutt Collection Tour
Feb 9 - Happy Hour - LaFrite Restaurant Woodland Hills
May 19 - bless the Beasts and the Children Fundraiser