District Governor Visits Sierra Madre Rotary

It was a big day at the last Tuesday, what with the DG and a small entourage visiting. In fact, it was such a big deal that even the pictures are big, since we used Susanne’s big camera to take them.

Apparently, size does matter!! Pictured above are Assistant District Governor Bruce McCallum, District Governor Doug Fowler, Pres Tom, and Executive Assistant Governor Dennis Franklin. Our other visitor, not pictured, was John McDannel of the Pasadena Club, who spearheaded the that was held in Pasadena.

Pres Tom kicked off the meeting by welcoming our guests, and thanking those who participated in the 9/11 ceremony that was held the previous Sunday. Pres Tom, Walter, Alan, Voki, Peggy, Dr. Bud, Susanne, Marilyn, Rudy, Darwin, Doug and Dan all played a part. There were also Rotarians present from a number of other clubs, including Pasadena, Altadena, West Covina, San Marino, and Redondo Beach.

Alan then proceeded to collect the Happy Bucks, and threw in a few himself in honor of Past Pres Cathy making the meeting. Marilyn contributed, recognizing John McDannel and Pres Tom for their efforts on the memorial; Pres Tom was glad to have DG Doug, Bruce and Dennis in attendance; Peggy was happy about the Girl Scouts who showed up to help at the memorial ceremony; Past Pres Cathy was glad to see DG Doug, and marginally happy about lending her gavel to Pres Tom for the day; Jeff was glad to see all of our guests, and Dennis was happy to have had a free breakfast, and grateful that no one handed the microphone over to Past Pres Cathy (I think we all breathed a sigh of relief on that one).

District Governor Doug then took the floor and talked to us, first about RI President Kaylan Banerjee’s goals for this year, and then about his hopes for what we can accomplish in District 5300. RI Pres Banerjee’s priorities are family, continuity, and changing what needs to be changed for the good of humanity everywhere. We should build on our successes in the areas of water purification, literacy and peace.

DG Doug hopes that every club in District 5300 can work on joint international projects with other clubs around the world. DG Doug’s home Club, Apple Valley, has a long history of international service. They provided three fire trucks to the city of Puruandiro in Michoacán, Mexico, a number of years ago. The trucks are still operating. The Apple Valley Club later arranged for a prosthetic leg for a girl from that city who was orphaned as the result of a horrific traffic accident.

DG Doug also brought us up to speed on what’s happening with polio eradication and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Rotarians have contributed $187 million of the $200 million we pledged nearly three years ago. The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has already contributed $350 million toward Polio Plus, and will continue to stay involved. And, we appear to be making progress, as there has not been a single new case of polio in India for the past six months.

DG Doug is working on a wheelchair distribution program that will take place in Hermosillo, Mexico sometime this spring. Stay tuned...

Finally, DG Doug reminded us that each of us is responsible for membership—we all have an obligation to make our club even bigger and better. There was also a plug in there for the District 5300 Conference, scheduled for June 1-3 at the Lake Arrowhead Resort. We’ll have the place all to ourselves.

District Governor Nominations

The District Governor Nominating Committee is announcing the request for qualified Rotarians to apply for the 2014-2015 District Governor position. This unique leadership opportunity is both rewarding and gratifying. Visit www.district5300.org for information about the application process and deadlines. Nominating Committee Chair Contact: PDG Gene Hernandez at cpdchief@pacbell.net or 714-7772622.

Club Calendar

9/20 PROGRAM—State of Health Care

9/27 PROGRAM—Federal Bureau of Investigation

10/4 Rudy—”How I Spent My Summer Vacation”

10/6 Board Meeting, Pres Tom’s, 6:00 PM

10/11 Club Assembly

10/18 PROGRAM—Doids

6/1-3 District 5300 Conference, Lake Arrowhead Resort