Teacher Appreciation Lunch, Pasadena 9/11 Memorial and More

It was a full house at the Rotary Club of Sierra Madre this morning, and the timing couldn’t have been better because we had another outstanding program. More about that later. Normally, we feature Pres Tom’s picture in this spot, but he appears several times later on (almost as much as Rudy usually does), and three presidential photos per issue is the limit for this fine publication!

John McDannel has been busy with the Pasadena 9/11 memorial, and the ceremony that will take place on Sunday, September 11th. The City of Pasadena will be changing the name of New York Drive to 9/11 Memorial Drive. John has also arranged for F-18’s from the MCAS Miramar to fly a “missing man” formation over the ceremony in Pasadena on September 11th. He has secured two I-beams from the twin towers, so that a permanent memorial can be constructed. Finally, John has asked our Club to assist with a VIP reception which will take place at his home after the ceremony that Sunday. If you can help, or want to attend the ceremony with your family, please get in touch with Pres Tom.

Pres Tom then proceeded to thank those who were able to help with the Teacher Appreciation lunch, which took place Monday at Sierra Madre Middle School. Teachers from the elementary school and middle school were treated to lunch, as was the rest of the staff. Here are some pictures:

Pres Tom did not have time to inflict “Happy Bucks” on us this morning, as we had a longer than usual program. He did, however, note that it’s Janice’s birthday (she’s 29 again!), Susanne’s birthday (also 29 again!), and Ward and Louise’s 52nd wedding anniversary. Congrats to all.

Dan then introduced Gary Nelson, an attorney who’s climbed five of the seven highest mountains in the world. Gary began by telling us that he climbs mountains because it’s a confidence builder, and then took us on a journey to the top of Mount Everest.

He told us that just getting to the base camp is an accomplishment in and of itself. The camp is located at 17,500 feet, and anyone who wants to climb Everest goes through five days of training there beforehand. Rightly so, because a number of people have died attempting the climb, and only one climber out of four who begins the journey makes it to the summit. Gary told us that it was a much more difficult and dangerous trip than he had thought it would be, yet it was not his most difficult climb. That title goes to Mount Aconcagua, in Argentina. The elevation at the summit of Everest is 29,000 feet, but the more difficult part of the journey is the ascent. Four people have died on the mountain so far this year, including one climber who suffered a heart attack. The guides are Sherpa, famous for their skills as mountaineers, and also renowned for the fighting ability they demonstrated against the Japanese during World War II. Another outstanding program, Dan!

Club Calendar

9/6 Craft Talk—Doug

9/8 Board Meeting-Pres Tom’s 6:30

9/13 DG Doug Fowler Visits

9/11 www.pasadena911memorial.org

9/20 Paul Juggan-The State of Health Care

9/27 Federal Bureau of Investigation

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

10/11 Club Assembly