November 4, 2022

The very busy month of October just flew by and now it’s already November.  This past month, we had the Dictionary Project underway and just finished up distributing them to a record ten elementary schools. Many thanks to Dr. Bill Nguyen and his staff assistant Jenna Kochis for coordinating this effort. 

Several of our members had the opportunity to attend the District 5320 Gala in Seal Beach. This was a very special occasion because our Past President Madame Kim Douglas was recognized with the “Paul Harris Extra Mile” Award for making each member of our club, a "Paul Harris Fellow". In addition, thanks to the efforts of our International Co-Chair Bruce Birkeland, our Wells of Life non-profit partner, was one of five charities selected to be featured at the Gala. Nick Jordan, the Founder of Wells of Life, gave a memorable presentation.

The following week, our featured guest speaker was Shawn Wehan, the District 5320 Marketing Chair and Founder/CEO of Givsum. He presented us with many examples of how the Givsum platform can be utilized for promoting events as well as fundraising. I'd like to thank President-Elect Mike Gerard for handling lunch from Brooklyn City Pizzeria. During that same week, we served as sponsors to the Laguna Niguel Military Support Committee's first ever Taste for the Troops. They had great turnout with 20 local restaurants participating in the event. Two days later, we held our annual Oktoberfest event at Mark Montgomery's home. It was awesome to see old friends as well as several new guests.

Sapphire Catering once again put together a delicious dinner menu, Docent Brewing Company provided the libations and Michael Darnell provided his friendly waiter/bartender services. Rounding out the end of that week was International Orphan Care's event honoring Mike Whipple, one of our former City Council members and Rotarians. Many longtime friends came out to pay homage to Mike's long term leadership and commitment both to this community and his charity. Our Mayor and fellow Rotarian Elaine Gennawey provided Mike with a special award of recognition from the city.

This past week, we had not one, not two, not three, but four presentations at our meeting. First, Devi Pillai provided an inspiration regarding the Diwali Festival of Lights and presented an example of the tea light candles that are used in this five day celebration. Second, we had Capo Valley High School sophomore student Siena Huang, give us a presentation about her school club Support the Children of the Andes. Their goal is to provide the children in the remote villages of Peru with hygiene and school supplies. She is seeking help to both obtain products as well as send the items to Peru. Third on our program was Chris Doherty who gave a brief presentation on Federal iBonds, regarding the interest earned on them and how they can be purchased. Last but not least was historian Carl Schulkin from the Laguna Niguel Historical Society. His presentation showed the city development of Laguna Niguel from the 1950's to the mid 1980's and how it eventually incorporated the plan to build the Chet Holifield Federal Building. It was fascinating to see the alternative freeway plans that were under consideration back before Laguna Niguel was incorporated. I'd like to thank our Treasurer RoseAnne Ruccello for handling the lunch from Panini Grill.

Coming up this month, we will be assisting the Niguel Botanical Garden with their Fall Planting Event on Saturday November 12th. Please RSVP below if you'd like to assist with this project. In December, we'll host a holiday party once again for the Glennwood House residents in Laguna Beach. This is truly a heartwarming event for the residents as they get to celebrate the joy of the holiday season. Many of them will even remember us from previous years' parties. Marilyn Crary is organizing this event and will have a magician come entertain the residents in addition to getting their photos with Santa.

Last call for dues, for the couple of stragglers that remain. Please have your credit card ready the next time we see you at a meeting or event. As always, we have lots of projects and events to look forward to throughout the rest of year. Please mark your calendars! We are here to serve and appreciate the time and effort our members contribute toward our community.

Yours in Service,

Chandra Chell

2022-23 President

Next Club Meeting - Tuesday November 15, 2022 -

Ed Pscheidt on Identity Theft: Beyond Cybersecurity

Edward Pscheidt helps clients securely integrate the Internet into their businesses. He consults on IT projects and also is an independent computer and Internet forensics expert who provides electronic evidence discovery and expert testimony. As the industry has moved its focus from functionality to security, Edward's has moved with it. Much of his current practice involves security: for example penetration testing, security audits and advising on physical security.

He started working with computers in 1979 when IBM hired him as an engineer. They eventually gave him the strange title of Staff Scientist and put him in charge of laboratories where he and his team developed new ways to manufacture computers. His career has paralleled the needs of the business community: From better and cheaper machines, through support and configuration, and now Internet connectivity and security.

An accomplished public speaker, Edward has spoken at hundreds of business meetings and luncheons. He is currently a member of the Mission Viejo Rotary Club.

Tuesday, October 15, 2022

12:00p.m.

Crown Valley Community Center

Think Tank Conference Room on First Floor

29751 Crown Valley Parkway

Laguna Niguel, CA 92677

(located in Crown Valley Park)

Light lunch and beverage will be provided for $20; Facility Rental Fee of $5 paid by all not having lunch

Club Board Meeting - Wednesday November 30, 2022

We have several more events and projects in the works before the end of this year. We really need your participation to ensure their success! Please join us at this upcoming board meeting. 



Club Board Meeting

Wednesday November 30, 2022

4:30-5:30p.m.

Salt Creek Wine Company

30100 Towne Center Drive Suite B-2

Laguna Niguel, CA 92677

November 12, 2022 8:30a.m.-11:00a.m. Fall Planting Event at Niguel Botanical Preserve at Crown Valley Park

November 15, 2022 12:00p.m. - Club Meeting featuring Ed Pscheidt at Crown Valley Community Center

November 15, 2022 5:00p.m. - President's and Past President's Social at San Juan Hills Golf Club

November 30, 2022 4:30p.m. - Club Board Meeting at Salt Creek Wine Company

December 3, 2022 10:00a.m. -12:00p.m. - Christmas Party for the Glennwood Home residents in Laguna Beach

December 3, 2022 5:00p.m. - Laguna Niguel Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony

December 6, 2022 12:00p.m. - Club Meeting featuring Rotary District 5320 Governor Elect Chris Skorina at Crown Valley Community Center

December 10, 2022 - Laguna Niguel Holiday Parade

Niguel Botanical Preserve Fall Planting Event

Please join us for the Niguel Botanical Preserve's Fall Planting Event. This takes place at Crown Valley Park which features two benches that our club donated to the Preserve. This is a family friendly, volunteer day in the park project that helps maintain one of our city's treasures. RSVP below if you would like join us!

Save the Date - Glennwood House of Laguna Beach Holiday Party 

Glennwood House Holiday Party

Saturday December 3, 2022

10:00am – 12:00pm

Please join our club as we bring some “Holiday Cheer” to the young adult residents of the Glennwood House in Laguna Beach. The party will feature entertainment from a magician, photos with Santa, and Christmas Carols. This is always a festive occasion bringing much joy to the Glennwood Residents. 

November Milestones

Birthdays

Eileen Gomez - 11/27

Club Anniversaries

Devi Pillai  - 11/17

Kim Douglas  -  11/24

Stewart Mims - 11/29

President - Chandra Chell

President Elect - Mike Gerard

Vice President - Stewart Mims

Secretary - Ivy Leeson

Treasurer - RoseAnne Ruccello

Immediate Past President - Eileen Gomez

Sergeant at Arms - Rischi Paul Sharma

Scholarship Committee - Stewart Mims, Taje Gill, Bill Nguyen