The Windmill

WESTWOOD VILLAGE ROTARY CLUB

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John O’Keefe informed your author of today’s Windmill several days ago that one-half of the scheduled speakers, Fr. Gil Martinez, was called to an emergency meeting in New York and was canceling his participation. Since the other half of the speaking duo, Rabbi Erez Sherman was a good friend of Fr. Gil, the speakers would appear together at a later time. Thus, it was up to Tom Barron to put together a last-minute ad hoc presentation.

Upon opening the meeting at 12:34 p.m., President Benjamin Fisher (what, he’s back?) welcomed all to the “Magic theme” of this year and all members in attendance, including those on zoom. The zoom attendees, PP Marsha Hunt, PP Nancy McCready, PP Steve Scherer and one other special person by the name of PP Richard Thompson. From the back of the room an appreciative scream came forth to welcome PP Richard, who had been missing for some time. You see, Richard was our ‘go to’ photographer, and just a good guy! A warm welcome of applause sprung forth to welcome him!

Fisher then thanked the greeter, Janet Schwartz, the pledge, PP Gordon Fell and then introduced PP Steve Day for the Thought of the Day (life is like riding a bicycle – keep your balance). PP Ed Gauld was called upon to lead the song (most of the members were off-tune) We Gather Together in light of the upcoming Thanksgiving week.

President Fisher next introduced Marsha Hunt, our Peace Chair, who has filmed on behalf of the LA Chapter of Peace for District 5280 a “walk in peace” video. This was a first showing of the video featuring PDG Vicki Ridel with a special appearance by Dr. Jane Goodall with a special message that “Peace is Possible.” The good Dr. was asking all of us to have a daily expression of gratitude.

Following, President Benjamin asked PP Tom Barron to come forth with his ad hoc presentation for the day. Tom did so by telling all that he had saved up various on-line quips, quotes, jokes, and expressions of humor for several years, just in case a last-minute presentation was necessary. It has arrived, he warned all!

Tom went through some 60 slides focused on ‘what you didn’t know’, ‘growing old’, ‘odds and ends’, and other fun sayings which generated much laughter and presented poignant things to think about.

With time left over, various individuals mentioned issues and forthcoming events that needed some clarification and discussion. With that, the President ended the meeting early at 1:21 p.m.

ANNOUNCEMENTS



• For the month of December WVRC will be collecting stuffed animals and unwrapped toys to be given to Mattel Children's Hospital and Toys for Tots. Do not come empty-handed to the next meeting - bring a child a gift!

• December 5^th at Hillel WVRC meeting will be an evening affair with DG Al Hernandez attending. Combined with the Rancho Park Rotary Club, the DG will be honored with a social beginning at 5pm here at Hillel. Spouses are invited as well. There will be no zooming for the event.

• December 12, 2024, is the Westwood Village Rotary Club’s premier event of the year - the Shopping Spree with the children from Westwood Transitional Village. Contributions for the event are welcomed and the cost for each child will be approximately $100. It is always a heart-warming event for the sponsors.



• December 19^th will be WVRC’s Holiday Party.  Come dressed in red for the Holidays and bring an unwrapped toy or stuffed animal that will benefit Toys for Tots and, the UCLA Children’s Hospital. A raffle will take place, so if you have an item worth raffling off, please bring it as well as a White Elephant gift to exchange.

FUTURE MEETINGS



• November 28th -Dark - HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!

• December 5th - District Govenor Dinner at Hillel. Dinner begins at 5pm.

• December 12th - at Hillel, Michael Quick will present on the joys of appreciating Art.

• December 19th - at Hillel, WVRC Holiday Party.

• December 26th - Dark - Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah!

WVRC 2024/2025 Leadership Team