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Featured Projects

Montebello Rotarians Participate in South of Border Service Projects

by Anne Donofrio-Holter

For the past eleven years, Montebello Rotarians have made a trip to Ensenada and Tijuana the first weekend in January where they participate in the club’s first service projects of the new year. 

This past weekend, Robert Monzon, Pete Adriance and George Pacheco, along with Rotarians from the Ensenada Centenaria, San Diego, Vista, Avalon and Lodi Rotary Clubs, helped deliver a record-number 904 baskets to needy families in Ensenada. 

Filled with warm blankets and food items including rice, flour, beans and cereal, the baskets are assembled in a warehouse by Ensenada Rotarians early in the week.  Upon the week-end arrival of other club members, all participate in adding the final items to the baskets – over 15,000 cans of tuna donated by the Southern California Sport Fishing Association.

The recipients of the baskets, identified as “the poorest of the poor,” are selected by the Ensenada club.  The baskets are distributed to families as far away as 40 miles outside the city as well as to orphanages and Indian communities.

“The happy faces of the children that received food and blankets made the trip worthwhile and will remind me for a long time how blessed we are here in the United States,” said Monzon.  “I’m sure my fellow Rotarians were moved in the same way I was.”

While the other members were in Ensenada, Ted Jones represented the club in Tijuana where he participated in Mexico’s Three Kings Day or El Dia De Reyes festivities for handicapped children held at the state government center in Zona Rio.  While there, he presented a check on behalf of the Montebello Rotary Club to be used for the purchase of blankets for 600 needy children.

His fourth time in the role of King Melchior, Jones said he was “humbled by the experience and the love expressed by the children.” 

“I have never felt as much pure love in my life as the children show me when I play one of the three kings,” he said. “I am looking forward to returning next year.” 

“This year, we were able to increase our financial assistance to both projects,” said Montebello Rotary president Martin Castro. “I am proud our club has partnered the past eleven years to help bring these wonderful service projects to fruition and grateful to those Montebello Rotarians that were able to participate.”

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The Rotary Club of Claremont’s  “Bikes For Kids”

By Jim Lehman and Nancy Thum; photos by Barry Ulrich and Mike Pearlman

From the History of the Claremont Rotary Club, 1929-2004: Bill (Gruber) initiated the ‘Bikes for Kids at Christmas’ program during his presidency (1999-2000). He and his group of volunteers refurbished 23 bikes that were distributed to kids, whom several Claremont elementary school principals identified as needing assistance. The club has always worked with local schools to identify children to receive the bikes. Why bikes? Most of us remember the thrill of having our first bike, the added mobility and independence it brought, and we wanted to make that possible for kids who otherwise wouldn’t have one. Every year since then we have provided no fewer than 15 bikes for local kids. Last year, it was 30, and this year it was 35.  I think the school principals might be your best source for the difference it makes—their application process includes having the kids write an essay about what it would mean to them to have a bike.
Jim Lehman

Saturday morning 12/19 was absolutely delightful!  Children and their families gathered for breakfast at Casa de Salsa, owned by Rotarian Judy Flores and her Kiwanian husband Roberto Flores.  Each child was introduced and came forward to claim her/his bike, helmet and lock.  Both the child and his/her family were excited and beaming; they were greeted by numerous members of our club and their school principals as they exited.

About twenty club members were there to help and/or to enjoy the giving of the bikes.  Most notable were Bill Gruber, founder of Bikes for Kids, and his wife Lois.  

There was a “first” this year—something which had never happened in previous years—with a little child exemplifying our Rotary “Service Above Self.”  Julian Robinson, an Oakmont student, wrote a letter asking for a bike for his neighbor, not for himself.  The neighbor boy watches the kids ride up and down the street, but he can’t take part.  Julian accepted the bike and will deliver it to his friend Andrew, who is a special needs student who lives with his grandparents.

Donations to make this such a generous event came from Club members, augmented by a bike donated by the Mideract Club, $450 from the New Generations Club, $1000 from Walmart, and $125 from Wells Fargo.  The bikes were purchased at Walmart.  The Bikes for Kids committee was co-chaired by Al Herrlinger and Jim Lehman, with John Allen, Anita Boling, Paul Brisson, Ron Coleman (MC of the event), Donna Flores, Judy Flores, Rich Laughton, Jack Miller, and Betty Sheldon.

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Las Vegas Fremont Rotary Club serves Thanksgiving Feast to Over 550 Kids

by Dulcinea Almazan

On Thursday, November 17th, the Las Vegas Fremont Rotary Club served a traditional Thanksgiving feast to over 550 children (pre-school through 5th grade) and nearly 75 adults at Booker Elementary School. This was the fourth annual Thanksgiving feast for the kids at Booker, so several kids were anxiously awaiting the delectable meal. It was fun to hear the recollection of their favorite foods, including the infamous dressing/stuffing that we couldn’t seem to give away the first year. “It is fast becoming one of their favorite foods,” said Dr. Beverly Mathis, Principal at Booker. This year’s meal included our usual turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes, gravy, a roll and butter and cookies.  With some very careful budgeting, we were able to add corn to the menu.  The children AND Rotarians commented that this year’s meal was the most delicious we have ever served!

This special day was made possible through the generosity of Ron Greenfield and the staff of Sage Dining and Headmaster Michael Imperi of The Alexander Dawson School at Rainbow Mountain, who donated the preparation of the food. The Alexander Dawson School has been our partner from Day One.

Rotarians and guests also donated enough food to send home with 28 hungry children for a long weekend!

Fremont Rotarians who participated included Allen Puliz, who provided safe transportation of the food, Drew Levy, Rob Goldstein, Scott Stolberg, Greg Clemens, Steve Reiter, Mike Clayson, Lawrence Ocon, Bryan Lawe, Lane Kay, Gary Prater, Dulcinea Almazan, & Laura Fitzpatrick, in addition to 8 guests.

The end result of the day was a great deal of satisfaction in knowing that we had provided a special and memorable moment for these children - that was evidenced by the huge smiles and loving hugs we all received.

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San Gabriel Rotarians Start the New Year off with a Bang

by Miles Yoshisato

On the morning of January 5, 2010, San Gabriel Rotarians gather at the YMCA of West San Gabriel Valley to join forces with community volunteers, volunteers from The Home Depot, and ESPN’s College GameDay’s hosts to build a new playground for children in the community.

San Gabriel Rotarians worked side by side with numerous volunteers including the Alhambra Rotary Club to complete a long awaited playground for the community and the YMCA.  The playground and other improvements to the YMCA grounds were made possible by KaBoom!, an organization which envisions a great place to play within walking distance of every child in America.

San Gabriel Rotarians assembled numerous components to a huge jungle gym playground, built park benches and tables, planters, trashcan receptacles, and a walkway.  Since this build took place during the week, many Rotarians took the day off from work to volunteer their time.  Everyone involved in this build knew how deserving the YMCA is of this playground and selflessly committed their time.

During the build, Rotarians were joined by the hosts of ESPNS’ College GameDay.  What a treat it was to meet and work on a project with Chris Fowler, Lee Corso, Kirk Herbstreit, and Desmond Howard.  The host of College GameDay was in town for the BCS National Championship Game in Pasadena, CA. 

Due to the large number of dedicated Rotarians and volunteers, the new playground was built ahead of schedule.  The entire project was completed in just one day. 

To view pictures of this community service project visit the San Gabriel Rotary web site.

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Rotaract of LV Wraps Up Great Year

by Amanda Hurst

In December 2009, the Rotaract Club of Las Vegas had a great week to close out the end of the year. On Thursday December 3rd, members of the Rotaract Club participated in the annual Santa Clothes event. Seven Rotaractors took part in the event where they were paired up with a needy child as they explored a local JCPenny. The Rotaractors were also able to interact with several students from the English as a Second Language program from the College of Southern Nevada. Smiles and laugher were shared throughout the extraordinary event.

The beginning of December also brought about a much deserved social event and community service for the Rotaractors. The members enjoyed a feast at Lawry’s The Prime Rib before heading over to the Walter Bracken Magnet School. While at Walter Bracken, the Rotaractors helped paint large sidewalk blocks that resembled the game Candyland. Each member was paired up with some students from the school as they worked diligently to finish the interactive sidewalk. The children were very grateful for the help with their project.

The following day on Friday December 4th, the Rotaract Club of Las Vegas hosted their second annual Holiday Party. The Rotaractors and their Rotarian advisors shared a night of delicious food, games, and an unforgettable gift exchange. President Ed Haliwell presented Past-President Amanda Hurst with a pin from Rotary International that marked completion of a successful 2009 World Rotaract Week. This is an annual tradition started by Rotary International to commemorate the first charter of Rotaract in North Carolina in 1968. Perhaps the most special part of the night was when President Ed Haliwell and President-Elect Nolen Nanbu officially inducted several new members into the club. After exchanging a vow to live by the Four Way Test and exude Service Above Self, the six new members received membership certificates.

The club is busy preparing for several events in the new years as well as much needed preparation for the annual World Rotaract Week during the second week of March.

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Rotary Club of Pico Rivera uses Lefler Grant to aid Angel Step Inn

by David Avirom

On January 21 Program Director Marijke Pantus of Angel Step Inn Youth and Family Services attended the meeting of the Rotary Club of Pico Rivera to receive a $2,000 grant from the club.  The grant comprised $1,000 from the Club and $1,000 in matching funds given by the District as a Lefler Grant for projects that assist the youth of its community.  This is the second year in a row Pico Rivera has received a Lefler Grant.

Angel Step Inn Youth and Family Services provides domestic violence and substance abuse counseling for disadvantaged families.  Some of the youth are affiliated with gangs, so they are not able to use outside areas for activities.  Recently a 17 year old youth was shot to death coming out of a nearby alley at 11:00 o’clock at night.  To keep the youth safe all activities must be contained within the facility. 

Looking for an alternative, Angel Step Inn turned to Pico Rivera Rotary to buy electronic game systems to allow kids to play, take turns, and learn to interact socially.  Currently only movies and computers for homework are offered.  “Learning to have fun without the use of drugs or alcohol, especially for anyone new to a drug free life, is as important as learning the effects of these chemicals on our brain and body,” says Director Pantus. 

The center serves approximately 35 youth and an additional 80 families for substance abuse treatment and domestic violence counseling.  Many of the families have teenagers who visit the center for joint sessions with the family.  The center is very “homey” and has set up a room where families often hang out, just talk, and bring food to share with one another.  There are 2 rooms where the various games will be set up.  Fun family activities and social interaction without drugs or alcohol are important tools to repair family relations.  “Game night” may be used as an incentive for improved attendance and participation.  

When approached, Pico Rivera Rotary stepped forward and donated the funds to purchase the games and consoles.  The parents and teens will be able to play together, talk, and have fun without alcohol or drugs.  By providing the equipment, the Pico Rivera Rotary hopes to encourage families to escape the cycle of domestic abuse, drugs, and alcohol.

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Rotary Club Serves Lunch to Tournament of Roses Volunteers

by Elisa Mann

As its last volunteer effort of the year, on December 31, 2009 the Rotary Club of South Pasadena served lunch to the volunteers who were laboring to complete the city-sponsored Tournament of Roses float before it was judged around noon.

Head chef Doug Brandt put this volunteer team together with the help of many from our Rotary family. Steve Fjeldsted took the picture and used his truck to haul the grills to the War Memorial Building. George and Alice Rigney and their daughter purchased the supplies and helped with setup. In the picture you see others of us who helped with the serving. From the left are: Walt Simmons, Jack Wear, Linda Hunt, Dan Evans, Sara Munshin, Julie Griffith, and Doug Brandt. Carl von Bibra also helped with the grills. Once again we were of service to our community and look forward to continuing our involvement during 2010.

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300 Thanksgiving Baskets Donated to Families in Need

by Patti Briglio

The Rotary Club of Industry Hills distributed 300 “laundry-size” Thanksgiving Baskets to local families in need. Sterilite Inc., based in Arizona donated the laundry baskets.

Rotary Club members worked with Helen Cullen, YMCA Family Services and the Hacienda La Puente USD to identify the families.  To the delight of all of the children, the Los Angeles County Fire Department drove their huge red fire trucks to help deliver the baskets. In addition, the Los Angeles County Sheriffs, the United Pumping Company in the City of Industry, and the Explorers also helped deliver baskets. The La Puente and Wilson High School Interact Clubs helped to assemble the baskets.

Beaches Market in Rosemead, our Pepperidge Farm distributor friends, and the International Food Import all helped in donating food items. Thank you to members Dwight Boutwell, Matt Briglio and Patrick Medlock who coordinated the event and to our Rotarians who donated items and funds.

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