The Meeting: 

Tom had a personal emergency and had to go back to Tennessee to a funeral involving a personal friend.  I miss Tom when he is gone and it always good when you can comfort a family or friends when someone dies.  It is never a good time, but always a time to reflect that all of us are only given so much time on this planet, so seize the day as if it were your last.

Lenny, our President Elect,  stepped in like a pro and you would never know that this was his first meeting to “run the show”.  There was order, humor, and some serious moments.  Very nice job Lenny, we look forward to your year.  However, your fellow Rotarians were respectful of your plight to lead without notice so we pretty much left you alone.  That changes when you get the job for real.

Induction:  I got to induct two new members and I love to do this job.  We give the gift or Rotary to others, and more often than not this is a life altering experience for the receivers.   That’s right “a life altering experience”.  I said it in my induction that anyone that attends meetings regularly for 2 years really get’s it.  Whatever God you pray to, all compassionate Gods tell us…to help others.  Help them when you can, as often as you can.  That’s what God says, that’s what Rotary says.  And…when you do out of sincere compassion and love you get the greatest rush of all…happiness.  You don’t give to get, but you do get when you give.  Rotary does it better than any other vehicle. 

Robin and Shannon are our two new members and they seem to get it.  Shannon brought her whole family to see her inducted and that was really cool. I saw Robin the next day and she pointed to her two framed membership certificates on the wall and said how grateful she was to become a member of Rotary.  What a great word – “Grateful”.

The Program:

When I saw that the program was going to be the El Segundo Band leader I felt, well, it might be OK.  When I was in high school I played football, basketball, and baseball.  That’s what you did back then.  The members of the band did not get the same notoriety (at least as far as I knew).  I didn’t know any members of the band.  The only band member I have ever met (as far as I know), is Marhsa and she played the Sax for Purdue.  If I knew there were people like Marsha in the band I would have switched sides so to speak.  Instead of Football, Basketball, and Baseball it might have been guitar, sax, and drums.  I don’t play any football now, not sure what I would do with a basketball, and baseball is purely a spectator sport for me.  I wish I could play the guitar now, or be in a garage band, or play sax with Marsha.  Times change.

This wasn't just any band leader, this was Steven Fox and were we impressed.  This is no average guy.  He is by far one of the better speakers we have had and was an inspiration to all of us.  The band has 89 members…89.  That is way more than the football, basketball, and baseball teams combined.  But, it’s not enough.  He wants 100 and I have no doubt he will have them soon.  This guy talked about how many departments in the school have been cutting back because of the State and Countries financial condition,  and the band is no different.  (They need $100,000 this year, and they also want a van).    He then proceeded to list off in staccato fashion about a half dozen fund raisers that the band and the parents put together to raise funds for the band.  He said they could always use more money, but they were not hurting.  They seem to come in first in all the competitions in which they compete and I can see why with his leadership.  We are so lucky to have him. 

When Sandy introduced him she read an email from one of his students which kinda sums it up.  It follows here.

From: Jacob Levy 

Subject: Mr. Fox Speech

To whom it may concern,

 When I think of Mr. Fox, the words leader and motivator come to mind. Mr. Fox has revolutionized El Segundo High School's band program, turning it into a state ranked band with near to 100 members. He has created more than just a successful band, he has created a culture of students in the high school. A culture where students learn to achieve greatness they never thought possible. A culture where students learn to become leaders of themselves and others. A culture where students learn to excel in their musical capabilities and learn fundamentals that will carry with them for the rest of their musical careers. Mr. Fox is never afraid to push us to our limits and do whatever it takes to ensure the success of the band. Any student who comes out the band program finds a new confidence in themselves that will carry with them for the rest of their lives. Ask most students who are in the band who their favorite teacher is and many respond with, “Mr. Fox”. Mr. Fox is a mentor and a friend to any student who seeks guidance, even if their problem is not band related. He sacrifices considerable amounts of time with his family, spending 10 hours with us in one day to practice, ensuring we are constantly doing our best. Mr. Fox has done considerable amounts of work for this program, and has ensured its success for many years to come. 

PS:  In the past 3 out of 4 years the valedictorian has come from the band.  This Band Leader is a Leader ... Period; and the band is his vehicle to inspire the youth in our community.  He doesn't wait for California to come up with funds (he will take them if offered) but goes out and get's his own.


PSS.  Over the weekend Mr. Fox and the Band took first place in the division at a competition hosted by West High in Torrance. They picked music themed on “Revolutions”.  All selections were geared to reflect the essence of sacrifices a soldier makes for the cause he or she loves.  The band played “The Gavorkna Fanfare”, “Peterloo Overture”, and “Each Time You Tell Their Story”.  I know Phil and I enjoy that Gavorkna Fanfare followed by the Peterloo.  It brings out a strange yearning.  Can’t get those tunes out of my head.