El Segundo Rotary Bulletin of May 9, 2013 A Return to a Simpler Time by Gary Wilson, Bulletin Editor

Tom talked about the District awards

Ballots for the new Board for the new year were distributed and collected.  The winners and new officers for 2013 – 2014 are.

2013-2014 El Segundo Rotary Officers

·        President                       Len Bonilla

·        Past President              Tom Forsythe

·        President Elect             Dean Seligman                      

·        Treasurer                      Ted Tokunow                        

·        Secretary                       Dean Seligman                      

·        Youth Activities            Elyse Beardsley                      

·        International Service    Sandy Jacobs               

·        Membership                 Melissa Albers                         

·        Rotary Foundation       Jack Weber                           

·        Public Relations           Gary Wilson                          

·        Club Service                  Dave Reimann                       

·        Vocational Service        Laura Gabel/Nancy Cobb    

·        Community Service      Shiela Fowler     

 

Sammy brought another 6 checks to Rotary for Community Wellness Day  and the fund raising has brought about $10,000 thus far.  That day is June 1st and we need some volunteers -- so raise your hand.

One of our newest members, Colleen, brought two guests I didn't quite get their names but will do so if they come again. 

Gary brought the raffle prizes

Will Barnes called in with Jack's help to thank us for some donations and to give us an update on his condition after having a double lung surgery.  He is one hell-of-a-guy.

Gary Wilson received a very funny special award given by his Rotary Friends Julie Warner, Elyse Rothstein, and Joe Harding.  Gary was speechless for a change,  flattered, humbled, and grateful.  The award was a  Visionary Board from  articles from  “The Magazine”.   Somehow these fellow Rotarian's convinced the RYLA kids to make a story board with "Moi" as the hero.  It was funny,  but there was a serious side to it for me and I am grateful.

Jim McLees told another fine joke, nice content and excellent delivery.  A funny accountant, go figure.

 

Henry Doby,  a Jr. from El Segundo High School was visiting from Boy Scout Troop  773, looking  for support for his Eagle Project.  Jim McLees introduced him and his Project which is to do much renovation at Camp Eucalyptus in El Segundo. He is going to build 11 benches around the fire pit.   He was looking to us for help for about $200.  He received over $400.  He was a very impressive kid, likes Mint Chocolate Chip, and he is a runner in High School along with President Tom's son.

Bunny Gibson of American Bandstand would be the program.  At first I just kind of grinned to myself because she has to be older than I am, but here she was in the garb of the times, bobby sox and all.  She took herself seriously and played that "role" perfectly.  She was well cast by Clair, our Program Chair for the month.  She was great.  My grin stayed on, but I added a "nod" to her.  She has a niche, and works it very well.

American Bandstand started in 1952 and that is about the time I started watching it.  It was something we all watched (albeit there was only 3 channels, and few programs, but it made Dick Clark, Dick Clark) and I do indeed remember Bunny Gibson.  I had no thought of learning how to dance until this came along.  Many of the "kids" became celebrities themselves, Bunnny was (is) one of them.  I learned to dance by watching, and then doing in the privacy of my parents house.  I was the best dancer there.  Note:  I heard Tom say to Bunny --  "I don't dance".  Which I did not know and that may cause a problem with this years demotion party.  Last years demotion party was all about singing.   This year (Tom's Year) it just became all about dance.  So, Tom.  You need to watch old footage (available on Youtube) of American Bandstand (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B3Kt1EGzIZk) and learn to dance.  You can dance with your imaginary friends.  Those friends that think you are the Supreme Commander.  So you think you can't dance.  I like it.

Bunny had a lot of Trivia Questions and that was lots of fun and fellow Rotarians were very good in their answers -- and the repartee was quite lively.  Every Question answered correctly got a prize...a Hacienda Hotel pen, courtesy of Elyse.  She is so generous.

Later in life Bunny became an actor and has lots of credits to her name (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bunny_Gibson)  Thanks Clair for another fine program.

I need to push the send button now, long day.