WindMill February 8, 2001

With a combo of whistle and bell, we began to come to order. PP ERIC LOBERG was asked about what he did, and allowed as how he had been down in the mouth all day.

The rest of the time he is an orthodontist, and STEW GILMAN has just architected their old office into their new office, which is on S.M. Blvd opposite Century City. There were some confusing remarks about price, and the figure of $100.00 emerged. When MIKE YOUSEM came forward to lead the Pledge, he speculated that he'd rather spend it with ERIC than with a plumber. MIKE was then led to admit that he was, indeed, a plumber, located on Gateway Blvd just south of Pico. There was general, though not specifically counted, agreement from those present that Dentistry expenses were preferable to Plumbing outlays. MIKE then rather plaintively noted that last week's song was followed by applause, which led to some sympathetic clapping - but the truth is, as MIKE admitted, last week's leader, ATHENA JACKSON is indeed a lot prettier than he is… After this beginning, things went downhill, as you can imagine.

ALONG THE WAY, LENNIE FRIEDMAN and JACK HARRIS fearlessly provided the accompaniment for the Song, which turned out to be You're a Grand Old Flag. While this title was more or less announced in advance, it took a few bars from 'three fingers' JACK before most of us were chiming in. But we caught up, and ended together, which is what counts, YOE believes. We had one Visiting Rotarian, who was also a Scooter - Ace Fernandez of the Makati Club in the Philippines. LEE DUNAYER introduced his Special Guest, Elena Ostern, who lives just up the street. Steve Lanzarota was the guest of SUSAN ALLEN - he is also Manager of Administration for the Getty Research Institute. PP DAVE MORE brought Eleanor, while LEO TSENG escorted Fred Sanborn, Assistant to our Speaker. PP RON LYSTER provided the end to our beginning, with an Invocation from Albert Schweitzer - to find happiness, it is first necessary to seek and then find how to serve.

DICK LITTLESTONE asks for all corrections to the address-phone-email sheet - Deadline is less than a week ago - Call him, OK?
Feb. 13th - Board Meeting, MARK BLOCK'S Office, 6:30 p.m.
Feb. 15th - Vocational Service Meeting, ANN ELKIN, 11:30 before our meeting - and ANN, as a suggestion, put a bit more positive spin on recent attendance, OK?
Feb. 22nd - RUDY ALVAREZ and International Service Committee, 11:30.
Feb. 22nd - SUSAN ALLEN chairs an update for all new members, after regular meeting.
Feb. 26th - R.I. Conference - see PETER MORE.
Plus, PP TOM LENEHEN reminded us all to be concerned for our fellow members - if they seem to be having a problem, please try to help.

LEO TSENG (did you know he is a Past President of the Hollywood Club?) introduced his longtime friend; Dr. Roy McKeown, who is President of World Opportunity International/Help The Children. LEO pointed out that Roy (who is also an ordained minister) has headed this organization since its founding, 39 years ago. They provide food and spiritual support for children all over the world, including an annual U.S. Senate Program of two students each from every state in the Union, where they spend a week learning the basics of charitable support. A quick statistic - they collect 100,000 lb. of food locally every day, donated by restaurants and grocery companies, etc., and this provides 40,000 meals - again, DAILY, Monday through Friday. They also receive gifts-in-kind of over $35 million dollars annually, and this is distributed to medical facilities worldwide.

Dr McKeown began by reminding us what an involved and caring person LEO is - they have a mutual admiration society, which seems well justified. Roy's topic was The Future of our Youth. He began by telling us about the U.S. Senate Youth program, which will occur within a couple of weeks. These students, most of them student body officers, are selected by their school principals. They spend a week in the Capitol, and the training has some lasting effects. The program has been sponsored by Randolph Hearst, who just passed away. Roy gave a specific example - two young men asked to see him in his office, and as they visited, he learned that both had attended Stanford, were now attorneys, and they owed it to their 'awakening' at the Senate program. In addition, one of our present U.S. Senators is also a graduate of this same program.

Roy reiterated that the youth of today are an impressive group - he sees a lot of them, finds them most respectful and eager to learn from their elders. However, he reminded us that their respect is a two-way street - if we respect THEM, they will always respond.

He also expressed his deep appreciation for the many high school counselors and teachers who help our youth. He feels today's students are better equipped than ever to meet the challenges they will face upon graduation. Discipline and love go together, and the results can be spectacular. His summary - congratulations to those who are involved with our youth, and their support is worth the effort.

Thought for the Day - James Russell Lowell says, "The trouble with experience is that it sometimes teaches you too late".