June 2018 Rotopinion (Jun 03, 2018)

Message from the President…

My experience as club President has been truly amazing. As much work as it has been I have received so much more than I have given. There have been so many Rotary moments this past year. Time after time club members have stepped up and have given back to the club in so many ways.

Often in my Rotopinion column, I have thanked various club members for their service and commitment to Rotary. Now it’s time to thank my wife, Dale Robin- Gross, who many of you know has been so patient with me (even more than usual) this past year. I can’t even imagine how many of my sentences began with the words “Rotary” or “The Club.” I never saw her eyes roll once!

The most fun I had was leading the club meetings. I believe the club has had many wonderful moments at this past year’s meetings. It was extremely rewarding to see the smiles, hear the laughs and also feel the tears.

This past year hasn’t always been easy for me and my family. We suffered some personal losses that seemed to just keep coming. My Rotary family was there for me and my family every time without fail. Words cannot express my gratitude, I am deeply grateful.

I am certain that moving forward, President-elect Dale Barnes will be an extraordinary leader of our club. I tried to impart the experiences that were given to me the same way Diane Nelson so graciously did for me. After Dale’s term, Anna Sakvarelidze will be assuming the club’s leadership mantle. I am so excited that these two strong Rotarians will be our leaders. This club’s future is very bright and I know that the club’s members will continue to step up and continue to be the great Rotarians that they are.

I have been blessed to have been given this opportunity. Thank you for all you have done for me.

Yours in Rotary service,

Paul

Buddy Bench Program

by Ron Supancic

"Somewhere within us all exists a supreme Self who is eternally at peace."
Elizabeth Gilbert, author of Eat, Pray, Love

Oone the club's Buddy Benches was installaed at the Boys' Lodge (Optimist Home). April 17 Peace

10 rules for the Buddy Bench

Sit on the Buddy Bench when you're upset, frightened, lonely, isolated, or depressed.
When you see anyone sitting on the Buddy Bench, quietly become their buddy, not their interrogator.
Wait for them to initiate conversation.
Follow their lead, don't probe, irritate, or upset.
Let them know you are their buddy.
Let them know they are not alone.
Assure them that they have friends.
Ask them if they would like to talk to someone older.
Report violence, threats of violence, or fear of violence.
Let the teachers know what is going on.

Honored: LAPD Topanga Officers and Employees

Project Update: Cape Town, South Africa, School
The Woodland Hills club in collaboration with the Sea Point Rotary Club in Cape Town, South Africa, participated in a project two years ago to add a classroom for kindergarten students at a school in Cape Town. Here are pictures to show the results of our efforts.

RotoCare+USC Vital Sign Program

Our RotaCare Vital Sign Program “kids” qualified for the “USC Physicians Assistance Pipeline Program.” USC recognized that the number of health care professionals needed in the coming years will grow exponentially. This is due to the surge in baby boomers that will require many health care services. Here are areas that will need additional staffing:

Physicians and Physicians Assistants
Nurses
Physical Therapist
Geriatrics

Empowering Women in India

Aparna Rajawat, a motivational speaker who empowers youth and women was the club’s June 6 speaker. She has been an international player in martial arts and choreographed numerous dance shows. When Aparna began working as a tour manager she conducted research on the social systems, religious beliefs, culture, marriage system, and other aspects the countries in which Aparna led tours. “This led me to open my mind and start seeing the condition of women in India, where in many ways they are not seen equally,” said Aparna. “After interacting with people from around the world, I have changed my views about the existence and importance of women.” One of her goals is to empower women in Aparna's native India. “I have in-depth knowledge about their life and the suffering, exploitation and sacrifices of women in my country. I have always had a desperate urge to do something for them and I must say this dream and dedication is not letting me sleep.”

June 24, 2018 at 2pm

West Valley Warner Center
Chamber of Commerce Conference Center
6100 Topanga Blvd. Woodland Hills, CA 91364

$20 Donation per person

If you are unable to attend, donations are still appreciated.
Please be clear in your RSVP if you will be donating or attending the event.

RSVP dale@dalebarnesrn.com