1 Lancaster West Word

The Voice of Lancaster West Rotary Club, Lancaster California

Published by Lancaster West Rotary Club, P.O. Box 42, Lancaster, CA 93584 February 14th, 2011 Board of Directors President: Gus Camacho

Pres-elect: Kevin VonTungeln Vice Pres.: Stan Ulvin Past Pres.: Tim Fuller Secretary: Jim Lewis Treasurer: Gina Rossall Sgt-at-Arms: Lew Stults Club Service: Howard Harris International: Diane Grooms Community: Mike Giovannini Vocational Service: Connie Williams Youth: Mark Davey Membership: Sandy Smith Rotary Foundation: Dave Potter Public Relations: Regina Lawrence Directors at Large: Matt Buchanan Laura Maluccio Dave Potter Anne Aldrich Becky Smith Marvin Crist Jenni Moran John Currado Weekly Meeting Mondays, 12:00 noon Hellenic Center 43404 30th St. West Lancaster CA 93536 661-948-1413 Board Meeting 3rd Thursday each Month 07:30 am, Crazy Otto’s in Lancaster on Avenue I Committees/Events Avenues of Service Club Service: Howard Harris 661-943-6082 or 400-0342 Meets – 2nd Fri. each month 4:00 p.m., Maxdon’s Avenue I, Lancaster International: Diane Grooms 661-722-5483

Meets 2nd Tues. each month 7:30 am, Casita Lopez 919 W. Ave., J, Lancaster

Camacho Comments Lots of activity at LWR, The past few weeks have been full of activities for Lancaster West Rotary as our club shows true “service above self”. Here are some of the highlights: On March 4th to 6th, Jay Duke, Becky Smith and Dave Howard participated as counselors in our districts RYLA. (Rotary Youth Leadership Awards). Over 50 high school students from the AV traveled to Malibu for a weekend of leadership building, networking and fellowship. 22 of these students were sponsored by Lancaster West Rotary. Special thanks to Norm Hickling and Michael Antonovich for supporting our district with a bus to transport these students.

Read Across America is an annual national event that Lancaster West Rotary has

The Award Winning Lancaster West Rotary where every Rotarian Makes a Difference and WE HAVE FUN!!!

2 Vocational: Connie Williams 310-920-3176 Mets 4th Thurs. each month 12:00 noon, Camille’s 43901 15th St. W., Lancaster Youth: Mark Davey 661-974--8739 Meets 2nd Thurs. each month 12:30 pm, Camille’s 43901 15th St. W.., Lancaster Community: Mike Giovannini 661-265-8884 Meets 2nd Thurs. each month 12:30 pm, Camille’s 43901 15th St. W., Lancaster Disaster Preparedness and Relief: Tim Fuller 661-943-9750 Meets 1st Thurs. each month 7:30 a.m., Birdies Restaurant & Driving Range Events & Activities Auction: Kevin VonTungeln 661-948-8411 Golf: Donny Carder 661-810-9270 Lobster Dinner: Mark Hemstreet 805-402-6890 Paul Harris Foundation: Dave Potter 661-942-2915 Public Relations: Regina Lawrence 661-886-0122 Select Few: John Currado 661-945-2696 Programs: George Lawrence 661-310-529-6812 Lew Stults 661-802-8382 Student of the Month: Gary Cothran 661-722-2542 Larry Lake All Star Game: G. Simi 661-816-3600 Bulletin/ Historian/Social Media: Dudley Jennings

participated in for many years. This event encourages reading to children and fit perfect with our RI Literacy Month. On March 4th, John Currado, Dick Spann, G Simi, Rhonda Camacho and Gus Camacho spend 30 minutes reading to students at West Wind Elementary. I believe Janine Simi did not want to embarrass our club and made sure all books supplied were for 1st grade and under. (John Currado had a hard time picking a book he could read, must be a USC thing LOL). Motivational Speaker Jerry Traylor was back again! LWR has sponsored Jerry Traylor as a speaker for the past five years. This time he spoke at RYLA, Hill View Middle School and Lancaster High School. Jay Duke and Becky Smith helped coordinate this project and spend several hours making sure it was a success. At our last luncheon, both Becky and Jay read several emails from students that had expressed how listening to Jerry has dramatically changed their lives.

Emergency Preparedness has been a top priority for our club. On Monday March 7th, in just one days notice, Disaster Relief Coordinator Tim Fuller was able to coordinate 10 Rotarians and family to help assemble CERT backpacks. The CERT program is a joint effort between the Fire Department and Sheriff Department to help train individuals in basic emergency preparedness. Over 1,000 back packs were put together in just under 3 hours. These backpacks will be given to all individuals that take a CERT class. The backpacks include safety supplies, flash light, gloves, green CERT helmet, flare, mask and safety vest. Special thanks to Tim Fuller, Brian Marquez, Ray Kaecker, Mark Hemstreet, Mark’s son Kevin, Steve Gocke, G and Janine Simi, Susan Champion, Donna Termeer, Pat Rossall and Gus Camacho. This year, LWR donated $4000 to CERT. A portion of these funds were used to help pay for these backpacks. Last week, Steve Gocke, Cecil Swetland, George Andrews and Gus Camacho screened applicants for the Burt Dike Scholarship Award. This is one of over 12 scholarships that will be given our on our behalf at Antelope Valley College. $6000 will be awarded this year by our foundation. Screening will continue next week. Please contact George Andrews to participate. On Thursday March 10th I was honored to receive an award on behalf of our club from the YMCA. LWR has been a major supporter of the YMCA and this year we donated $5000 to the

3 661-478-0657 RYLA: Jay Duke 661-609-7836 Rotaract: John Currado 661-945-2696 Interact: Becky Smith 661-810-3627 District Website

www.rotary5260.org

R.I. Website www.rotary.org LWR Website Via District Website

YMCA that was used to purchase equipment for their Fit for the Future Program. Childhood obesity is a major problem in the Antelope Valley and the YMCA has come up with a fun way to make children exercise and eat healthy. A video was showing during the event highlighting the success of this program. Congratulations to Donna Termeer for throwing a great event and helping keep children fit!

Auction, Auction, Auction! DO I NEED TO SAY MORE? Please sell those tickets. The auction is Saturday March 26th and Kevin VonTungeln has done an outstanding job putting together a great event. This is our biggest fundraiser of the year and keeps us from having to go door to door selling candy bars. The last thing we want to see is Howard Harris, Lew Stults and Marvin Crist knocking on your door trying to sell you a candy bar. We have over 50 great live auction items and hundreds of silent items. The theme is western so throw on your old boots and get ready for a heck of a good time!

Last week Dennis Anderson, editor of the AV Press gave us touching examples of the courage and patriotism found in our troops. Dennis has a son that is a Marine stationed in Afghanistan and he has traveled as a reporter throughout the middle east. Over 5,000 soldiers had been killed and 40,000 wounded. Of the wounded, an alarming 50% have traumatic brain injury. Dennis comments show the importance of supporting programs that provide post dramatic stress disorder treatment. Special thanks to Dennis Anderson for talking time to address our club.

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Our speaker at this week’s luncheon was Eli Gauna, past District Governor and current District Membership Chair who touched all our hearts when he told us the story of the “ugly kid”. Has your heart been touched by Rotary? This is what makes the difference between being a member of a Rotary Club and being a Rotarian. Join a committee, get involved, and be a true Rotarian.

Next week Kevin VonTungeln will be running the luncheon so be nice to him We have a great program and will be honoring the LA County Fire Department. Hasta Luego, El Presidente Gus Camacho

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Celeste Ekley , Born in Dayton Ohio, on June 17th. She has lived in the Antelope Valley for 25 years California for 42. Celeste has been a Rotarian since 2001. Celeste currently workings as a Manger at Dillard's Department Store for the

last 12 years.

Favorite; Vacations: Europe Color: Blue

Favorite Movie? When Harry Met Sally Food: Tacos What motivates you on a daily basis? Overcoming Challenges

What are you most passionate about? People What do you expect from Rotary International? Commitment to communities.

Why did you become a Rotarian? Because all I care about is giving for and caring about people with needs and who have good hearts. What are your interests or hobbies? Cooking Why would you recommend the Lancaster West Rotary Club to prospective new members? Because we’re a good bunch of people who do great things, both as a collective and individually. What is the key to success in business? Commitment, excellent customer service, and perseverance.

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Auction Highlights

The Annual Lancaster West Rotary Auction benefits lots of local charities. It offers many one of a kind opportunities like unique and exclusive trips and experiences like A one of a kind flight with the designer, Dick Rutan, as your pilot - Only available at the Lancaster West Rotary Auction March 26, 2011. The Rutan Model 61 Long-EZ is a homebuilt aircraft with a canard layout designed by Burt Rutan's Rutan Aircraft Factory. It is derived from the VariEze, which was first offered to homebuilders in 1976. The prototype of the Long-EZ first flew on June 12, 1979. Changes from the VariEze include a larger main wing with modified Eppler 1230 airfoil and less sweep, larger strakes containing more fuel and baggage storage, slightly wider cabin, and the ability to use a Lycoming 108hp engine with no nose ballast. Plans were offered from 1980-85. As of late 2005, approximately 700 Long EZ's are FAA registered in the USA. The aircraft is designed for fuel-efficient long-range flight and can fly for over ten hours and up to 2,500 kilometers on 200 liters of fuel. Equipped with a rear-seat fuel tank, a Long-EZ has flown for 7,700 kilometers http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rutan_Long-EZ

unique and exclusive

7 Helicopter Tour we give you the opportunity to enjoy beautiful Southern California like never before. We offer a variety of exciting scenic helicopter tours that will give you the thrill of a lifetime. Why settle for a crowded bus tour of L.A. only to see the front gates of celebrity homes and obstructed views of L.A.’s breathtaking scenery. A helicopter tour is a great way to see the sights of L.A. not commonly viewed by the public. Relax and enjoy the view while you ride in style inside of our comfortable air-conditioned helicopters.

8 Villa del Palmar

Package

The natural beauty and charisma of Los Cabos meets luxury accommodations and world-class amenities at this fine beachfront resort. Set right on a pristine beach just five minutes from downtown Cabo San Lucas, Villa del Palmar offers the perfect blend of location, intimacy, relaxation, and recreational activities. You’ll find plenty of ways to enjoy yourself here, from the sparkling beachfront pools and whale slide to the European-style spa and fitness club.

Villa del Palmar is full service and more: there’s a full spa, fitness clubs, two restaurants, art galleries and jewelry shops, a pharmacy, a market—even scooter rentals and horseback riding! There’s so much to see and do that you might not even leave the resort.

From the moment you enter the nine-story atrium lobby with its dramatic waterfalls, saltwater aquarium, and seashell chandeliers, you’ll realize you have made an excellent choice for your stay in Cabo San Lucas.

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Monarch Beach is the Newport Beach of Dana Point. This where you will find

numerous gated communities with polished streets and very expensive real

estate. It's home to some of the most exclusive neighborhoods in all of South

Orange County and is no wonder that the Ritz Carlton and St. Regis hotel call

Monarch Beach home.

Auction Highlights

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Typical Silent Auction items

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Congratulations to Steve Gocke for being the February Rotarian of the Month. Steve has done an excellent job putting together great luncheon speakers. He was also instrumental in creating the "Race of Polio" event and helping Howard put on the Ron Conway Chili Contest and Playoff Party. Steve has been in our club since 1988 and is a Past President.

Announcements Ink Cartridges Don’t forget to bring your used ink cartridges to our weekly meetings. The cartridges are being collected by Herb Bartelt and are used to raise funds to support the Learning for Everyone project which we are sponsoring this year.

Children’s Books

Please search your homes for children’s books that can be added to our club’s donation of books for the Miller Elementary School in Lancaster. Any age appropriate hardbound or softback books are acceptable if they are in good condition. These books will be used for children from pre-school through fifth grade, thus can include very simple books through research books. Additionally, the books may be in any language. Proposed Members

Questions regarding a newly proposed applicant? Call Sandy Smith, 661-400-0342.

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Weekly Scheduled Programs and Speakers

March 21st: We have a great program and will be honoring the LA County Fire Department.

Calendar of Events

Special Events Committee and Board Meetings (subject to change)

Disaster Preparedness Committee Meeting 1st Thursday of each month at Birdie’s Restaurant at 7:30 am Tim Fuller Chairman Youth, Community & Vocational Committees 2nd Thursday of each month at Camille’s Sidewalk Café Lancaster at 12:30 pm Mark Davey Youth Chairman Michael Giovannini Community Chairman Connie Williams Vocational Chairwoman Club Service Committee Meeting 2nd Friday each Month Maxton's Ave I at 4pm. Howard Harris Chairman International Service Committee Meeting Camille's 15th Street West Lancaster Diane Grooms Chairwoman Membership Committee Meeting 3rd Tuesday of each month at Rustin House at 12:00 noon Sandy Smith Chairwoman Board Meeting 3rd Thursday of each month at Crazy Otto’s – Avenue I in Lancaster at 7:30 am Gus Camacho President

“Select Few” – Softball Please contact Coach Currado for lineup changes, stats and wind conditions. Antelope Valley Rotary Clubs Meeting Information AV Sunrise: Thursday mornings 7:15 am Tuesday at IHOP in Palmdale Rosamond: Thursdays 11:45 am Coaches Sports Bar & Grill, 4417 Rosamond Blvd., Rosamond

13 Lancaster Sunrise: Tuesdays, 7 am Thursdays at Camille's in Lancaster Palmdale: Wednesdays: 6:30 pm Sizzler Restaurant, 853 W. Palmdale Blvd. Lancaster: Thursdays , 7 pm Medrano’s, 44276 10th Street West, Lancaster

LANCASTER WEST ROTARY DIRECTORS AND COMMITTEE CHAIRS Position 2011-2012 President Kevin Von Tungeln Vice President

Herb Bartelt

Immediate Past President

Gustavo Camacho

President Elect and Charity Auction Chair

Regina Rossall

Treasurer Stan Ulvin/Randy Checowski Secretary Bob Munden Sargeant At Arms

Only the Shadow Knows

Community Service

Jane Frye

Youth Service

Regina Rossall

Vocational Services

Connie Williams

Club Service Bill Powell International Service

Ray Kaecker

Membership Committee Chair

Dean Fourr

Rotary Foundation / Director at Large

David Potter

Public Relations

Donna Termeer

Director at Large

Matthew Buchanan

Director at Large, Rotaract Coordinator

John Currado

Director at Marvin Crist

14 Large Director at Large

Anne Aldrich

Director at Large and Meeting Program Chair

Mark Davey

Disaster Preparedness Chair

Tim Fuller

Bulletin Editor and Webmaster

Dudley Jennings

RYLA Coordinator

David Howard

Student of the Month Chair

Gary Cothran

Lobster Dinner Chair

Mark Hemstreet

Director at Large Larry Lake All-star Game

Giovanni Simi

Interact Becky Smith Golf Tournament

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