North by Northwest – Have you read the latest edition of the Rotary magazine? As a Rotarian, we automatically receive the digital or print version. This year, I haven’t had a chance to read many Rotary magazines (too much going on) but this one piqued my interest; the title tugged at me as it reminded me of my favorite Alfred Hitchcock movie of the same name. I soon learned the title of the magazine had no relation to the movie, rather about a three-day drive from Chicago to Wisconsin into the heart of Rotary. I enjoyed the article “A Smart Start” about an early childhood education program in South Africa. It reminded me of the work of the late PDG Lee Mothershead from San Marino. He was an educator who cared about helping children get the resources they need.
The essay “The Survival Guide” talks about how Rotary became the support network for a woman who had experienced abuse and it made me think of our own Mental Health & Wellness committee under the direction of Rudy Hayek and Sheila Gutierrez working hard to explore ways we can support our community of Rotarians. I learned about the good work Rotarians are doing to protect our environment. Do you know that we now have an Environment Committee under the direction of Rick Gomez from Rancho Cucamonga? Join our next Environment committee meeting on the second Friday of the month from 1 -2 pm on zoom.
I learned more about Sibongile Miambo’s path to Rotary as one of RI’s ambassadors. She came to a project that our East LA club held in November. And the article North by Northwest explores water, sanitation, and health projects from Chicago to Wisconsin – take a look, you might come away with a similar story in your town and it might inspire a project your town needs. The RI theme for the month of March is Water, Sanitation & Hygiene (WASH). Share your local or international projects that have to do with providing clean water, sanitation and hygiene – often we take these things granted in first world countries, we know that many third world countries need our support through Rotary global grants. Did you know that our International Services committee has chairs for the seven areas of focus and if your club has an international partner you want to serve in an areas of focus you can reach out to them and start the grant process. Under the direction of John Tulac, the international committee meets the third Monday of the month at 7 pm on zoom.
You may have seen my excitement in the creation of a new Rotary Club, making it our 54th club in our district – the Rotary Club of Greater El Monte, also known as (G.E.M.). I want to thank Gino Reyes, new District Membership Chair and our Club Builder who was instrumental in helping Charter President Cindy Wu get the club from idea to fruition. G.E.M. chartered with 60 members on Lunar New Year Day, February 17. Thank you to the 14 clubs who supported the club financially with its start-up costs. Thank you to the Rotarians who joined us at this very festive charter party. Welcome G.E.M. Rotary club to the Rotary family. Many of you heard me say it at the Charter party, we will end this year with three new clubs. Work is underway for a club in Inspirada, Nevada. I have received word from the Walnut Valley & Industry Hills Rotary clubs about a collaboration to form a community-based Rotaract club among them. The Claremont Rotary club is also working on a college-based Rotaract club. If you are contemplating starting a Rotaract club, please reach out to the Membership Committee; we have resources to share. Better yet, come join us on March 7 at 9 am for our Membership Committee’s Build an Army for $8/year zoom.