It was another beautiful day in Palos Verdes and many of our fellow Rotarians attended the luncheon and shared in our normal Friday comradery. We were greeted as we entered by our unsung heroes at the door…our Sergeant at Arms, Henry Ott and his apprentice Les the Fisherman.

Our own esteemed President Lynne Neuman rang the bell at 12:19 (yes Allen, she was late) and welcomed the gathering. Bruce Attig gave a particular meaningful invocation in these turbulent times we live in. Ms. Judy Maruszko led us in the Flag Salute and Julia Parton led us in singing God Bless America. 

Geoff Nadler introduced AJ who introduced the only guest, Patti, his bride of 38 years. Lynne and John (the tickler of the ivories) then led us in singing the Anniversary song to Patti and AJ who’s actual anniversary is today. Congratulations to the wonderful couple. Mark Mazerov led us in the welcome song.

Special Announcements

1. Lynne announced that Wednesday Nite Live will be held on Thursday night August 24 at the Strand Brewery located at 2201 Dominguez, Torrance. It will be a joint meeting with the other Clubs involved in the Beer & Wine Festival.
2. The District Picnic will be held on Saturday August 26. Cost is $10 per person.
3. Liz Fitzgerald passed the Rotary in the Home signup sheets for those interested in participating in this wonderful event. We encourage all new Rotarians to sign up and get to know your fellow members…..
4. And Harry Kitter thanked all those who have signed up as sponsors of the Educator of The Year Dinner and encouraged those who haven’t to do so…..
5. WOW…winners of the wine  were Greg O’Brien and John Cameron

And now, why the Club is going to the dogs….well actually we were educated on several wonderful services being provided at LAX- the VIP Program and the PUP Program.

Heidi Huebner, an employee of the Department of Airports for LA oversees both programs.

VIP is the program that staffs the old Travelers Aid desks at the airport with volunteers 

who assist travelers in need ( where do I catch the shuttle or bus to Palos Verdes or are there hotels nearby). PUPs is Pets Unstressing Passengers. Perhaps you’ve seen dogs and their handlers in the terminals providing care to those passengers stressed out by the airport, TSA, or even baggage handlers. Heidi oversees this program and the 67 dogs/handlers in all the terminals at LAX: her goal is to have over 200 dogs in the near future. The program will celebrate its 5^th birthday next year and is proving most successful. Our thanks to Heidi and the PUPs for helping our community.