On Thursday, March 15, 2012, the Culver City Rotary Club went “over the rainbow” and ended up on the Yellow Brick Road, which led right into the Culver City Senior Center. There was Dorothy (Debbie Jones). However, she left Toto, her dog, at home. Carmela Raack was the Wicked Witch of the East, a role she played with relish. Tin Man (Keith Jones) kept clanking all night. The cowardly lion was too scared to show up, but he sent a pinch hitter in his place, Tin Woman disguised as Linda Black. John and Joie Cluff were the macro Munchkins. Tim Messmer was either from the “Men in Black” or from “The Godfather”. It was difficult to tell which one. Clint Ehlers, Fast Signs, shocked most people because he wore a suit.
Culver City Rotary honored outstanding Community Heroes for 2012 Jerry Chabola recently retired as teacher and Athletic Director at Culver City High School and Business Hero Santa Maria BBQ owner Jim Rodriquez for years of community support. Each were given a special “Yellow Brick” in recognition of their years of service.
Councilman and Rotarian Andy Weissman was the Master of Ceremonies for the evening. Mayor Mehaul O’Leary gave a brief history of the battle near Baltimore, during the war of 1812, and why our flag was still there. Then, came a delightful surprise, he sang the national anthem! Mr. Mayor, all you have to do is literally walk across the street from city hall to Sony and begin your singing career.
Of the 175 or so people who attended, there were numerous dignitaries. Rotary District 5280 Governor Brad Robinson and his wife, Catherine had a good time. Past District Governor, Pat Cashin, was wearing his green shirt in anticipation of St. Patrick’s Day. In addition to City Councilman, the event was attended by Culver City Parks and Recreation Direction Daniel Hernandez and Teen Center Coordinator Arames White.
Delicious food samplings were enjoyed from supportive restaurants and hotels in Culver City – Cantalini’s, Daphne’s Greek, French Bistro, Joxer Daly’s Irish Pub, Meet-French Bistro, Mykonos Greek Grill, Rocco’s Tavern, Tender Greens, Santa Maria BBQ, Sorrento Italian Market, Tub’s Fine Chili and the Historic Culver City Hotel. “When you are at these restaurants, thank them for their community support,” states Rotary President Ann Murakami. “They made our event a success.”
The Culver City Historical Society loaned three large photos to the Rotary Club that showed when Culver City had floats with movie themes in the Rose Bowl parade. To help with the décor they also provided their wonderful umbrellas and throws that are covered with pictures of Historic Culver City.
The food basket centerpieces decorating the tables were donated to the Culver City food bank, S.A.V.E.S, St. Augustine Volunteer Emergency Services.
Unfortunately, Father Gregory Boyle from Homeboys Industries could not attend the event. However, he sent Vance Webster, who is the one of the directors. Vance told us how he became involved. His mother had to make a choice: her boyfriend or her son. At the age of 12, Vance found himself on the streets. As he was growing up, he suffered one tragedy after another, including being shot six times. After spending many years in prison, his sister called him the day before his parole, and informed Vance that their mother had died. Taken under the guidance of Father Greg, Vance overcame many obstacles, finally ending up in a position of responsibility. You could have heard a pin drop.
Funds raised by the event will benefit the Culver City Teen Center and the Culver City Rotary Community Foundation for scholarships and community programs.
“Yellow Brick” Plaques for $100 will be mounted on a brick wall at the Teen Center. Culver City Rotary is adopting the Computer Room at the center to provide and replace much needed computers and equipment. To sponsor “Yellow Brick,” contact Co-Chair Linda Black, lgblack@verizon.net, 310-804-6432 or Co-chair Carmela Raack, carmraack@aol.com, 310-641-0142.
