The U.S. Coast Guard paid a visit to the Irvine Spectrum Rotary Club to inform the members and guests about the potential for terrorism, specifically to the Los Angeles and San Pedro ports. Coast Guard officer, Commander Matlin and Auxiliary Coast Guard member, Captain Jacobs (also the former president of the Whittier Rotary Club) spoke about the importance of civilian vigilance in keeping an eye on the 95,000 miles of shoreline, 300 thousand square miles of waterway, 6,000 bridges and 361 ports of call in the United States.

Captain Jacobs shared the need for everyone out on the water to work as partners in fighting terrorism via small crafts and boats. Captain Jacobs also displayed the primary goals of terrorism: to weaken and disrupt daily life and cause a nation to live in fear. He also stated that since 9/11 many Americans have lived with their heads in the sand, refusing to recognize the threat of terrorism.

America shares three international borders with Canada, Mexico and Russia (via Alaska), making the U.S. a target for small vessels, which provide access to IEDs, weapons of mass destruction, small arms, biological and nuclear weapons. Jacobs stated, “We need to develop the Israeli / British mind-set toward terrorism – it is part of our life.” In addition, the U.S. needs to develop a fast recovery that defeats the terrorist objectives, as terrorists gain power by disrupting our way of life. As we found out this past weekend, there are individuals here who wish to do Americans harm.

“Trust your gut,” says Jacobs. After viewing a short movie and message from the Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard, Jacobs gave the Club the following number to call if anyone sees suspicious activity in the water: 877-24WATCH. However, if you see something very concerning, call 911. For more information on how you can be a partner with the U.S. Coast Guard go to: http://www.uscg.mil/top/missions/M_Security.asp

by Ray Sanford


Ray Benedicktus, Lisa Grajewski and Randy Woods receive their blue badges from Toni and Mody.

Three club members received their blue badges during our club's offsite visit to Fairhaven Memorial hosted by club member Marla Noel.

We all got a tour of both the public and private areas to see just what goes on "behind the scenes." Even though they are busy, they made sure our members didn't see actual cases. [whew!]

What a lot of members didn't know is the huge amount of talented people with very specialized knowledge it takes to run an organization of this size. Fairhaven employes almost 90 full time staff. Their counselors are trained in both the religious and cultural aspects involved in the loss of a loved one and how to honor their life.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of Working Wardrobes. Founded by Jerri Rosen Working Wardrobes provides assistance to men and women in difficult situations who benefit from receiving help in preparing for interviews and new jobs. Several organizations throughout Orange County work as a referral source for the organization.

Entering the program, Working Wardrobe clients receive a six-week course, that provides insight into the interview process and preparation for new employment. In addition, clients receive three outfits, personal grooming tips and a “new look.” As of this 20th anniversary, Working Wardrobes has transformed over 50,000 lives.

In addition to providing training and resources Working Wardrobes has three thrift shops in Brea, Laguna Niguel, and Tustin. All of these shops, along with community donations, benefit the organization. The shops take in clothing that is not necessarily appropriate for job interviews. Ninety percent of proceeds from the shops go to funding Working Wardrobes.

Another source of income is “Ladies Night Out.” These nights can be arranged with The Hanger shops and are a great way to get together with friends and raise money for Working Wardrobes at the same time!

If you would like to donate your gently worn clothing to Working Wardrobes, bring it to Rotary club meetings and let Al know!

by Ray Sanford



Our club celebrated it's 11th international dental clinic this weekend by helping the children of Escuela Primaria "La Esperanza" in a remote section of Ensenada. This very poor neighborhood is comprised mostly of immigrants from the southern regions of Mexico and Central America who have moved north looking for work.



Each clinic is at a different school and is picked by the Ensenada Calafia Rotary Club in conjunction with the Ensenada Department of Education to pick the school most in need. This clinic was attended by almost 50 children, each sporting a Rotary sticker. Altogether, over $36,000 of free dental services was delivered in one long day.



The clinic also marked Dr. Tozzer's and Dental Care for Children's 90th clinic in Baja California over the last 18 years. In a ceremony during the clinic, dignitaries from Ensenada and Baja California arrived to present him with a plaque noting his continued giving to the citizens of Ensenada. To date, the amount of free dental services the organization has provided to the Ensenada region tops $2.5 million.

Notable were the volunteers from around the world. Besides dentists and specialists from Southern California, others came from Peru, Brazil, India, Lebanon, Egypt and Armenia. Joining them were more students from the USC Dental School and a visiting Rotarian from London, England.

While our club members have helped by painting, building and furnishing school supplies in the past, this clinic marked a transition to having most of the work done by the children and families who were receiving treatment. This way, the clinic isn't a "hand-out" as each person gives back something to support the school. Entire families, as well as club members from both Irvine Spectrum and Ensenada Calafia clubs pitched in to plant trees and do much needed repainting.

Saturday evening, while the USC students were busy visiting the attractions in downtown Ensenada, the Rotarians were treated to a fabulous dinner at the home of Fabiola and Miguel Valdez. Fabiola is an Ensenada dentist and a member of the Ensenada Calafia Rotary club.

More photos

The Irvine Spectrum Rotary recently gave a gift to a local food pantry that brought their years' giving to five thousand dollars! "The club has not only generously given of their dollars" said Ed Ewart, Executive Director of South County Outreach, "the members have been on site all year round handing out turkeys at the holidays, donating back-packs for low-income children and even mopping the pantry floors and painting donation barrels."

$1,500 of the grant was funded by the Rotary District 5320 matching grant foundation chaired by Grant Eagle. This district grant was applied for by Steve Zivolich, the community services donation chair of the Irvine Spectrum Rotary Club Board of Directors. The remainder of the $5,000 donation was made up of donations and fund raising efforts of the Irvine Spectrum Rotary Club membership. In addition to the financial donation, several Rotary members volunteer their time at the South County Outreach food bank including Peggy Slater who also serves on the South County Outreach Board of Directors.

"This is the kind of community partnership that makes a difference in the lives of people" said Ewart. Through the Rotarians generosity, and that of other donors South County Outreach was able to provide 63,714 services to individuals in need last year. Emergency services include groceries and financial assistance but more importantly the agency attempts to provide tools that help people help themselves. Those tools include a Computer Learning Center. where people receive free job skill training and the opportunity to develop a Self Sufficiency Action Plan that helps people take charge of their financial future.

"I want to express our deepest appreciation to the volunteers and donors of the Irvine Spectrum Rotary and Rotary International for their incredible generosity and for giving a "hand up" to people in need with their "hands on" service", said Ed Ewart.