Rotary Club of Monterey Pacific Makes It Official
By Sarah Witkin, Secretary, Rotary Club of Monterey Pacific

On Thursday, January 27th, 2005, the Rotary Club of Monterey Pacific celebrated their official charter along with more than 100 of their closest Rotarian friends with a reception and dinner at the Embassy Suites in Seaside. The night featured Past Rotary International President M.A.T. Caparas as the keynote speaker, District Governor Gloria Clinton, District Extension Chair Sam Lucido as Master of Ceremonies, Past District Governor Rod Belton, Past District Governor Mary Margaret Fleming, and Past President Rabbi Bruce Greenbaum serving as the Club Advisor. Also adding to the night’s events was the Center for Cryptology Detachment Color Guard from the Presidio of Monterey who presented our nation’s colors and the Club’s very own Nicole DiFranco who sang the National Anthem. The reception and dinner entertainment was provided by the Monterey High School Jazz Quartet.

Charter members include: Matt Andrus, President Ann Appel, Dennis Appel, Ben Beesley, Jim Bennett, Steve Blum, Geoff Cook, Belinda Daguio, Nicole DiFranco, Gene Glaser, Mary Harmston, Patrick Hooker, John Mims, Susan Osorio, Tamara Rebelo, Nora Walsh, Bob White, President-Elect Sandy Whittle and Sarah Witkin.

Monterey Pacific was established by District 5230 Rotarians Mary Margaret Fleming, Hiroshi Wada, Gary Luce and the Carmel Valley Rotary Club. Chartering a club presented many hurdles and road bumps, but the charter members of the Rotary Club of Monterey Pacific and its mentors have built a strong foundation, enabling the Club to put “Service above Self.” The Rotary Club of Monterey Pacific truly appreciates all the support that was offered leading up to and at the event and thanks those who made the trip to share in their special night.

Although they are the newest Rotary club on the Monterey Peninsula, the Rotary Club of Monterey Pacific has already made a mark on their community. A few of the organizations the Club has worked with include the Lyceum of Monterey County, the Foundation for Monterey County Free Libraries, the Soledad Prison Libraries, the Colton Hall decorating committee, “Christmas at the Adobes” and Project Linus.

For more information about the Rotary Club of Monterey Pacific please call Sarah Witkin at (831) 372-2259.