From President Tony to participating Rotarians: Thank you for organizing us, Gary! Lots of fun and plenty of fans at Bluesa supporting parking on Friday afternoon/evening and the South Bar inside the venue on Sunday. Thank you, Gary, Caroline, Joanne, Lois, Sheryl and me with Joanne’s friend Gardiner Miller (Executive Director of the Mammoth Hospital Foundation) in the parking lot and Mike, Peggy, Luan, Sheryl, Gary, Mo, Joanne and me and 2 Joanne recruits Vicki Nevardi and Debbie Hill. We expect a healthy donation for our projects from the event.
Interact members were all smiles as they welcomed the incoming Class of 2027 during Mammoth High School's New Student Pancake Breakfast on June 6th. Incoming 9th graders signed up to participate in the many service projects, leadership and social activities Interact offers its members. The Interact Club at Mammoth High School is mentored by the Rotary Club of Mammoth Lakes and welcomes members ages 12 to 18 to develop leadership skills while discovering the power of Service Above Self. Pictured in the bottom row are Elle Brode, Lyra Manning, and Addie Koenig. In the top row are Sophia Geffry, Kaylin Spieler, and Bella Hodges
INTERACT STUDENTS REACH OUT TO INCOMING FRESHMAN AT MAMMOTH HIGH SCHOOL
On February 16, 2023, new books for Mammoth Lakes schools were donated to the Mammoth High School Librarian Dana Ellis. These books were funded by the Rotary District Grant Service Project - Books for Our Schools, a project created by club member Peggy Armenta. Helping her place bookplates that recognize the book as a gift of the Rotary Club of Mammoth Lakes, and pictured above, were Lois Klein, Luan Mendel, Sheryl Saari, Kathy Copeland and Dana Ellis.
On Friday, January 27th, at St. Joseph’s Church, Mammoth Lakes Rotary Club assisted IMACA (Inyo Mono Advocates for Community Action) in the monthly distribution of food to those in need in Mammoth Lakes. Helping out are Sandra Moberly , Caroline Britton, Tony Taylor, and Lois Klein.
One of Rotary International's areas of focus is Protecting the Environment. In that spirit, the Rotary Club of Mammoth Lakes has chosen to sponsor a tube that allows fishermen to dispose of used fishing line in an environmentally friendly way. We adopted this Tube that's located near the dock of Pokonobe Lodge on Lake Mary in the Mammoth Lakes Basin. Pictured are Rotarians Jim Clark, Luan Mendel, Sheryl Saari, Gary Sill, and Dennis Brown
Recently, our Club awarded the 2022 Bea Tomko Memorial Scholarship of $1,000 to Laurel Wight, President of the Interact Club and Anya Maynard, Secretary, split $500 each. They worked hard keeping the Club together during the past two years and helped to accomplish many great projects. The Scholarship comes from Bea Tomko, wife of our Club founder, Bob Tomko.
Pictured are Laurel Wight, Ben Knight, Joanne Hunt, Anya Maynard and Mia Karch
Thank you to the many folks who came out for Highway Cleanup effort on Highway 203! We had Tony and Sherryl, Sheryl and Gary, Caroline, Peggy, Lois, and Kathy! Many bags of trash were picked up! Rotary Club of Mammoth Lakes makes a difference for our community!
Gloria Solorio, the 2018 recipient of our College Completion Scholarship, graduated from UC Davis with honors on June 12. We are so proud of all she's achieved. Pictured with Gloria are Luan Mendel, past President and Lois Klein, current President.
Before stepping down as Club President, Luan Mendel accepted two awards from Jeff Gabriel, Assistant Governor, District 5160. The first was the Governor's Citation for Extraordinary Achievement 2019-2020 for MEMBERSHIP GROWTH, and the second was a Club Award 2020-2021 for FOUNDATION ANNUAL FUND PER CAPITA, THIRD PLACE.
On June 10th, the Club's Senior Awards were given to Mammoth High School graduates. The Bea Tomko Memorial Scholarship was awarded to Interact President, Emma Dardenne-Ankringa. Thanks to Joanne and Caitlyn for their work with the Interact Club and for presenting the award.
A good time was had by all at the Demotion Party yesterday evening.
We thanked past president Luan Mendel for her leadership in 2020-2021 and the Presidential team that led the Club in 2019-2020, Rich Boccia, Byng and Joanne Hunt, Luan and Sheryl Saari.
On Saturday, January 16th, the Interact Club held a trash pickup. Four club members and two advisors attended and we were able to serve our community in a safe, socially distanced manner. Although it is unfortunate that we could see the ground this time of year, we were able to cover the area between the library and the 203. Overall, it was a successful afternoon as we were able to collect several full bags of trash collectively. Thank to our advisors Joanne Hunt, Caitlin Crunk, and Maureen Fakinos for helping us organize this event.
Picture from left to right: Lizetta Dardenne-Ankringa, Emma Dardenne-Ankringa, Anya Maynard, Ben Knight, Joanne Hunt Not pictured: Caitlin Crunk
The Mammoth Lakes Interact Club does a trash pick up at the Lakes Basin and the trails between the Mammoth Lakes Library and the Easter Sierra Community College..
Gary Sill is putting up our Rotary Easy-up to provide shade for customers of Roberto's Cafe who must eat outdoors due to current California state and Mono County restrctions of the COVID-19 pandemic.
With the ongoing complications of holding face-to-face meetings that our club normally does, we have started using a videoconferencing tool called Zoom. Zoom is a web-based video conferencing tool with a local, desktop client and a mobile app that allows users to meet online, with or without video. With it, we can choose to record sessions, collaborate on projects, and share or annotate on one another's screens, all with one easy-to-use platform. We have been using Zoom for our board meetings and regular by-weekly meetings and it appears to be working out well.
Members will receive an email notice from Byng or Joanne with instructions on how to join the next meeting. Stay tuned.
Mammoth Lakes Rotary stepped up to make Easter special for many needed families. Since the Covid-19 caused major layoffs at our restaurants we reached out to five restaurants in Mammoth. We asked them to identify children in need that we could make them Easter Baskets filled with goodies, candies, etc. The club members were broken into 5 teams and each restaurant had 2 families. Our local brewery gave hand sanitizer that they made instead of bourbon. We had hand made cloth masks available to the restaurants that were doing take out orders. This was an all club member participation activity. Two of our captains were new members and were excited to make this happen.
The 11th Annual RotaryTexas Hold'Em Poker Tournament has been postponed due to health concerns related to the coronavirus. It will be rescheduled at an appropriate time.
District Governors Van Tassell and Gabriel helped us welcome 3 new members to the club. From left to right are Caitlin Crunk, sponsor Talene Shabanian, Stacy Comfort, sponsor Joanne Hunt and Maureene Fakinos.
Talene Shabanian, Community Services Director, is being given The Quiet Rotarian Award by Randy Van Tassell, District Governor 2019-2020, Rotary International District 5190 and Jeff Gabriel, Assistant Governor.
President Rich Boccia said during the presentation "Talene started working at Mammoth Hospital in Human Resources and the leadership team quickly realized that Talene has much more to offer the health care district and appointed her as the Foundation Manager two years ago. Her colleagues and the folks at the Auxiliary believe that she is the perfect fit for the position.Talene is a quiet leader and knows when to step up and take charge and for that Talene, we would like to recognize you with our Quiet Rotarian Award".
Robert Sharp received The Making a Difference Award from Messrs. Van Tassell and Gabriel. Rich noted "Robert is the Vice-President of the Eastern Sierra Community Bank and travels between three offices in the Eastern Sierra in his all road vehicle with his best friend Walter. His background in finance has made him a tremendous asset to our Club and Board of Directors. We all appreciate Robert for who he is and what he does for us – thank you Robert".
Interact students Emma and Lizetta Ankringa brought Polio fundraising money to our Rotary Club to donate to Polio Plus. The students had a Polio Pig Bank to collect money over the year. Also present are President Rich Boccia and Youth Services Director Joanne Hunt.
Our Interact students were doing a team building event. Lower the hula hoop to the ground with 2 fingers from each student Great participation and building our team.
Rotary members of the afternoon shift at the last aid/refreshment station of Mammoth's Grand Fondo, a long distance bicycle ride, served up lots of goodies for the riders. Pictured are Dennis Brown, Talene Shabanian, Joanne & Bing Hunt. The first shift included Rotarians Jim Clark, Lois Klein and Luan Mendel.
Gloria Solorio is receiving her first college tuition payment of $10,000 from our club's Scholarship Program. She is a graduate of Eastern Sierra College Center in Mammoth Lakes and will be attending UC Davis majoring in Psychology. Presenting the check is President Sheryl Saari.
Please join us in celebrating the many accomplishments of our club in more than 30 years of service to Mammoth Lakes. All past, present, and potential Rotarians are welcome!
Rotarians Sheryl Saari Luan Mendel, Gary Sill and Jim Clark are hard at work collecting parking fees for the Bluesapalooza event from August 2nd to the 5th. This was a major fundraiser and the results were record setting. Kudos also to the team leader, Rich Boccia.
Rotarians Sheryl Saari, Jim Clark, Lois Klein, Gary Sims and Dennis Brown were primed and ready to hand out refreshments to the over 1,200 runners in the 2019 Mammoth Half Marathon. Runners started this stunningly picturesque race through Northern California’s High Sierras at roughly 9,000 feet above sea level, and followed a route that ran along a combination of trails and mountain roads — including stretches around lakes and across a bridge. This was the 6th annual running of the marathon.
Rotary members Jim Clark, Joanne Hunt, Bing Hunt and Luan Mendel support Mono County's Health and Safety Fair by cooking up some great free hot dogs and hamburgers for everyone. This event provides information about the community resources available about car seat installation training, bike rodeo, children’s bike helmets, children’s books, vision checks, face painting, music, and much more!
One of our auction items sold at the club's Gala Ball last October was the Children’s Fireman’s Birthday Party. The winner, Noah, and 7 friends enjoyed a tour of the fire station directed by Chief Frank. They had the opportunity to have a hands on experience of all the equipment and trucks. It was so fun to hear all the questions they had about the jobs of firefighters. Then they enjoyed pizza and cake in the kitchen and lounge area of the fire department.
Our Club took the lead with the Water Station at mile 38 for the East Velo Pamper Pedal event this past Saturday. We provided snacks to 80 plus riders with club member Byng Hunt playing host as the riders came through.
Mathew O'Conner, Executive Director of Wild Iris, was our guest speaker today. The organization has been serving the Eastern Sierra since 1981 and is dedicated to promoting a safer community by empowering and restoring the independence of those affected by domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse. Their vision is for non-violent relationships based on dignity, respect, compassion, and equality.
Tanya Bekandam, manager of the town's new Starbucks, spoke to us about her background and how she manages the new Starbucks and its involvement with the community.
The Rotary Club of Mammoth Lakes is hosting its 10th Annual No Limit Hold'em Poker Tournament on April 4th, 2019 at 6 p.m at LAKANUKI, in the Village.
$100.00 By-In = $6,000 in Chips
$50.00 Add-on = $6,000 in Chips
Re-Buys during play until the 4th Round: $25.00 = $2,000 in Chips
when your Chip count falls below $1,000
This charity event is for a worthwhile cause. Most of the proceeds raised is for our Mammoth High School Senior Scholarship Program, which provides FREE TUITION for the selected student who attends Cerro Coso College and attains an AA Degree and FREE TUITION for his/her Junior and Senior years at any University of California or any California State University or University of Nevada, Reno school.
Your participation is a true gift and the Tournament is a lot of fun. Good food and drinks
REGISTRATION INSTRUCTIONS
1. Registration at LAKANUKI starts at 5:00 pm on April 4th, 2019
2. To Register on-line and pay by credit card, please click here
or at the link in UpComing Events at top of the right hand column of this page.
3. To register over the phone, please call
Mike Bornfeld at 760-934-1688 or
Gary Sill at 661-478-3803
GREAT PRIZES FOR THE FINAL TABLE
SIERRA STAR GOLF 2019 PASS
MAMMOTH & JUNE MOUNTAIN 2019/2020 SEASON PASS
SNOWCREEK GOLF 2019 PASS
SNOWCREEK ATHLETIC CLUB 6 MONTH MENBERSHIP
WESTIN (1) NIGHT STAY & DINNER FOR (2) AT WHITE BARK
SIERRA NEVADA INN (1) NIGHT STAY & DINNER FOR (2) AT JIMMY'S
CONVICT LAKE RESORT (1) NIGHT STAY & $100.00 RESORT CERTIFICATE
ALPINHOF LODGE (1) NIGHT STAY, DINNER FOR (2) AT PETRA'S
BLUESAPALOOZA 2019 (2) VIP EARLY ENTRY PASSES
DINNER FOR (2) AT BRASSERIE & (2) GAMES OF BOWLING
Jeremy Goico, owner of Black Tie Ski Rental Delivery, made a very interesting presentation to our Club about his business and his management style to provide a high level of customer service to local and visiting skiers and boarders in Mammoth Lakes. Jeremy was also Past President of the Mammoth Lakes Chamber of Commerce.
The Master Craftsmen - First Lego League team, comprised of 4 students from Mammoth Unified School District, made a presentation to our Club about their development projects and their recent success in winning first place in a robot building & demonstration competition in Reno, NV. The team also showed us a demonstration of how their virtual reality tool could be used to assist astronauts to maintain physical and mental health while on board the International Space Station (ISS).
Above are Owen Call, Jude Howell, Jack Leonard and Wade Perry and the display they used in their winning presentation.
Our Rotary Club presented to the Master Craftsmen – First Lego League team a check for $1,000 to help them continue with their development programs and future field trips and competitions.
Presenting the check is President Luan Mendel together with coaches and mothers Drea Perry, Cara Leonard, and Elise Howell.
President Luan Mendel recently noted: "I believe I speak for all involved in saying the Diamond Masquerade Ball was a rousing success. The food and music were terrific, our celebration of Jack Copeland was a lovely moment for everyone present, and attendees successfully bid on an amazing assortment of silent and live auction items. Watching Chief Al Davis bump and grind as part of his sales pitch for "A Day at the Range with the Chief" was worth the price of a ticket all by itself. The event was also, of course, a fundraiser, and it appears from an early tally of income and expenses that we made in the neighborhood of $6,000. Many thanks to Rich Boccia and his committee that planned event, to those who helped with set up and clean up and the event itself, and to all who attended. Well done, Mammoth Lakes Rotarians!"
Below of the left is Robert Sharp, Vice President of Eastern Sierra Community Bank, presenting a donation check of $2,500 to the event and on the right is Jack Copeland receiving this year's Service Above Self Award from the Rotary Club of Mammoth Lakes.
Calvin Forsythe, 2016 recipient of our college completion scholarship, received his first check from club president Luan Mendel on July 19th. As required by the terms of the scholarship, Calvin successfully completed two years (and two A.A. degrees) at Cerro Coso Community College and was accepted as a transfer student at San Diego State University. The club will provide financial support for Calvin's junior and senior years, and we look forward to following his progress toward a four-year degree.
At the Mammoth High School awards breakfast on June 8, Rotary awarded its 2018 scholarship to Priscila Yanez, and our 2017 award recipient, Gloria Solorio, and President Rich Boccia are in the photo with her.
Rotary also presented two recipients of the 2018 Bea Tomko Memorial Scholarship, which is awarded to graduating Interact members. The recipients are Meaghan Thompson and Hope Reeves; Tanner Bissonette, also graduating, was Interact President for 2017-18, and Joanne Hunt and Robert Sharp, Interact coordinators are also in the photo.
On May 24, 2018, our club cleaned a 2 mile stretch of Highway 203 from just before the Chair 10 parking lot to the Mammoth Scenic Loop Turnoff as part of the Caltrans Adopt-A-Highway Program.
On April 30, 2018, our club sponsored a Candidate Forum for all people who are running for election for offices of Mono County Superintendent of Schools, Town of Mammoth Lakes Council Member and Mono County Supervisor - 1st & 5th Districts. The event was very well attended and was hosted by Rich Boccia, our President, who acted as moderator.
Each spring the Rotary Youth Instrumental Music Contest takes place around the world and right here in Mammoth Lakes. Our local contest was held on Thursday, March 8, and club members were treated to performances by four young musicians from Mammoth High School. Junior Guy La Borde placed first in the competition with an original composition on the guitar. Tyler Goodwin, also a junior, played the tenor sax and took second. Sophomore Barrett Mannetter claimed third place with his performance on the alto sax, and another sophomore Cardiff Smith, a trumpet player, took fourth place.
The young men were fortunate to have three local professional musicians judging their performances. We are grateful to Mike Dostrow, Joe Gray, and Chuck Scatolini for generously giving of their time and expertise to encourage and support budding musical talents here in our community. We are also indebted to MHS music teacher Michael Hammers (not pictured), who encourages jazz band members to enter the competition and allows us to use his music classroom for the event.
Also in attendance were Rotarians Sarah Carmichael, Dennis Brown, Luan Mendel (organizer of the event), and Jim & Shannon Clark.
The Rotary Club of Mammoth Lakes is now accepting applications for the 2018 Youth Instrumental Music Contest. The local contest is open to high school students (grades 9-12) or home-schooled students ages 14-18. Students may choose any musical selection and play it on the instrument of his or her choice. Our local contest will be held on Thursday, March 8, at 6:30 p.m. in the music room at Mammoth High School. Cash prizes are award for first, second, and third places, and the winner advances to the area and district level competitions. Contact Luan Mendel at lmendel@gmail.com for more information and entry forms.
At the 129th Annual Rose Parade, the Rotary float was awarded the Princess Award for the most outstanding floral presentation among entries 35 feet and under in length. Rotarians from District 5190, including Mammoth Lakes, participated in making the float and walking in the parade.
Judy Bornfeld, President of the Mammoth Hospital Auxiliary, presents a 2nd check to Rich Boccia for $8,000 to be distributed to other local Rotary clubs to give to victums of the various California wild fires. This money came from the 1 day sales of the Castoff thrift store and was more than matched by the Auxiliary. With Rich and Judy is Rich's wife, Diane. The presentation was made at the club's annual Christmas Party at Nevados Restaurant in Mammoth Lakes.
Rich Boccia accepts a check for $10,000 from Judy Bornfeld and Karen Curry of the Mammoth Hospital Auxiliary who donated the proceeds from their Hurricane Relief Fundraiser. This fundraiser was comprised of 2 days sales at the Castoff thrift store and the Auxiliary then matched those monies. The Auxiliary chose our Rotary club to forward these funds to the local Rotary clubs in Texas, Florida and Puerto Rico to distribute them to those people most in need who were devastated by the hurricanes.
District Governor Doug McDonald and his wife Karen on a hike with Byng & Joanne Hunt at Convict Lake.
Replies from Doug and Karen after the trip: Doug said "So enjoyed our time with you and the Club! Rotary with Altitude on the Edge of Greatness!" and Karen said "Thank you Rotary Club of Mammoth Lakes - it was wonderful to make new Rotary friendships! A great visit with you, looking forward to our paths crossing again."
Allison Robinson of Bishop Rotary, Hope Reeves, junior MHS and Luan Mendel, President Elect, Mammoth Noon Rotary. Congratulations to Hope who won the speaking contest. She now advances to the District 5190 competition on May 20th in Reno. Congratulations Hope and Good Luck! — with Luan Beaty Mendel.
Each spring Rotary clubs around the world invite young musicians to participate in a series of competitions that begin in their local clubs and progress to a national event. These instrumental music contests were created to give young people opportunities to develop and showcase their exceptional musical talents. On March 29, the Rotary Club of Mammoth Lakes hosted its club-level competition, which featured four talented young musicians. Winner Ari Schuldt played Rachmaninoff’s Prelude in G Minor on the piano, while second place finisher Guy LaBorde played an original composition on the bass guitar. Melanie Moyer, who took third, played Gabriel-Marie’s La Cinquantaine on the violin, and Cardiff Smith played Haydn’s Surprise Symphony Variations on the trumpet. All four competitors received prizes, and Ari Schuldt advanced to the next level of competition. The audience and judges were inspired and entertained by the music these young people created. Congratulations to all!
If you're buying on-line using Amazon.com, help our Rotary organization raise funds by using smile.amazon.com instead of the regular Amazon web site.The difference is that when customers shop on AmazonSmile (smile.amazon.com), the AmazonSmile Foundation will donate 0.5% of the price of eligible purchases to the charitable organizations selected by customers and we would like you to select Mammoth Lakes Rotary Club Foundation.
Our incoming President, Sheryl Saari, invited past Mammoth Lakes Noon Rotary Presidents to attend our luncheon and tell us about their experiences and accomplishments as Presidents.
Starting in the front & center are Bob Tomko, our club's founder in 1981, and his wife Bea. Then from left to right are Neil McCarroll (2005-2006), Don Sage (2001-2002), Michael Bornfeld (1998-1999), Rodger Guffy (1992-1993), Chuck Tomajko (1997-1998), Bill Taylor (2014-2015), Nancy O'Kelly (1996-1997), Byng Hunt (2003-2004), Sandra Hageman (2015-2016), Linda Wright (2011-2012), Rick Liebersbach (1986-1987) and Rick Phelps (2012-2013).
This is 35% of the club's Presidents spanning 35 yrs. of existence!
PAST PRESIDENTS DAY AT OUR PRESIDENT'S INAUGURAL MEETING
Good afternoon Rotarians and Friends, I am very excited to announce the two newest Rotary scholarship recipients.
The first award was presented to a member of MLHS Interact Club. This award recognizes a graduating student who has been involved in the Rotary Interact Club while exhibiting high standards in leadership and community service, along with a strong academic performance.
Alexis Brode is our Interact scholarship awardee. Alexis has been an active member of Interact by participating in school and community (local and international) service projects during high school. She has helped raise funds for people in need. She exhibits strong leadership skills and is a pleasant young lady with great potential. Alexis lives the true spirit of Rotary.
The second award was designed to compliment the Mammoth Lakes Foundation Scholarships for MLHS students continuing to Cerro Coso Community College. Our scholarship provides an award to a student attending Cerro Coso with plans to continue onto a four year college. The award will FULLY pay tuition for the final two years of the degree at any Cal State or UC campus, or UNR.
Calvin Forsythe is our first recipient of this award. He has repeatedly given back to our community through volunteering to numerous sport and festival events, and at our local hospital. He has helped raise funds for various community service organizations. Calvin has an outstanding academic and athletic track record. He has been a role model to younger athletes. Calvin is a local kid with a local heart. We will likely see him back in our community after completing his degree. We can count of him to continue to give back in the true spirit of Rotary.
Congratulations to both of our awardees. And, a big thank you to our committee members and membership for their role in making these awards happen. We should feel very proud of these accomplishments.
The 2016 Pamper Pedal is an all-ladies ride hosted by the men of Eastside Velo. The ride started on May 7, 2016 at the Elks Park in Bishop and concluded 36 scenic miles later back at the Park. This was the 10th anniversary of this ride, and the Pamper Pedal is celebrating by honoring the first year's event with the theme "Back to the Bedroom."
Mammoth Lakes Rotary Club supported the event by providing refreshments at the Round Valley checkpoint. Helping out are Craig Schmidt, Dennis Brown, Gary Sill, Jim Clark and Rich Boccia (the photographer).
Thank you to those who helped with our "Rotary at Work" project last week. Our clean up team: Bill, Don, Dennis, Linda, Rich, Sandra and two of our newest members, Kevin and Sierra. We collected quiet a few bags of trash along our part of the road that was no longer covered by snow.
The April 9th house build in Tecate was great. Our lead builders, Tom and Nancy, along with Pete and Mike kept us on track. We built a house with a bathroom and were finished by 4 pm. The weather was cool and cloudy, perfect conditions, and it didn't start raining until after we crossed back over the border into California. Some of us enjoyed a Tecate Beer in the hotel parking lot afterwards, and almost everyone attended the festive dinner at Por Favor Mexican restaurant afterwards. There were no problems with the project and everyone but Tom Lake from South Pasadena had their passports crossing the border. I understand he groveled and humbly apologized for being dumb when confronted by the immigration officer at the border and they took pity on him and let him back into the country.
Kathy Watson from South Pasadena took over 900 photos and will put together a program and send it to both clubs.
Thanks to everyone who participated in making this joint Mammoth Lakes-South Pasadena project a success. A special thanks to Johanna Bishop from Bishop for once again leading the Bishop Interact contingent. Finally, a huge thank you to Pat Hayes, ably assisted by Cynthia, for putting all of this together.
Rotary Speech Contests: The Area 13 Rotary Youth Speech Contest will be held at Astorga's Mexican Restaurant (2206 N Sierra Hwy) in Bishop on Wednesday, April 13 at 6 pm. Parents and Rotarians are invited to attend contest, and we need a couple of volunteers to help judge the speech contest. Please let Luan Mendel if you are available to help with either event.
Save the Date: District 5190 Conference Celebration, May 13-15, at the Atlantis Resort and Spa in Reno. Registration is available on the District website: http://www.rotarydistrict5190.org/. If you are interested in volunteering for the conference, please connect John Novak at jnovakdmd@aol.com.
If you are interested in learning more about Rotary, please sign up for My Rotary on www.rotary.org, then click on My Rotary if you have not already created an account. It only takes about a minute to do.
We are neighbors, community leaders, and global citizens uniting for the common good. With you, we can accomplish even more.
We are less than ten weeks away from heading to Tecate to build a house! It is time to register with Corazon. You cannot go if you haven't registered with them.
If you have not previously participated in one of these projects, there is a two-step process. First, you must register with Corazon as a new volunteer. Once you do, you will get an email back from them saying that you are a registered volunteer. Then you must register for our project on April 9.
If you are new to Corazon, you need to do the following:
Click on "Volunteer Now", then "New Volunteer Profile"
Proceed to fill in the profile and complete all sections; when completed, select "submit"
Once you have registered, then go back to Corazon.org, select "Volunteer Now".
Click on "volunteer log in" instead of "new volunteer profile"
Fill in April 2016 in the space, or advance forward each month until you get to April.
There are several projects scheduled for April, 2016. Register for the one that is being sponsored by Mammoth Lakes Rotary, project number 00011581.
There are currently 14 Mammoth Lakes Rotarians/family and 25 South Pasadena Rotarians that have expressed interest to me in participating. So far only 15 people from both South Pasadena and Mammoth have registered. Currently, no Interact kids have registered from either Mammoth or Bishop. Joanne and Anneke – please update me on who will be participating, thanks.
PLEASE SEND ME AN EMAIL ONCE YOU'VE SIGNED UP FOR OUR PROJECT. I keep track of that and it lets me know a confirmed number.
Also, we need volunteers to drive to Tecate from the USA. Several have volunteered, I need a couple more to volunteer.
I have reserved a room at the Best Western Plus La Mesa, (619) 466-0200 or online at bestwestern.com. They have a limited number of rooms, first come first served. This location is pretty good, however you may stay anywhere you wish.
We will have a team dinner after the build on Saturday night at Por Favor in El Cajon.
I will be sending more information, list of what to bring, etc.
AND DON'T FORGET TO BRING YOUR PASSPORT OR PASSPORT ID (Note to self!) US Customs no longer allows entry without a valid passport.
Any questions, or if you have someone you'd like to add, or need to back out, please get hold of me.
Regards,
Pat Patrick A. Hayes, PE General Manager Mammoth Community Water District phayes@mcwd.dst.ca.us Tel (760) 934-2596, Ext. 238 Fac (760) 934-4080 1315 Meridian Blvd. PO Box 597 Mammoth Lakes CA 93546
A fine looking crew braved the elements for the Highway 203 clean-up today. And yes, it is snowing on Mammoth Mountain. (l-r) Don Sage, Sandra Hageman, Marshall Rudolph, Linda Wright, Dennis Brown, Luan Mendel, Joe Hageman, Bill Taylor, Tony Taylor, and Jim Clark.
CLEANING UP HIGHWAY 203, OUR ADOPT-A-HIGHWAY PROJECT
Join Wild Iris for the screening of the short film titled "ReMoved". The screening will take place at the first annual Hope Outloud event, October 9th at Eagle Lodge from 6:30-9:00 pm, and on October 23, 2015, at Inyo Council for the Arts in Bishop, from 6:30-9:00 pm. The screening of this powerful short film highlighting the devastating effects of domestic violence on children, and the need for foster families and CASA’s in our community. Tickets are $15 and include the screening, a glass of beer or wine, appetizers and a Dutch auction raffle ticket. Tickets may be purchased online @ www-wild-iris.org, or by calling 760-873-6601.
Geoff McQuilkin, Executive Director of the Mono Lake Committee presented at our noon meeting. The Mono Lake Committee is a nonprofit citizens' group dedicated to protecting and restoring the Mono Basin ecosystem, educating the public about Mono Lake and the impacts on the environment of excessive water use, and promoting cooperative solutions that protect Mono Lake and meet real water needs without transferring environmental problems to other areas.
Welcome our new member, Sean Easterny (with the red ribbon on her badge). Presenting her the new membership materials are her sponsor Linda Wright, Membership Chairman Tony Taylor, and President Bill Taylor.
Great Fireside Chat at Tony & Sheryl Taylor's home. What a perfect way to share what Rotary is all about. We welcomed in 3 new members. Megan & Jason Herbst, and Robin Roberts pictured here with President Bill Taylor and Pres-Elect Sandra Hageman
Wangdowa Sherpa and his wife Deanna Dulan presented a project involving the building and staffing of a school of 75 students in the Okhaldunga District in East Nepal, in the foothills near Mt. Everest. They have formed the Friends of Himalayan Sherpa People, Inc.. For more details on this organization, see http://www.friendsofhimalayansherpapeople.org/
Emily Hartman, Interact treasurer, together with Joanne Hunt, shared money raised selling root beer floats at the high school for Polio Plus. Don Sage passed the hat to increase the funds to $210. Good job everyone for such a great cause.
Rotarians Ed Forstenzer, at the grill, and Linda Wright, with her "Dirt Pie" in a flower pot, serving dinner to participants of the Disabled Sports Eastern Sierra's annual Sierra Cycle Challenge event. The Dirt Pie is actually a desert, made with Oreo cookies and pudding. It was yummy!
Rotarians Serving Dinner for DSES Sierra Cycle Challenge participants
Mammoth Lakes Rotarians served lunches to volunteers who set up the 26th year of the Mammoth Jazz event this week. These volunteers, mostly people who live here, help every year in getting the various venues prepared for the many attendee to this major summer music event.
Rotarians Serving Lunch to the Volunteers at Mammoth Jazz
This year, Rotarians from both the Noon and Sunrise parade marched in the Mammoth Lakes 4th of July Parade with Jim Clark's 1936 Dodge pickup truck decked out in the Summer Fun decorations. Announcers along the parade route helped advertise our Rotary motto, "Service Above Self" and the work we do in the community of Mammoth Lakes.
Members from Mammoth Lakes Noon and Sunrise joined Bishop Noon and Bishop Sunrise together with members of Interact Clubs in Mammoth Lakes and Bishop to build a house for a deserving family in Tecate. Also joining the group was District 5190 Governor Vicki Puliz and her husband, together with a number of other Rotarians and other volunteers. This is the 3rd year in a row that we have done this. Checkout the great pictures taken by Kathy Watson on her web site here
The Interact Club decided to bring a top inspirational speaker to MHS for their school project this year. Tyler was one of the speakers at a leadership camp, RYLA, that they attended last summer. Tyler spoke to the high school, middle school, and community school. He also spoke to the parents at night with help from the Booster Club. Everyone got a lot from his presentations.
Mammoth Lakes Noon Rotary recognized Sabrina Clevenger as Academic Student of the Month for October for Science. Her teacher, Cheryl Hart said she is an outstanding student that has gone above and beyond basic requirements to take the most challenging classes offered at MHS. In her 4 years at MHS she has bee one of the top students in all of her honors and AP classes. One of Sabrina's characteristics that stand out most is her drive to understand a problem or concept rather than just getting the right answer. On a personal level, Sabrina is enthusiastic, curious, mature, giving, and helpful to staff and students. She is highly regarded by her peers and our teaching staff.
Sabrina Clevenger, Academic Student of the Month at Mammoth High School
In 2010 the MAMMOTH HIGH SCHOOL Interact decided to create a picnic area on the island in front of the school. Since the students would sit on the large rocks, they thought it would be a great place for a patio. The first project was putting in area of pavers. Joanne & Byng Hunt presented the school with a beautiful bench built by Brian Jones. The next year they added to the project with steps and a walk way. Last year they purchased a picnic table. This year started off with artificial grass placed next to the patio. Interact students and Rotarians worked together to make this such a special project. Each year the Interact Club wants to continue to improve the patio project.
MAMMOTH HIGH SCHOOL INTERACT'S NEXT STEP WITH PATIO PROJECT
Our luncheon program today was about Mono County Department of Education's Choose Civility Initiative, given by Dan Watson and Bill Michael. For more information about this program, go to www.monocoe.org and, on the top bar, click on Choose Civility Initiative. This will take you to 3 other pages of information.
There is also a story on the home page by Dr. Stacey Adler, Ph.D, Superintendent of Schools, who's pictured below, about this program.
Here's our Mammoth Lakes Rotary Club entry in the 4th of July Parade. Carrying the "Rotarians at Work" banner are Bill Taylor (left) and Tony Taylor - (not related) on the right. Driving his 1936 Dodge pickup truck is Jim Clark, and riding in the truck bed is Gary Boyd, our new President for 2013-2014. Passing out candy to the kids are Sheryl Saari, in the red hat, and Fred Anderson.
The RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Awards) camp was held this year in Portola, Ca. at the Grizzly Bear Camp. Since the two Mammoth Lakes Rotary Clubs have joined Rotary District 5190, we were able to attend the 5 day conference. Between the Noon Rotary (2 students), Sunrise Rotary (1 student) and the Interact Club (1 student) we were able to sponsor 4 juniors from Mammoth High School. Joanne Hunt also attended as a counselor representing our club.
Guest speakers were brought in each day to work on self enlightenment and develop leadership skills. We also participated in the Ropes course which included group activities to develop trust and teamwork on low level activities. Then we advanced to the high wire, Alpine Tower and Zip line on the forth day. Even Joanne participated in the advance activities.
Evening fun included Mental Olympics, a Candle light ceremony and Square Dancing. It was exciting to see the students learn how to square dance. The final night was regular dancing and signing autographs.
Mammoth Students attend a RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Awards) Camp
Our speaker this week is Stacey Corless. Stacey, a former Rotarian, runs the Mammoth Mountain Community Foundation and will bring us up to date on its mission and activities.
Working with Corazon, Inc. for a 2nd year in a row, Mammoth Lakes Rotary Club (Noon) is planning to build a house in a day in Tecate, Baja California, Mexico on May 18, 2013, for a deserving family.
We need volunteers. Please contact Dan Watson, Project Coordinator at danielbwatson@aol.com if you're interested. Read on for more details.
From President Tony to participating Rotarians: Thank you for organizing us, Gary! Lots of fun and plenty of fans at Bluesa supporting parking on Friday afternoon/evening and the South Bar inside the venue on Sunday. Thank you, Gary, Caroline, Joanne, Lois, Sheryl and me with Joanne’s friend Gardiner Miller (Executive Director of the Mammoth Hospital Foundation) in the parking lot and Mike, Peggy, Luan, Sheryl, Gary, Mo, Joanne and me and 2 Joanne recruits Vicki Nevardi and Debbie Hill. We expect a healthy donation for our projects from the event.
Interact members were all smiles as they welcomed the incoming Class of 2027 during Mammoth High School's New Student Pancake Breakfast on June 6th. Incoming 9th graders signed up to participate in the many service projects, leadership and social activities Interact offers its members. The Interact Club at Mammoth High School is mentored by the Rotary Club of Mammoth Lakes and welcomes members ages 12 to 18 to develop leadership skills while discovering the power of Service Above Self. Pictured in the bottom row are Elle Brode, Lyra Manning, and Addie Koenig. In the top row are Sophia Geffry, Kaylin Spieler, and Bella Hodges
What a great day at the Rotary staffed Whitmore rest stop on the Gran Fondo!
One of Rotary International's areas of focus is Protecting the Environment. In that spirit, the Rotary Club of Mammoth Lakes has chosen to sponsor a tube that allows fishermen to dispose of used fishing line in an environmentally friendly way. We adopted this Tube that's located near the dock of Pokonobe Lodge on Lake Mary in the Mammoth Lakes Basin. Pictured are Rotarians Jim Clark, Luan Mendel, Sheryl Saari, Gary Sill, and Dennis Brown 
New freshman students, Ele Brode and Sophia Guthrie help Joanne and Byng Hunt clean up the Island at Mammoth High School
Recently, our Club awarded the 2022 Bea Tomko Memorial Scholarship of $1,000 to Laurel Wight, President of the Interact Club and Anya Maynard, Secretary, split $500 each. They worked hard keeping the Club together during the past two years and helped to accomplish many great projects. 
Thank you to the many folks who came out for Highway Cleanup effort on Highway 203! We had Tony and Sherryl, Sheryl and Gary, Caroline, Peggy, Lois, and Kathy! Many bags of trash were picked up! Rotary Club of Mammoth Lakes makes a difference for our community!
Gloria Solorio, the 2018 recipient of our College Completion Scholarship, graduated from UC Davis with honors on June 12. We are so proud of all she's achieved. Pictured with Gloria are Luan Mendel, past President and Lois Klein, current President.
Before stepping down as Club President, Luan Mendel accepted two awards from Jeff Gabriel, Assistant Governor, District 5160. The first was the Governor's Citation for Extraordinary Achievement 2019-2020 for MEMBERSHIP GROWTH, and the second was a Club Award 2020-2021 for FOUNDATION ANNUAL FUND PER CAPITA, THIRD PLACE.
Gary Sill is putting up our Rotary Easy-up to provide shade for customers of Roberto's Cafe who must eat outdoors due to current California state and Mono County restrctions of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Joanne and Bing Hunt welcome Todd Graham as a new member during his induction ceremony.
District Governors Van Tassell and Gabriel helped us welcome 3 new members to the club. From left to right are Caitlin Crunk, sponsor Talene Shabanian, Stacy Comfort, sponsor Joanne Hunt and Maureene Fakinos. 
Talene Shabanian, Community Services Director, is being given The Quiet Rotarian Award by Randy Van Tassell, District Governor 2019-2020, Rotary International District 5190 and Jeff Gabriel, Assistant Governor.
Robert Sharp received The Making a Difference Award from Messrs. Van Tassell and Gabriel. Rich noted "Robert is the Vice-President of the Eastern Sierra Community Bank and travels between three offices in the Eastern Sierra in his all road vehicle with his best friend Walter. His background in finance has made him a tremendous asset to our Club and Board of Directors. We all appreciate Robert for who he is and what he does for us – thank you Robert".
Rotary members of the afternoon shift at the last aid/refreshment station of Mammoth's Grand Fondo, a long distance bicycle ride, served up lots of goodies for the riders. Pictured are Dennis Brown, Talene Shabanian, Joanne & Bing Hunt. The first shift included Rotarians Jim Clark, Lois Klein and Luan Mendel.
Ed Forstenzer receives his 2nd Paul Harris Award from President Sheryl Saari.
Rotarians Sheryl Saari, Jim Clark, Lois Klein, Gary Sims and Dennis Brown were primed and ready to hand out refreshments to the over 1,200 runners in the 2019 Mammoth Half Marathon. Runners started this stunningly picturesque race through Northern California’s High Sierras at roughly 9,000 feet above sea level, and followed a route that ran along a combination of trails and mountain roads — including stretches around lakes and across a bridge. This was the 6th annual running of the marathon.
Rotary members Jim Clark, Joanne Hunt, Bing Hunt and Luan Mendel support Mono County's Health and Safety Fair by cooking up some great free hot dogs and hamburgers for everyone. This event provides information about the community resources available about car seat installation training, bike rodeo, children’s bike helmets, children’s books, vision checks, face painting, music, and much more!
Our Club took the lead with the Water Station at mile 38 for the East Velo Pamper Pedal event this past Saturday. We provided snacks to 80 plus riders with club member Byng Hunt playing host as the riders came through.
President Luan Mendel presents Dennis Brown, Webmaster, with an award from District 5190 for Club Website SuperStar in the Small Club Division.
President Luan Mendel presents Dave Hines with his 5th Paul Harris sustaining award. He holds the record for our club. 
The club's Finance Committee met to develop the 2019-2020 Club Budget. Thank you Gary Sill, Amy Graham, and Luan Mendel.
Mathew O'Conner, Executive Director of Wild Iris, was our guest speaker today. The organization has been serving the Eastern Sierra since 1981 and is dedicated to promoting a safer community by empowering and restoring the independence of those affected by domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse. Their vision is for non-violent relationships based on dignity, respect, compassion, and equality.
Tanya Bekandam, manager of the town's new Starbucks, spoke to us about her background and how she manages the new Starbucks and its involvement with the community.
Luan Mendel presents the Paul Harris Award to first time recipient Sheryl Saari.
Mr. Mike Hammers' Mammoth High School Choir serenaded us today at the Rotary luncheon.
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At the Mammoth High School awards breakfast on June 8, Rotary awarded its 2018 scholarship to Priscila Yanez, and our 2017 award recipient, Gloria Solorio, and President Rich Boccia are in the photo with her.
Rotary also presented two recipients of the 2018 Bea Tomko Memorial Scholarship, which is awarded to graduating Interact members. The recipients are Meaghan Thompson and Hope Reeves; Tanner Bissonette, also graduating, was Interact President for 2017-18, and Joanne Hunt and Robert Sharp, Interact coordinators are also in the photo.
On Saturday, we grilled hot dogs for the people at the Community Health and Safety Fair that was at Shady Rest Park.
Each spring the Rotary Youth Instrumental Music Contest takes place around the world and right here in Mammoth Lakes. Our local contest was held on Thursday, March 8, and club members were treated to performances by four young musicians from Mammoth High School. Junior Guy La Borde placed first in the competition with an original composition on the guitar. Tyler Goodwin, also a junior, played the tenor sax and took second. Sophomore Barrett Mannetter claimed third place with his performance on the alto sax, and another sophomore Cardiff Smith, a trumpet player, took fourth place.
Also in attendance were Rotarians Sarah Carmichael, Dennis Brown, Luan Mendel (organizer of the event), and Jim & Shannon Clark.
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Judy Bornfeld, President of the Mammoth Hospital Auxiliary, presents a 2nd check to Rich Boccia for $8,000 to be distributed to other local Rotary clubs to give to victums of the various California wild fires. This money came from the 1 day sales of the Castoff thrift store and was more than matched by the Auxiliary. With Rich and Judy is Rich's wife, Diane. The presentation was made at the club's annual Christmas Party at Nevados Restaurant in Mammoth Lakes.
Rich Boccia accepts a check for $10,000 from Judy Bornfeld and Karen Curry of the Mammoth Hospital Auxiliary who donated the proceeds from their Hurricane Relief Fundraiser. This fundraiser was comprised of 2 days sales at the Castoff thrift store and the Auxiliary then matched those monies. The Auxiliary chose our Rotary club to forward these funds to the local Rotary clubs in Texas, Florida and Puerto Rico to distribute them to those people most in need who were devastated by the hurricanes.
District Governor Doug McDonald and his wife Karen on a hike with Byng & Joanne Hunt at Convict Lake.
Bill Taylor receives the Service Above Self Award from Doug McDonald, during his District Govenor's visit to our Club.
Jim Clark receives the Quiet Leadership Award from Doug McDonald during his District Govenor's visit to our Club
Rotarians manned the aid station at Hidden Valley Rd. for the Mammoth 1/2 Marathon on Fathers Day morning.
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Allison Robinson of Bishop Rotary, Hope Reeves, junior MHS and Luan Mendel, President Elect, Mammoth Noon Rotary. Congratulations to Hope who won the speaking contest. She now advances to the District 5190 competition on May 20th in Reno. Congratulations Hope and Good Luck! — with 
Kevin Kian presents today's program about his new position as Executive Director of the Mammoth Lakes Foundation.
Sheryl Saari welcomes visiting Rotarian Dennis Reeves from Martinsville, VA and they exchange club flags.
Robert Sharp, our newest member, Vice President of Eastern Sierra Community Bank, receives his Rotary pin and badge from Lois Klein.
John Roberts, our newest member, recieves his pin and badge from Jim Clark.
RYLA members Susy Fontana and Omar Falcon Aburto stop by for a visit, pictured with Rotarians Lois Klein, Joanne Hunt, Rick Phelps and ?
President Sheryl Saari and District Governor John Sullivan presenting the Quiet Rotarian award to Luan Mendel
President Sheryl Saari and District Governor John Sullivan presenting the STAR award to Don Sage
Our incoming President, Sheryl Saari, invited past Mammoth Lakes Noon Rotary Presidents to attend our luncheon and tell us about their experiences and accomplishments as Presidents.
Rotary Speech Contests: The Area 13 Rotary Youth Speech Contest will be held at Astorga's Mexican Restaurant (2206 N Sierra Hwy) in Bishop on Wednesday, April 13 at 6 pm. Parents and Rotarians are invited to attend contest, and we need a couple of volunteers to help judge the speech contest. Please let Luan Mendel if you are available to help with either event.
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Join Wild Iris for the screening of the short film titled "ReMoved". The screening will take place at the first annual Hope Outloud event, October 9th at Eagle Lodge from 6:30-9:00 pm, and on October 23, 2015, at Inyo Council for the Arts in Bishop, from 6:30-9:00 pm. The screening of this powerful short film highlighting the devastating effects of domestic violence on children, and the need for foster families and CASA’s in our community. Tickets are $15 and include the screening, a glass of beer or wine, appetizers and a Dutch auction raffle ticket. Tickets may be purchased online @ 
at our noon meeting. The Mono Lake Committee is a nonprofit citizens' group dedicated to protecting and restoring the Mono Basin ecosystem, educating the public about Mono Lake and the impacts on the environment of excessive water use, and promoting cooperative solutions that protect Mono Lake and meet real water needs without transferring environmental problems to other areas.
On Saturday, April 25, the Mammoth Lakes Noon Rotary Club and 45 volunteers traveled to Tijuana, Mexico, to build a home for the Gonzalez family. 
Wangdowa Sherpa and his wife Deanna Dulan presented a project involving the building and staffing of a school of 75 students in the Okhaldunga District in East Nepal, in the foothills near Mt. Everest. They have formed the Friends of Himalayan Sherpa People, Inc.. For more details on this organization, see 
This year, Rotarians from both the Noon and Sunrise parade marched in the Mammoth Lakes 4th of July Parade with Jim Clark's 1936 Dodge pickup truck decked out in the Summer Fun decorations. Announcers along the parade route helped advertise our Rotary motto, "Service Above Self" and the work we do in the community of Mammoth Lakes.
This is the 3rd year in a row that we have done this. Checkout the great pictures taken by Kathy Watson on her web site 
