The Prez sez . . .

SPECIAL PRESENTATION

John “Jack” Dawson introduced Dr. Marv Nelson, his neighbor since 1987.  Marv was inducted as a new member today.  He is head of Radiology in Children’s Hospital and does brain surgery on children.  He also volunteers at the Los Angeles Zoo, working on primates with children-like problems.  Marv is of Swedish ancestry and comes from Minnesota.  His wife works part-time in Pediatrics at the City of Hope.  Marv and his wife have two sons.

Linda Magarian and Daryal Gant presented Marv with a New Member Certificate, a tote, a badge itemizing new-member requirements, a member directory, and a Kiwani pin.

 
Jack, Linda, Marv, Daryal, and Diane

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Sign up for Governor Induction Dinner, September 15.

August 13 Program is on Earthquakes: Have kits ready.

Put a bill into the Pediatric Trauma tin.

Norm Johnson appealed for co-editors for the Bulletin.  He said other clubs compare less favorably to ours in his opinion.  We have great food, great programs, great music, and—a great Bulletin, thanks to Editor Jeb Long, photographer Paul Westmoreland, and a faithful team of co-editors.  Please sign up to keep the Bulletin going.

Mary Gant requested Silent Auction items for the September 14 Wine and Gourmet Food event.

Bill Watts asked members to call Frosty Boyd to encourage him while his wife is so ill.  Bill brought a card for members to sign.

THE PROGRAM      

            Nick Berkuta introduced our guest speaker for today’s program, Joy Rittenhouse who is the Founder and Executive Director of MACH 1, a therapeutic equine program for children with special needs

.

            As a child Polio Survivor, Joy found that horseback riding assisted in her personal rehabilitation by increasing strength and endurance.  This was her inspiration for helping kids with special needs.

Joy is originally from New Jersey, where 30 years ago she and her husband moved to Pasadena.  Thirteen years ago, Joy founded MACH 1, which is accredited by the North American Riding for the Handicapped
Association. Mach 1’s riding operations are conducted near the Rose Bowl Riders facility in the Hahamonga Watershed Park. Joy leads a host of volunteers in her nonprofit efforts in teaching disabled kids to “overcome fear, communicate with an animal and learn all kinds of new things.” Joy and her husband, a Pasadena Police Department Chaplain, have three adult children and nine grandchildren.

Joy displayed photos of the Mach 1 program.  Children with special needs were seen riding (sitting and standing) on horses, and roping and grooming horses.  A donkey called Mercy is used for the wheelchair-bound.  Mach 1 have an annual fundraiser in the arena.  The Ride-a-thon is the Sunday before Halloween.

During question time, Tom Burrows asked what is the psychological process at work in the children involved in Mach 1.  Joy Rittenhouse listed several factors.  Working with the horses motivates the children, keeping their minds off their personal problems and limitations.  They learn that a horse will respond to their verbal commands, which has a powerful affect upon the children’s self-esteem.  Positive interaction with the animals counteracts violent tendencies in children with special needs.

Nick presented Joy with a Club Mug and a big “thank you” at the conclusion of her presentation.

HAPPY & SAD BUCKS

Norm Johnson—Ed Moulton needs a ride to Club the next two Wednesdays while Norm is on vacation.  Whoever offers will have a good time with Ed, singing 40s and 50s songs all the way to Club and back.

Emelita Bituin—earthquake!!; her special guest, Jose Trosoro; her Kiwani membership.

Mary Gant—grandson Omah’s polo team made the Junior Olympics.

Gigi Schlueter—had been unable to attend the Club Social but was glad it went so well.

Clyde Hemphill—gave thanks to Bill Watts and Joel Smith for pulling off a great party and providing a fabulous cake.

Paul Westmoreland—announced a Sports Bar was approved in Danuba.  Ratio of bars to churches is 20/1.

Jack Dawson—Gigi didn’t make the social, but we drank her share.

Daryal Gant—Ratio of bars to churches in Danuba is actually 32/1; World Golf Championships.

FACTS AND FICTION

Music:  piano by Tom Burros—a great fundraising effort creating an awesome ambiance!

Opening: flag salute by Emelita Bituin, and the inspiration by Bill Watts.

Guests:  Joy Rittenhouse, Jose Trosoro, Jim Scalantino, Carl Alameda.

Emilita Bituin introducing guest Jose Tsorcosa
 

Jim and Gigi

Mark Alexander introducing guest Carl Alameda

Anniversaries:        Mel Wilson, 59 years;

                                    Glen Pettit, 25 years.

Birthdays:                Elizabeth Georgian, July 28.

Fines: Pins.

Fifty-Fifty Drawing:  Bob Martin.

Master of the Cash Box:  Cory Stevens.

This Week’s Editor:  Helena May Harrison.

This Week’s Photographer:  Paul Westmoreland.

Webmaster and Coordinator:  Jeb Long.