Page 8 April 2, 2015 TORRANCE TRIBUNE TerriAnn from page 2 Enterprise Rent-a-Car, ExxonMobil, Torrance Tribune, and Milestone Hospice Inc. Neslie Akkol, assisted by Charlotte Melsh and Tony Molino, chaired the event, and the Keynote Dean Reuters and Carl Albemarle Charlotte Melsh, former Kiwanis president, and Dolores Lyttle Speaker was Mayor of Torrance Pat Furey. As I entered the room, Dolores Lyttle and Charlotte Melsh greeted me. Charlotte said, “I’m with the Kiwanis – I’m their past president 2 years removed and this event to us is very special because as a volunteer we know how important it is to honor other volunteers.” “I’m from a non-profit agency myself – The South Bay Human Services and I think it is wonderful the non-profits get recognized in the city of Torrance,” added Dolores. Sitting nearby, Former Mayor, Dee Hardison told me, “I think that the non-profits do a lot of things and there aren’t a lot of opportunities for the community to say thank you as a group so this is a fantastic luncheon and I never miss coming.” I spotted Leslie Cortez, an Ambassador with the Chamber and expert on water conservation, ecology, and recycling, who works for the city of Torrance and will be honored for her non-profit work. She told me, “It is always such an honor and a pleasure to be here especially when I’ve been a community volunteer for about twenty years now and it’s a humbling experience and something I enjoy doing and more of a hobby and not a job, so it is a pleasure to be here amongst friends.” Next to her was Torrance City Clerk, Rebecca Poirier who smiled and said, “It is an honor to be here and support Leslie.” Then I spotted our own Heidi Maerker, Editor in Chief of the Torrance Tribune, who was being honored at the luncheon for the paper she heads. I approached Heidi and she was happy to tell me, “It’s quite an honor. The people, Cristian Vasquez, TerriAnn Ferren, Charlene Nishimura, Matt Simon, - everybody here are people I admire and love working with and they work very hard and we are very pleased to represent the community.” Sitting nearby, I asked Matthew Simon and asked how it felt to be at this luncheon and he said, “It feels good. It’s nice to know the publication is being recognized. It shows a lot of dedication and hard work and I’m glad to be here.” Next, I turned to Cristian and he said, “Humbling. We are just working. We just go out there and let people know what’s going on in the city – and for anyone to recognize us at a recognition ceremony is just really nice. It’s not why we do it but the recognition does feel good.” Councilman Michael Griffiths told me, “It means a lot [to be here] because we have such a great community and we’ve got so many people who are willing to invest so much time and energy in making our community even better.” Mayor Pat Furey said, “It’s really a special awards because it’s all about non-profits in the city of Torrance. Someone said to me earlier, ‘I think I know everybody in this room’ and it’s because of their involvement.” At that point, I took a look around the room and I could spot the people who are busy about their business but also very recognizable to me. Yes, lots of people in the room do lots of things. Then I asked Councilman Tim Goodrich what he thought and he said, from South Bay Human Services. Leslie Cortez and City Clerk Rebecca Poirier DeDe Hicks, President and CEO of the Volunteer Center, and “I think it’s great to see so many members of our community gather for a good cause.” Councilman Geoff Rizzo said, “It’s a wonderful event. Volunteerism is the heart and soul of the community and I think it is just wonderful Kiwanis is honoring them for their dedicated hard work in the community.” The program began with the pledge of allegiance led by Dr. Laurie Love, and then everyone, led by Carina Sokolich, sang a rousing rendition of God Bless America. Retired Lieutenant Colonel US Army Milton Herring said the invocation and the afternoon began as lunch was served. Milton told me, “I am excited to be part of this event and it’s wonderful that we get together on this annual event to support each other and recognize and encourage all of those organizations that are making an impact in a community by serving and giving back.” At the same table as Milton Herring sat De De Hicks, President and CEO of The Volunteer Center who was all smiles and sitting next to Barbara Graham of ExxonMobil. Jamaal Finkley and Chandra Stovall were happy to be at the event and explained, “[I am] Executive Director of Community Inspiring Today’s Youth, also known as The CITY and Jamaal is actually our board treasurer. It’s awesome, I love the Kiwanis group and the way they operate and how they’re supportive of organizations – we’re new in the city and kind of already found a home here and already feel part of a bigger family. It’s really nice.” I then asked Donna Duperron what she thought and she told me, “It’s extraordinary that the Kiwanis have done this for so many years. Those that give so graciously of their time and their energy to all of the people, young and old in our community - has been really extraordinary.” (Remember, it was Donna who first had the brainchild for this event when she was President of the Kiwanis Club.) Although she would never say it, Donna, being the innovator she is, must be pleased the non-profits are still being celebrated. Mayor Patrick Furey gave the keynote speech, saying, “We are a big city with the heart of a small town and although we’re almost 150,000 people that live in the city of Torrance, there [are] really only about 150 – 200 people who are involved in absolutely everything and you’re here! It’s really easy to come to an event like this and know absolutely everybody because we have crossed our paths so many times over the years . . . it’s a small town atmosphere.” The mayor spoke on the importance of serving others centered on Albert Schweitzer’s quote, “Wherever you turn, you can find someone who needs you. Even if it is a little thing, do something for which there is no pay but the privilege of doing it. Remember, you don’t live in a world all of your own.” That pretty much sums up the afternoon. As Tony Molino and Laurie Love read the litany of organizations, and what each one does in the community, I thought how blessed Torrance is to have generosity flowing all over the South Bay. As Editor-in-Chief Heidi Maerker and staff went forward to receive their certificate from the mayor, Presenter Tony Molino said, “The Torrance Tribune, started in 2009, is one of five South Bay community newspapers published by Herald Publications, Inc. Their mission is to inform and update their communities on important issues and events that impact them. They provide coverage of city council, school board meetings, police reports, and high school sports and events.” If you are curious about all the organizations that received a certificate that lovely Barbara Graham of ExxonMobil. afternoon, access www.torrancekiwanis.org and check out their newsletter. The penthouse floor of the Doubletree was filled with selfless, gracious, generous people all congratulating others. It was a sight to behold. All over the room, I saw smiling, happy faces. These are the faces of our citizens who unselfishly give their time for others. • Call toll-free: 1-800-409-2420 Mayor Pat Furey, Councilman Geoff Rizzo, and Councilman Michael Griffiths. Are You Still Paying Too Much For Your Medications? You can save up to 93% when you fill your prescriptions at our Canadian and International prescription service. 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