Bob Clendenin

 Rotary

 

 

Rotary International Convention

Los Angeles - 2008

  
     
 
The 2008 International Convention is held in Los Angeles from June 14 to 18.
Arriving from Florida we check into our hotel, have lunch and head to the convention center.
Neal asked for some Rotary Fellowships pictures, so I start with the IFMC and a gentleman who rides his Harley about 50,000 miles a year.
The Host Committee has organized "Rotary's Wide World of Books" and Debbie was there to tell me all about it.  Later a car show and Natalie Cole on stage.		  
 

 

  
  Opening Ceremonies on Sunday include entertainment.  The Grand Junction group we heard last year in Salt Lake City sings The 4-Way Test, followed by All-American Boys Chorus.  Afterwards we found Selva at the Blindness Prevention Action Group booth and two Rotarians from Oakland who invited me to their meeting later this week.

 

  
  Up early Monday, I meet friends at the Southland Breakfast, including Barefoot Man from Cayman Islands.
Linda, having the urge for a pair of shoes, led me to Rodeo Drive.  They pronounce it Ro-day-o, but try telling the Rednecks in Arcadia.
   Host Hospitality was at a beautiful home in Hollywood, with a wonderful hostess and great food.

 

  
  A new restaurant is opening, Showbiz Ribs; presumably aspiring performers will hang out, eat ribs and wait to become an American Idol.  Across the street is Pershing Square.
Staying at the Biltmore, which opened in 1923 as the largest hotel west of Chicago, we discover a rich history of Academy Awards, movie stars, entertainers, hundreds of films, TV shows and productions.  Do I detect slime residue from Ghostbusters?

 

  
  Rotary night at the Hollywood Bowl features Burt Bacharach, Shirley Jones and a cast of thousands.

 

  
  The closing plenary session on Wednesday held recognition for host organizations and closing remarks by President Wilf Wilkinson followed by D.K. Lee's address, the Pasadena Philharmonic and Auld Lang Syne.

 

  
     

Bob Clendenin

 Rotary