On July 6th, new Rotary Santa Maria South president Peter Garcia shared priorities and suggestions for the year amid a rousing, music-filled evening of enthusiasm, laughter, and camaraderie. Starting off the evening with the club singing “God Bless America” in honor of the recent Independence Day, Peter also introduced a musical motto for the year. His choice? Everybody Loves Somebody Sometimes. (Two verses were sung by club members!)
 
Bob Ogden, Ken Parker singing - Peter and Nicolette at computer
 
On a more serious note (no pun intended), Peter shared information on meeting costs and logistics, community service opportunities, monthly activities, fundraisers, and key dates to calendar.
 
 
One highlight of his talk was the announcement, made with Joe Gruba, that the Foundation had approved the Rotary Santa Maria South travel grant for two club members to travel to La Paz in August on a fact finding and service mission to determine previous project status, future needs, and to deliver school supplies to rural village schools. Including other club members planning to go, Peter is guessing that there will be four or five club members participating in the visit this year.
 
 
Peter finished his remarks by introducing his 2015-2016 board members to the Club:
David Bixby, Immediate Past President
Stephen Wagner, President-Elect and Membership Director
Richard Best, Secretary
Paul Moe, Treasurer
Joe Gruba, International Service Director
Susan Ziemba, Vocational Service Director
Nicolette Reeves, Youth Service Director
Victoria Conner, Community Service Director
 
Other leaders announced included Phil Sinco, who will lead the Foundation and handle programs; Bill Thompson, taking charge of public relations; and webmaster Bob Peters, who also coordinates Central Coast Rescue Mission community service opportunities.