edited by
JOHN GRELCK
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We should take some time to relate to Memorial Day and the purpose of the day. We should all display our American flags and give thanks to all of our soldiers of the past and our current ones that defend the ideal of freedom for all people. We are all free because of the effect and wisdom of our forefathers. We have finally reached the start of the construction phase of our Centennial Project. On Friday, May 27, the tools and materials will start to arrive. The tents, tables, and chairs are also set to arrive by May 30. The final committee meeting will be at 5pm on Memorial Day. The official start point is 7am on Tuesday, May 31. Brooks Firestone and the media are scheduled to be there. But, we are still in need of volunteers and are still selling pavers if you are interested. This Wednesday, May 25, 2005, John Chu was awarded the Paul Harris Fellow Award. In case you missed our meeting, following is a little background history on John. John Chu was born in Shanghai, China, and attended schools there until he graduated from high school in 1949. In 1952, he came to the U.S. to attend Pacific Union College in Angwin, CA. After graduating with a degree in Business Administration in 1956, he enrolled at UC Berkeley eventually earning an MBA degree. He and Beverly were married while he was a law school student at Loyola University and she was a pre-med student. She even received her M.D. degree before he got his J.D. degree in law in 1966. Beverly satisfied her residence requirements in pediatrics at Children's Hospital in Los Angeles; meanwhile John formed a law firm in Los Angeles as they both lived in the Los Feliz area of Los Angeles. After four years practicing law, John formed a corporation to own and manage hospitals. Four years later it became Comprehensive Care Corporation and was publicly-listed on the NASDAQ. He eventually sold his interest in the corporation and took a position with City National Bank where he worked for the bank for 30 years, retiring as the general counsel. Once retired, John and Beverly then decided to move up to our valley. John and Beverly have one daughter and two sons. Their daughter, Christine, is an attorney. Their son, Jonathan, owns and operates a restaurant and has a degree in business from NYU, while the other son, Douglas, has his own business and received a degree from the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania. John and Beverly also have two grandchildren. John and Beverly are opera fans and especially enjoy Wagner's operas. They have traveled a great deal and will visit Antarctica soon so they can say they've been on all 7 continents. Included in their travels have been several visits to China. He is also very happy to report that Beverly's cancer is in remission. John has several hobbies which include tennis, golf, hiking, snow-skiing and also enjoys watching football, baseball and basketball. John was sponsored by Alan Pacela and Art Polan, who are both now members of the Los Olivos Club. John is on the Board of Directors for the SYV Rotary Foundation and for the past year has been the Program Director for our club. Once again, congratulations, John Chu! Thanks for all the service you have given to our club and the valley over the years! The city staff and contractor have agreed that the site for the Children's Playground will be ready for the Build-Out Dates, May 31 to June 5. More volunteers are needed! So recruit your neighbors and friends. Call Tami Jo Dotson at 686-2020 for forms and brochures. Dr. Frank Pedersen will be moved to the Recovery Residence at Solvang Lutheran Home soon. Joan reports that he is improving following surgery to remove fluid from his head. Frank fell and struck his head severely in a fall last month. Coming Programs Wednesday, June 1, 2005 @ 12:00PM Meeting will be held at the Centennial Park to work on the Project Wednesday, June 8, 2005 @ 12:10PM "Guys and Dolls" Preview by PCPA Wednesday, June 15, 2005 @ 12:00PM "Options for Unwed & Pregnant Women" by Heather Campos |
