Rotary aids Marine families

The Rotary Clubs of Newport Beach Sunrise, Costa Mesa and Newport Irvine helped secured the donation of toys and gift cards for the children of Camp Pendleton Marines.

Newport-Balboa Rotarian Bill Hossfield sent out a letter to club members that read, “Thank you for your kind donation to the support of the USMC’s First Battalion/First Division’s (1/1) families at Camp Pendleton during this Christmas and Hanukkah season. Your donation was spread out for many families in need that included 75 gift certificates of $25 and $50 denominations at Wal-Mart and Albertson’s at the suggestion of Anne Oxner, who is the A.K.V.C. (Key Volunteer Coordinator) in the 1/1 Key Volunteer Network.

“Why is this so important for this holiday season? The 1/1 has been deployed in the Middle East for the past three holiday seasons and would have shipped out at the beginning of this month except for the efforts of Lt. Col. Furness, the C.O. of the 1/1. The advanced party will fly to Iraq, leaving Southern California on January 3 followed in a few weeks by the remaining members of the 1/1. They have been back since late summer and in the field training most of the time including over Thanksgiving and only returning to Camp Pendleton on December 10. Most of the members are on deployment leave and that includes Anne’s husband who is the Gunny for Bravo Company and unfortunately he will be leaving in the forward group.

“I was really impressed with Anne and how she took charge once she found out on the afternoon of December 16 what we were trying to do for the 1/1. She pulled it off through the K.V.C., which are the military volunteer wives for each Company of the 1/1, by passing information and help to all the other wives and families especially during deployment. Gunny Rivero is the Assistant Family Readiness Officer and is the Dependent Assistant During Deployment (DADD), and will be one of the few staying at Camp Pendleton assisting all the dependent families and would also have to handle any and all crises.

“I really feel proud of what we, as members of The Rotary Club of Newport-Balboa, have accomplished over this holiday season. It is really great to be an American and show our gratitude to those who are protecting our rights to be free and helping others experience freedom.

“Please say a special prayer during this holiday season for the 1/1 and all those military units in uniform and especially to the real support behind those military units, their families....”

SPEAK UP NEWPORT TO STUDY GENERAL PLAN

At Speak Up Newport’s Jan. 11 meeting, the program will feature Nancy Gardner, co-chair of the general plan advisory committee, who will discuss the process for updating the Newport Beach general plan and the vision for our city for the year 2025, according to David Goff. Questions and answers will follow the presentation.

The meeting will be held at the Newport Beach Yacht Club, 1099 Bayside Drive, starting at 5 p.m. with appetizers and a cash bar followed by the program at 6 p.m. Additional information: (949) 224-2266.

SERVICE CLUB MEETINGS

Have you made a New Year’s resolution to give back to your community? If so, help your community and the world through a service club. For many, service club membership is an extension of our religious beliefs and congregation affiliation.

You are invited to attend a service club meeting this coming week to learn more about opportunity for service to your community, our country and the world. Most clubs will buy your first meal as you get acquainted with them.

TUESDAY

* 7:30 a.m. -- the Rotary Club of Newport Beach Sunrise meets at Five Crowns Restaurant for Craft Talks by Wendy Hooper and Maryann Goodman, MSW. www.newportbeach sunriserotary.org

* Noon -- The 15-member Rotary Club of Costa Mesa will meet at The Club House at South Coast Plaza.