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Prez Dick Troncone called us to order and away we went. Michelle Candland asked if our “life tapestry” was beautiful to behold or a horrible example – and that people were watching. Ed Glazener and Larry Showley led us in a rousing rendition of the National Anthem. Janie Davis brought us a history minute and the latest/greatest news – and the DOW was UP! We bid a fond farewell to Mari Lyn Salvador moving to New Mexico but promising to visit occasionally. If you’d like to enjoy some great tennis and fellowship, contact Bob Witty about the 10/24 tennis tournament. And don’t forget, the Diana Venable scholarship holiday auction is 12/10 - and you can help. Donate an item, buy an ad, volunteer to help, be an enthusiastic bidder, and bring a friend or family member who is a great shopper. Contact Jo Dee Jacob soon if you can help.
When we meet bright, articulate young people, we know there is promise for the future. Kevin Clark introduced four Youth Exchange students, two from Hoover HS and two from San Diego HS, who had spent part of their summer in Europe. Each made brief, thankful comments about the life changing experience they had. Speaking of bright young people, our speaker’s grandson, Adam Silverman, was a tablemate. Adam was a Club 33 Ambassadorial Scholar in 2005 and studied in Perth. He is currently applying to medical schools and hopes to attend UCSD. Good luck, Adam.
President Dick showed no mercy in his fining prowess. Ann Hill caught one for her
recognition as this year’s Outstanding Organizational Volunteer for National Philanthropy Day on 11/3and Jeanne Schmelzer promoted the event. The ever bombastic Jack Berkman filled in for Steve Bond (who took the fine) and led a quarter with Jennifer Perkins, Keith McKenzie, and Perry Dealy. Fortunately they didn’t sing. They did tell us about the Promises 2 Kids fundraiser on 10/23. Thanks, Rotarians, for doing important work for kids.
COD Paul Nestor introduced the Rotarian from the farthest distance with a gift of a good picture from a bad angle – and a great bottle of wine. Thanks to Paul for bringing us Mel Stuart, the internationally renowned director and producer with four Emmys, a Peabody Award, and an Oscar Nomination to his credit. Mel regaled us with anecdotes and film clips about the making of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, a fanciful, wacky, mysterious, and slightly creepy film. He produced the movie at the insistence of his young daughter who loved the book. Munich was selected as the filming site because Mel wanted Wonkaland to be a secret place.
In the early 70’s, communication being what it was, secrets were easier to keep. Mel spoke of the casting call and finding young, aspiring actors in Gene Wilder as Willy Wonka and Peter Ostrum as Charlie Bucket. We all know about Wilder’s fame, but Peter decided one film was enough and went on to become a veterinarian. The Oompa Loompas were small people from Loompaland who worked at the chocolate factory and were actors from several European countries; only one actor spoke English which made filming a lot of fun. Roald Dahl wrote the book but wasn’t a great screenplay writer. Mel found a young copywriter, David Seltzer, who had that writing “it,” the magical talent for the written word. He locked him in a room for two weeks where he created a brilliant screenplay. Seltzer went on to major writing fame. Because of poor distribution, the film bombed and didn’t take off until cable landed on the airwaves. But the movie was absolutely scrumdidilyumptious – a big hit - and they all lived happily ever after.
Editor of the Day: Patti Roscoe
Photography by Mike Conner & Paul Nestor
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