The May 10, 2013 “BBQ, Beanies, Brews (and Bonnets)” meeting held jointly with Westwood Village Rotary Club was the 37th meeting of the 91st year of the Rotary Club of Santa Monica.
 
President Judy announced our club received 11 District Recognition Awards for Community Service, Vocational Service, Fundraising and other service at the 2013 District Conference, Bret Carter received an individual District Service Award for his outstanding effort on behalf of the Rotary Foundation, and Past President Jim Dyer was post-humously received the Ian Jones Humanitarian Service Award recognizing Jim for his Distinguished Humanitarian Service and Devotion to the Ideals of Rotary International 2012–2013. This award was presented by President Judy to Sharen Dyer.
 
Additionally, Bill Randle received a new Rotary 30-Year Pin in recognition for his years of membership.
 
Past President Dick Lawrence led the induction of four new members –– Ron Call, Andrea Gressinger, Billy Howard, and Julie Thomas.
 
After a lengthy introduction by Director Club Service–Membership Russ Warner which culminated in a very brief rendition of “Home On the Range”, our guest speaker True Blue triple-degreed Bruin and much esteemed Biology Researcher and Professor Dr. Garen Baghdasarian informed us of plastic pollution effect on coral reefs, marine life and our food supply as well as how each of us can help reduce adverse ecological impact and improve food chain safety.
 
For details about our newest members, our guest speaker's presentation, our guests, and the entire meeting, click through to read the RotaMonica.