Partners in Rotary fundraiser

Four days after 100 mph winds knocked out power in Arcadia, 67 stalwart Rotarians and spouses gathered at the beautiful home of Gitta and Terry Earl for the annual Partners in Rotary (PIR) sponsored Holiday Party which raised an estimated $2,000 to support community and Rotary projects next year.

Susan Motander with Judge Bruce Marrs

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – By Denice Masterson Orr Photos by Sandra Caldero – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

The first question guests asked each other was, “Do you have power yet?” Mayor Pro-tem Bob Harbicht answered, “No. The storm didn’t discriminate; council members lost power too.” The second question to him was, “When will my power come on?” Harbicht explained, “Arterial streets are prioritized and cleared first, then side streets. Our emergency responses started at 3 A.M. during the storm.

Mayor Pro Tem Bob Harbicht and Bob Hoffman

And the city hired an extra 50 contract employees to help our crews clear the nearly 500 downed trees in the streets.”

Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Bruce Marrs’ home in Monrovia also lost power. Susan Motander said tree damage was widespread in their neighborhood.

Cheers rose when (PIR) President Julie Miller thanked the Earls for hosting under difficult circumstances. Gitta Earl said, “Our power just came on this morning.” Plans were in place to have the party even by flashlight and candlelight.

Hosts Gitta and Terry Earl

Gail Jensen wasn’t surprised at the great turnout for the event. “It shows the spirit of Arcadia and Rotary. Even now we still get together and have fun. It’s a sign of what a good group and city we have.” As a result of the storm, the Jensens brought their mother home from a nursing home that didn’t have power or generators. Everyone at the event had different problems to overcome.

Dave Totten with prize Kindle

The festivities that evening included the luckiest raffle ticket which won a Kindle Fire for Barbara and Dave Totten. Barbara Bushnell won a shawl woven by the women of Kashmir, India and a Jaipur necklace. Janet Chapman won a certificate to Matt Denny’s Ale House. Rosie Mares received Christmas decorations and DVD.

Five Arcadia High School students from the Rotary sponsored Interact Club served dinner and desserts.