Culver City Observer -

Culver City Exchange Club members “old” (just a figure of speech) and new really enjoyed their Annual Lame Duck Meeting in June. There were Past Presidents in attendance who covered the history of the Club from 1954-2008, and all openly shared their feelings. They included Bill Fecho, Earl Eskridge, Ken Owens, Dick Brundo, Mike Fate, Mike Snell, Larry Burns, Jeff Cooper, Dr. Jay Shery, Don Chandler and Scott Malsin. Needless to say the remainder of the meeting was dedicated to the Annual 4^th of July Fireworks Show this Sunday evening at Culver City High School, expected to be one of the biggest and best ever!

A colossal fireworks salute goes out to July birthday celebrants Margarita Varshavakaya, Joyce Sandler, Jeff Stafsky, Christine Meyers, Joann Samuel, Joann Krupin, Rosalie Maggio, Trudy Barnes, Connie Wood, Michael Berry, Satshakira Abbedrabbo, Franna Diamond, Pam Fader, Prisca Gloor-Maung, Maria Del La Luz, Christopher Quinn, Nichola Marble VanDam, Marline Newman, Ann Marie Michaels, Luther Richert, Diane Hernandez, Michelle Titus-Shonholtz, Kendrick Batiste, Katy McLaughlin, Shannon Jacobson, Sangreeta Chosh, Courtney Lamb, Tuavir Shaikh, Sevenju Berkey, Maya Washington, Evelyn Soileau,and Kayla Williams.

Happily hanging ten this summer will be participants in the Culver-Palms Family YMCA’s Summer Surf Camp, starting next week. There will be four different weekday sessions: Monday, July 5 – Friday, July 9; Monday, July 12 – Friday, July 16; Monday, July 19 – Friday, July 23; and Monday, July 26 – Friday, July 30. A typical day will consist of an 8:00 a.m. arrival at the beach followed by stretching and warm-ups, surf time with the instructors, mid-morning snack time (bring your own), then more supervised surf time with the instructors, with beach clean-up and packing up at 11:30, and departure back to the YMCA at noon. Transportation will be provided by the YMCA. All participants under 18 years of age must be signed in and out daily by a legal guardian or parent. Participants will meet at the YMCA at 7:15 a.m. and pick up at 12:15 p.m. Can’t do weekdays? Check out Saturday Surf Camps on July 10, 17, 24 and 31 and/or August 7, 14, 21, and 28. For more information contact Eric Lane, Director of Sports and Recreation at his direct line, (213) 639-7522 or stop by the CPFYMCA at 4500 So. Sepulveda Blvd.

A unique opportunity to enjoy the gala Exchange Club Fireworks Show will be at the Culver-Palms United Methodist Church’s Annual July 4th Block Party and Barbecue. This exciting event is happening on Sunday, July 4th from 4-10 p.m., and offers a fun way for kids to make new friends while enjoying food, music and games (that include a Jumper/Bouncer) until 6:30 p.m. Live music will be provided by the church's praise band, "The Eleven." The evening will conclude with viewing the fireworks at nearby Culver City High, clearly visible right from the church parking lot. Potluckers are invited to bring your own meat to grill plus a dish to share, and your own table service. Culver-Palms United Methodist Church is located at 4464 Sepulveda Blvd., two blocks south of Braddock. The church office can be reached @ (310) 390-7717, and the web site is www.hope4la.org.

Next Tuesday, July 6 marks the Culver City Garden Club’s Annual Show Awards Potluck – the meeting begins at 7:00 p.m. and will include a program entitled “Save Water Use in Your Yard – Drip Irrigation, Soaker Hoses, etc.” presented by Denise Friese, Custom Landscaping. Members are reminded to bring in their membership renewals ($12/single; $18/family) to the meeting, which will take place in the Garden Room of the Veterans’ Memorial Building, 4117 Overland Ave. Participants (members and guests) can eat, sign up to volunteer at the club’s booth at Fiesta LaBallona, August 28-29 plus enjoy the usual plant “Show, Tell & Ask” and raffle table.

This past year, under Culver City Rotary Club President Bill Gardner’s leadership,finally wound down with last Saturday night’s oceanic (is that like demonic?) Demotion Party, and we hope new Prez Linda Black has taken her vitamins. Lots of reporters support Reciprocator editor Dannie Cavanaugh’s weekly publication with contributions to the “It Happened” columns, including Art Endo, Clint Ehlers, Janet Chabola, Craig Ferre, Jim Machado, Phil Tangalakis, Linda Black, Chris King, Joel Forman, and Don Trepany. It’s a team effort and Rotary has a great team!

Unfurl the flags and get out the red, white and blue t-shirts, caps, and banners! Make it a safe and sane 4^th by picnicking in the park, barbecuing in the back yard, or watching the Culver City High School Fireworks Show from your front lawn – make it a block party. Join with friends, family, church members and other Culcitizens in celebrating this wonderful holiday!