On Friday, October 4, 2013 District 5300 Governor, Miles Petroff, was the speaker. He was born in Los Angeles. He has been married for 35 years to his beautiful bride, Teresa, and has one daughter, Sara, who recently married this year.
Governor Petroff began his career with Verizon and retired. He then served as a Planning Commissioner for the City of Chino and has worked as a Senior Tax Advisor for H&R Block; so much for being retired.
Governor Petroff is actively involved with his community, including the Boys Republic of Chino Hills, Chino Hills Chamber, Chino Valley YMCA and the Rancho del Chino Rotary Club.
He was recently awarded an “Education Medal of Honor” by the School Boards Association with the San Bernardino County Superintendent. Governor Petroff is also a Paul Harris Fellow and, during our meeting, awarded Paul Harris Fellow pins to our esteemed members: Rob Granger and Rosie Mares. He also awarded “Ignite” pins to Red Badger, and dentist, Dr. Victor De Los Santos and, additionally, member Aaron Rose, who just completed a very successful Taste of Arcadia event.
Governor Petroff emphasized the importance of membership. He also shared the following good news: the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation will match funds raised by Rotary specifically for Polio eradication. Other fundraising efforts highlighted by our Governor included: Polio Walks, 5 Rotary walks in California and Las Vegas, Kids with No Limits (which helps children who cannot afford hearing aids or implants)
Arcadia Rotary was founded in 1927, with 86 years of excellence. Governor Petroff stressed that we tell Red Badgers what Rotary has accomplished to instill pride in their membership and as a means of inspiration.
He also reminded us of the importance of community involvement, including: Interact Clubs, Rotary Amigos, digging water wells, our Fort at Camp Trask, RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Award), TLC (Teen Leadership Camp), and, of course, our amazing Wheelchairs for Kids program. He encouraged us to Tweet and use Facebook, both of which are important for our public- image locally, nationally and internationally.
Finally, Governor Petroff gave out special “Hero” pins to Frank Perini for perfect attendance in 54 out of 59 years of membership, Eric Barter for incredible and selfless service, and Andrea Bundesmann for her leadership and participation in TLC and RYLA. He left us with the following reminders: “Join in and help change lives” and “There is no greater honor, no higher calling that the extraordinary opportunity to serve humankind.”