Community & Clubs:

The Exchange Club of Newport Harbor will host its annual movie event featuring “2012” Nov 12, at the Lido Theatre.

The movie is an epic adventure about a global cataclysm that brings an end to the world, and tells of the heroic struggle of the survivors. It stars John Cusack, Danny Glover and Woody Harrelson.

Festivities begin at 5:30 p.m. All ticket holders will receive a free T-shirt, unlimited food sampling (courtesy of our sponsoring restaurants), admission to the movie, and the warm knowledge that your donation goes to help prevent child abuse! Beverages will be available for purchase.

Proceeds from the event go to Prevention of Child Abuse and other youth activities in the community. Last year, this event generated $50,000 for Prevention of Child Abuse, more than $30,000 in Scholarships to Students and Teachers, and more than $5,000 to other local charities.

Become a sponsor (Corporate or Individual) or buy tickets. Call (949) 887-6768. Contributions are tax deductible.

SZECHENYI NAMED BUSINESS ROTARIAN OF THE YEAR

Chris Szechenyi, general manager of Five Crowns, was named Business Rotarian of the Year at the District 5320 Awards Luncheon Friday, which was attended by 21 nominees and more than 200 Rotarians.

Szechenyi has been active in Rotary since 2001, serving as president in 2006-07 and as chairman of the Environmental Service Committee. He was able to garner Lawry’s support for hosting the club Tuesday mornings at Five Crowns, though the restaurant is normally a dinner house. In addition, his restaurant also hosts the District Governor dinner and the Club President’s Demotion party. Chris provides invaluable support for club fundraisers, such as the annual wine tasting, to which he donated the wine.

President Tim Brown had this to say when filling out the nomination papers: “The impact that his example has on some of society’s most vulnerable is immeasurable.” He was referring to Vocational Service workshops that Szechenyi is involved in, in conjunction with the Orange County Salvation Army Recovery Program, coaching residents who have been rehabilitated to gain honest interviewing skills. He also gave examples of his involvement with Habitat for Humanity, the Marine Mammal Center and the Ocean Institute. Addressing the Leadership Committee, Tim wrote, “You will never hear a pessimistic word or thought expressed by Mr. Szechenyi. He always sees the glass half-full and will only convey positive thoughts about others regardless of their actions.” Congratulations, Chris!

WORTH REPEATING

Thought for the Day as provided by Greg Kelley of the Newport Mesa Irvine Interfaith Council…“Education... has produced a vast population able to read but unable to distinguish what is worth reading.”

SERVICE CLUB MEETINGS THIS WEEK

How are you giving back to your community? You are invited to attend a service club meeting to learn more about opportunity for service. Most clubs will buy you your first meal as you get acquainted with them.

TODAY

7:30 a.m.: The 10-member Newport Harbor Kiwanis Club meets at Denny’s Restaurant, 290 Bristol St., Costa Mesa.

Noon: The 20-member Exchange Club of Corona del Mar meets at the Bahia Corinthian Yacht Club for a business meeting. Visit www.coronadelmarexchangeclub.org.

6 p.m.: The 65-member Rotary Club of Newport Balboa meets the Bahia Corinthian Yacht Club for the annual visit by District Gov. Bret Gerdes. Visit www.newportbalboa.org.

The 15-member Rotary Club of Costa Mesa meets. Call (714) 914-1078 for this week’s location.

THURSDAY

7 a.m.: The 20-member Costa Mesa Orange Coast Lions Club meets at Mimi’s Café.

Noon: The 50-member Costa Mesa Kiwanis Club meets at the Holiday Inn, Costa Mesa. Visit www.CostaMesaKiwanis.org

COMMUNITY & CLUBS is published Saturdays. Send your service club’s meeting information by fax to (714) 921-8655 or by e-mail to jdeboom@aol.com .