Rotarians from the Far East to the West Coast met in La Jolla last week to exchange stories, flags, words of appreciation and more.
During the Rotary Club of La Jolla’s May 13 meeting at the La Valencia Hotel, local Rotarians welcomed representatives of its sister club in Sasebo, Japan.
“The wonder of Rotary … comes from the fact that there are so many outlets for to find expression that suits their talents or interests,” said Charles Dick, a former Rotary Club of La Jolla president. “When I ed Rotary, my most keen interest had to do with international work, and this club has always had its finger on the international world.”
The Sasebo chapter was founded in 1951 and became a sister club to La Jolla in 1986.
Having such a long-term relationship has afforded Rotarians from both clubs the opportunity to travel to each other’s country, experience the culture and create memories.
Past La Jolla president Dick Woltman said he and his wife hosted a visiting Rotarian from Sasebo years ago “and we all became great friends.” So much so that when Woltman’s wife died, the Japanese Rotarian attended the funeral.
“That just gives you an idea to the extent to which friendships can evolve,” Woltman said.
Others spoke about their trips to Japan, including karaoke mishaps, late-night food experiences and more.
Japanese Rotarians Takahide Serino, Histaka Koga, Ryu Sashiyama, Masamitsu Hachiya and Tohmu Okubo said they were visiting San Diego to meet their La Jolla counterparts and to golf.
“La Jolla is a particularly beautiful town,” Serino said. “It’s a great honor and pleasure to meet all of you. … I hope our friendship will continue for many years to come, and I wish you years of prosperity.” ♦
