Community & Clubs:

Each year Lions Clubs offer high school students a chance to compete in a speaker’s contest. The Harbor Mesa Lions Club is sponsoring Newport Harbor High student Ian McEwan in the Zone contest at the Costa Mesa Country Club on March 12 at 6:30 p.m.

The speech subject this year is “Immigration — My Solution.” The winner will compete in the April 7 district contest. The final speeches are delivered at the multiple district level, and the winner can receive more than $20,000 in scholarships.

For info, call (714) 534-3791.

Talent sought

“The world is filled with talented kids, and some of the most talented will be performing at the Search for Talent contest, sponsored by the Exchange Club of Newport Harbor,” according to Dean Bottorf, club member. The event will take place at the Oasis Senior Center on Friday, March 14. Bottorf wants kids between age 6 and 18 to contact him at (949) 673-8701 for entry forms, which by March 7. The performance starts at 7 p.m. and is open to the public.

Bromberg on the adoption

At Wednesday’s meeting of the Rotary Club of Newport-Balboa, the honorable Steve Bromberg provided some background on the adoption of the 1st Battalion 1st Marines. During the past four years, more than $400,000 has been raised to support Marines and their families.

Newport Beach Mayor Ed Selich presented a proclamation to Lt. Col. Jeff Conner, 1/1 commanding officer, acknowledging the support of the Rotary Club of Newport Beach Sunrise and Newport-Balboa.

Conner accepted the proclamation on behalf of the 1/1 and called up President Bob Silver, to whom he presented an American Flag that flew over the base at Habbaniyah, Iraq on Feb. 4, 2008 as a token of the 1/1’s appreciation for Rotary’s support.

The 1/1, a battalion of more than 1,000 Marines, was deployed in August 2007 and returned earlier this month from Iraq. They lost two Marines in combat. They helped to rebuild the infrastructure, had the cooperation of locals and found the people to be courageous.

Conner said the success in Iraq is due to the Marines, soldiers, sailors and airmen, all volunteers who care deeply about the mission. He found that the conflict between religions has decreased, as did the reporting on Iraq. The media are interested in reporting on blood, and there is less being spilled today.

Worth repeating

Thought for the day, as provided by Greg Kelley of the Newport Mesa Irvine Interfaith Council:

“What people say behind your back is your standing in the community.”

— Ed Howe

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.