Author talks about escape from communist Hungary

SERVICE CLUBS

Just about the time many have already hit the snooze button twice,

are rubbing the sleep out of their eyes, or still waiting for the

warm shower water to wake them up, members of the Burbank Sunrise

Rotary are bright-eyed and bushy-tailed at 7 a.m.

Sunder Ramani seems to carry sunshine in his pocket. Dave Smith is

never at a loss for words -- especially the humorous ones. And Pat

Patterson is ready for the wry remark. Past president and current

Seattle resident Stuart de Lima was in town for a recent meeting, as

was the ever-present Suzanne Cox, also a past president.

Despite Smith’s best attempts, the true highlight of the early

morning came from Burbank resident and new author, Stephen Veres.

Veres spoke about his autobiography titled “A Light in the Distance”

and told the moving and triumphant story of his escape from communist

Hungary to America. He said it took more than 7 1/2 years to write.

“What a touching story,” club member Gary Clark said. “It really

makes you think.”

Burbank Sunrise Rotary meets at 7 a.m. Tuesdays at The Castaway

restaurant, 1250 Harvard Road. For membership information, call Greg

Simay at 842-7074.

Longtime Burbank Exchange member remembered

Burbank Exchange Club recently lost Jack Wanamaker, 87. Jack was

one of its oldest members and very beloved by the club. In addition

to serving in many of the national and local programs under the club,

he was also the former owner of Wanamaker Rents -- one of the oldest

business establishments and landmarks in Burbank. Jack was renowned

for never charging rental fees to service organizations that needed

to rent equipment. He is survived by his son and daughter.

“Jack was a dedicated member who always was willing to extend his

time to support any activity for the promotion of goodwill in the

city of Burbank,” President Joe Caruso said.

Burbank Exchange Club meets from 11:30 a.m. to noon Wednesdays at

Sizzler restaurant, 1145 N. Hollywood Way. For membership

information, call Caruso at 845-1731.

Burbank Jaycees celebrate another year

Burbank Jaycees, the Burbank Junior Chamber of Commerce, will have

its Awards and Installation Banquet at 6 p.m. Saturday at The

Castaway restaurant. With the backdrop of a beautiful sunset and

great food, the Jaycees will welcome new officers and recognize hard

efforts performed over the preceding year.

Burbank Jaycees meet at 7:15 p.m. the second and third Thursday of

every month at the Burbank Chamber of Commerce, 200 W. Magnolia Blvd.

For membership information, call Jackie Lewis at 438-2042.

Job’s Daughters install officers

The International Order of Job’s Daughters Bethel #97 had its

147th Installation of Officers recently at the Burbank Masonic

Center. Rachel Lyn Martenson went in as Honored Queen for the ensuing

term Tamara Lynn Roselle served as the installing and outgoing

Honored Queen. A reception and dance followed the ceremony.

Bethel 97 of the International Order of Job’s Daughters meet the

first Friday night and third Saturday morning of every month at the

Burbank Masonic Center, 406 Irving Drive. For membership information,

call 846-3042.

Sertoma Club offers a Bell-yful

Burbank Sertoma Club will hear from Claudene Bell, Service

Learning Coordinator with the Burbank schools, at its noon luncheon

Tuesday at Genio’s restaurant. To attend, call Bob Tomer at 848-8536.

Burbank Sertoma Club meets at noon Tuesdays at Genio’s Restaurant,

1420 W. Olive Ave. For membership information, call 848-8536.

* EDWARD HEADINGTON’s service club column runs the first

Wednesday of the month. Reach him by e-mail at eheadington@msn.com,

fax at 688-8005, or mail at P.O. Box 10489, Burbank, CA 91510.