Past Rotary International President Jim Lacey honoring us (Sharon and Otto) with the Rotary Foundation's most prestigious the Alumni SERVICE TO HUMANITY AWARD at the Rotary International Convention in Osaka, Japan, which was attended by 45,000 Rotarians around the world. In order to receive this award we had to commit to attending the Convention. Fortunately, the expense of the trip, hotel and meals was included. This award is given to one individual each year for outstanding humanitarian service.

After the convention we visited Andrea, Sharon's niece, who was working as an English instructor in a nearby town. She also served as a tour guide to many interesting sights. We really enjoyed the trip, visiting old shrines and ancient buildings, gardens and learning more about the people in Japan.

We being recognized as "Red Coat Fellows" and as Major Donors, by Brian Payne. We founded the Simi Valley Rotary Charitable Foundation with the sale of one of our rental properties. The goal of the foundation is to "do good in the world," but in contrast to The Rotary Foundation, the priority of the grants (however, not excluding international work) is to benefit the needs of the Simi Valley community.