President Laura welcomed our Zoom participants including, among others, B.J. Anderson, Carolyn Boucher, Gregg Hartman and Martha Macker.
Laura, as a way of defining our Club for our visitors, then recited her "Why Rotary" elevator speech to us, going something like this:
Simi Sunrise Rotary is a non-political, non-religious social organization comprised of business, civic and professional leaders who meet on a regular basis in order to form friendships that will better the community through those friendships both locally and abroad.
Laura then spoke about the 7 Areas of Focus for Rotary International (see above) and briefly discussed each one and how our Club can have an impact.
At the end of the meeting, Laura lead us with a reading of the 4 Way Test, a good reminder for us all.
2021 - 2022 Rotary Theme
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Chas Wilson lead this morning's Invocation with a wonderful prayer.
Leigh Seaton, center, lead the Salute to our Flag,our gesture of love and respect. May this tradition live on.
Looks like Bruce is.....just what IS Bruce doing?
Bruce Bromberg, seeming to have gained control of himself, welcomed our Guests this morning. They included:
Mr. Terry Kirsh (Special Guest)
Mr. Jeff Von Molt
Mr. Jim Lowry (past president)
Mr. Mike McCaffry (past president)
Ms. Daryn Berger
Herschel Berger, left, with Terry Kirsh
Jeff Von Molt, left, with that same guy that keeps showing up for breakfast
Jim Lowry, sans mustache
It was nice to see Mike McCaffry
Daryn Berger with Mom
James Winstanly assisting Demi Fox with our Greetings this morning
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Dorina Timbol, left, rolled out the new Flyer for our upcoming YES! program. More information to follow in the coming weeks.
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Kathy Scroggin, in her role as immediate past president, announced some District 5240 awards that our Club received for this past year at the recent District Conference . They included the following:
- Vocational Service Award recognizing John Baxter and John Bagnall for their Vocational leadership. Their program wherein students were given small business grants was specifically cited.
- The Community Service Award was given to Leigh Seaton and Bill Klepper for the many, many Service Club events that they coordinated last year. Although Leigh claims Bill did little and was in it just for the photo ops.
- The Club Service Award recognized Leigh Seaton, Fernando Estevez, Tim Gray, Deb Davila and Carolyn Boucher for all of the work they put into the very successful Club Service projects our Club hosted such as the Senior Thanksgiving Dinner, the Bike Giveaway and Target shopping to name a few. And all during a pandemic!
- Chas Wilson was recognized for receiving the District Governor's Recognition Award for 2021-2022. Well deserved Chas!
Lastly, Kathy said that our Club is a Gold Medal Award winner meaning that we won an award in at least 8 different categories with additional categories to be announced. Not an easy feat to accomplish!
And Kathy, of course, left us with a quote from Jonas Salk. "The reward for work well done is the opportunity to do more."
Bill and Leigh and looks who is doing all of the work holding the certificate?
Kathy with Leigh and Fernando
Chas with his award from Kathy
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Leigh Seaton reminded us about Mike Kort, president of Simi Sunset Rotary, asking for our involvement in the joint Blood Drive. Here's Mike's announcement:
The joint blood drive with the three Simi Valley Rotary Clubs will take place on Tuesday, August 23rd from 2:30-7:00 pm. The Vitalant blood mobile will be parked at the Simi Valley Town Center just west of Starbucks.
There are only 35 spots available...let's fill them up so please share this information.
John Tolson was notified by Annika Sumby, new Executive Director of the Samaritan Center that they have ZERO $10 food gift cards to pass out to their clients on Friday, July 22nd. Six days a week, different organizations provide a meal. (The Rotary Club of Simi Sunrise does it on the second Thursday of the month!) On Fridays, the Samaritan Center shuts down early and for the dinner, will pass out a food gift card (worth $10). If a member would like to make a donation (either with a food gift card, or monies), please contact John Tolson (he can come pick it up or accept Venmo and make it happen. THANK YOU.
Geovanny Ragsdale reminded us about the upcoming Family of Rotary events - see above. Please note the CHANGE IN DATEfor the District Governor's visit to September 29th!
There is a note below on the upcoming Saturday, August 6th Family Picnic at Lemon Park. It has a QR code for RSVP'ing and for letting them know what side dish you are bringing. You can also use these links to sign up as well:
And, as per earlier edict, all members must schedule their personal vacations around these Family of Rotary dates or risk public shaming.
The Family Picnic will also involve a Member Drive so Geovanny encouraged us to bring visitors.
Geovanny Ragsdale
Steve Hise reminded us that Pickelball will be played prior to the August 6th Picnic. Play will start at 10:00 AM and what a great way to build up an appetite for the Picnic! See Steve for details.
And, Steve has offered to teach anyone to play who wants to learn so no excuses for not participating. And Bill promised that no commercials will be filmed during play.
President Laura earlier announced a Community Needs Assessment committee meeting on Monday, August 1st at 6:00 PM. Laura is looking for Club members who would be interested in joining the committee. It will be a combination of all Simi Rotary Clubs.
This meeting will be held at 99 Ranch at the mall.
A reminder about the upcoming 5240 District Conference on November 18th - 20th.
Demi Fox announced a change in the date for the upcoming Food Fanatic Rotary dinner at the Mahler's. It was scheduled for Saturday, August 27th at 6:00 PM. That has CHANGED to Friday, August 26th at 6:00 PM at the Mahler's. Please RSVP Demi with a text to:
805.490.1401
Before Ryan Valencia left temporarily to fulfill his Reserve requirements, he had announced a 13 Souls Memorial Run to honor the 13 Heroes who gave their lives for their country during the pullout from Afghanistan. It will be held Saturday, August 27th starting at 6:40 AM. It will start at the Metrolink station opposite Rec and Park and will go along the Bike Path. It will consist of a 1K, 5K, 10K and Half Marathon and is free of charge.
Today, we had the honor of Jeff Von Molt speaking to us a bit more about this event and what it means to him. Jeff is the father of Jack Von Molt, a Lance Corporal in the US Marines who was at the airport that horrible day. Jack was not injured but it took many agonizing hours to find this out.
Jeff said that this is also a Fundraiser for the families of those wounded and he could use the following help:
- Yellow Vests
- Orange Cones
- Goody Bags
- 200 bottles of Gatorade
- Miscellaneous items for Goody Bags
Jeff will also need some volunteers to help out. As of now, he has had 46 volunteers sign up and needs a total of 90.
In Ryan's absence, please see Leigh Seaton or Tim Gray if you are interested in helping out.
Jeff, left, with Tim
Bill Klepper wanted everyone to know about the upcoming Golf Tournament in support of the Simi Police Foundation. See Bill for details.
A previous Guest, Leila Thayer-Malone, announced a Walk to End Alzheimers coming up in October and left us a flyer below. See Martha Macker if this is of interest to you.
As Carolyn Boucher had previously said, it doesn't take any effort or money to place the Team Ginny car magnet on your car. Please see Carolyn if you'd like to get one.
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"If we would learn what the human race really is at the bottom, we need only observe it in election times."
Mark Twain
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Gregg is an authority on bourbon and has quite the collection. It is said that he knows each bottle by name and opens up the special ones for special occasions such as honoring Sharon's father.
The word that best describes James is patriotic and he's very proud of his service in the US Navy. He's a history buff especially history dealing with archeology and past civilizations such as the Romans. So much so, he even speaks a bit of Latin.
Many members didn't know that John is a Club member - or is it Tatum?
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A vote was held and a motion passed to appoint Peter Cicciari as our new Club Liaison to the Club Foundation.
And, it was announced that Chas Wilson will be taking over as Club Treasurer from Harry VanDyck. Congrats Chas, I think.
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ROYAL ROTARIAN
Mike Mutal recognized Savi Bhim as our Royal Rotarian this week. Savi has filled many roles as a Rotarian over the years, including past Club president and our past District Governor. She cares about people and cares about Rotary.
Mike told a story about Savi given to him by Savi's son. It involved Savi making sure a certain child who couldn't afford it received a goody bag on an excursion. That simple gesture of love by Savi greatly affected that child who, 10 years later, sought Savi out to thank her for her kindness and to tell Savi what a positive impact it had them. Small acts can go a long way and Savi made it happen.
Mike Mutal
Laura and Her Royal Highness, Empress Savi - self-proclaimed apparently
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Camille Cordova was highlighted today. That's Camille, with her partner in the back left corner. They took 2nd place at this 2006 Salsa competition.
Fun Facts: Camille was involved in Equestrian sports as a teenager up until 2012. And she has been involved in dancing her whole life starting with ballet at the age of 3 up until competitive salsa dancing today.
Camille today, taking attendance
That's 10 year old Cindy Jacoby on the right proudly displaying her award.
Fun Facts: Cindy was on Let's Make a Deal with Monty Hall and she actually does not like to speak in public, which no one believes by the way,
Cindy today
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Today's Guest Speaker was retired California Superior Court Judge Cindy Ulfig. She has a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science from CSUN and earned her JD from Southwestern University School of Law in LA. After passing the bar, she worked in the LA District Attorney's office for 15 years going from trying misdemeanor cases all the way to felony cases involving burglary, arson and murder. Governor Pete Wilson appointed her to the Superior Court in 1998 where she served for 24 years before retiring in 2022.
Judge Ulfig related a murder case she tried that happened in a Home Depot store in San Fernando in the early 1990's. The crime occurred in the course of a robbery. The murderer was ultimately sentenced to life without parole as opposed to the death penalty she was seeking. She took us through the case from the time the robbery and murder was committed to when the sentence was handed down. It was a glimpse into a world that is hard to imagine exists but, all too sadly, does. Pray for all of those involved in the proper enforcement of our laws.
Judge Ulfig with Laura
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Dorina talking about all of the hard work that goes on behind the scenes in order for Club business to happen. Laura gave a pin to those who help out with the meetings - see below. Also, Dorina "suggested" that, when asked to take on a responsibility in the Club meeting (i.e., Invocation, Flag Salute, Guest List or Greeter), that you try your best to fill that spot. Makes for a more smooth running meeting.
Steve Hise with his pin for taking photos.
Steve P.'s pin for his IT support. Would be nice if got to the meetings on time though.
And Chas getting his pin for being Chas.
It was great seeing Jarrod DeGonia
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Our meeting next week, August 4th, will be in person at the Best Western. See you there!
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Please remember to bring a friend or an acquaintance to our next meeting. This is a GREAT way to grow our membership! And the guest's breakfast is taken care of.
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Rotary Club Finder Need to find a club to do a makeup? Or find out where Rotary clubs meet while you are traveling? Click here to access the Club Finder page on the RI website.
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