Our Club had the largest Target Shopping spree to date this past week. Karen Thompson lead an effort that gave a helping hand to 30 families. Karen said she started with $2700 until she received a bit more from Club members. She ended up with over $6400! Very nice!
One young gentleman stood out during the shopping. This is Luis with Dwight Thompson, Karen's husband. Luis stood out because he wasn't looking for gifts for himself but for his family. Not only that, he was looking for toys that he could donate to a Toy Drive. He made such an impact that Dwight coined him, meaning that Luis exhibited behavior above and beyond the call in military terms. Luis was very grateful and was so positively impacted by this experience. This is what Rotary gives us the opportunity to do - impact people in positive and, sometimes, life changing ways.
BIKE BUILD
Steve P had his annual Bike Build at Monte Vista, assembling 150 bikes this year! It was truly a Community Event.
Stephanie opened the meeting, the last of the year. Here are her thoughts in her own words:
It’s the holidays and my absolute favorite time of the year. Whether you celebrate Hanukkah, Christmas, or Kwanzaa, it’s that time of year when everyone seems happier, full of joy and excitement.
For me it is the season when we get to celebrate all that brought us joy during the year and we get to reflect on what we did to help make this year special, what lasting memory did we help to create for someone in the year 2021. And as the new year approaches, we get to start to think about what more can I do, how can I continue to make a difference in people’s lives, how can I be a better person so I am giving my full self in my efforts to help others.
Yes, there are presents, yes we get to see our family and friends and those special moments and memories are what we tend to remember during the holidays. My challenge for you, is for you to make time, to take time before the New Year to think about what you want to bring in 2022. What lasting memory will you create for someone else and how you can bring joy to the lives of others?
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President Kathryn Scroggin
President Kathryn welcomed our Zoom participants - Cindy Jacoby, Linas Kojelis and Dan Gesell.
She then asked Steve Pietrolungo, Gregg Hartman, Karen Thompson and John Tolson to come up front. She said these individuals were all involved in efforts (Target Shopping and Bike Build) that brought joy to others, meeting her challenge to improve the world. They all truly exemplify the spirit of Rotary. Many thanks to all of you.
Kathryn then shared her experience on the Target Shopping Spree that she had with a mother and her 12 year old daughter. The mother couldn't believe that her daughter's school contacted her for the opportunity. And the daughter didn't know that there were people in the world who helped others without expecting anything in return. The young lady was very grateful.
Next, Kathryn presented a small token of the Club's appreciation to the folks at Best Western who make our meetings happen. They take good care of us and it was well deserved.
She ended the last meeting of the year with a Mark Twain quote, "To get the full value of joy, you must have someone to divide it with".
As a final send off she announced, with great anticipation, the winners of the beautiful centerpieces Steve P made and brought in. In the spirit of the season, her decision was, to quote, "fight it out amongst yourselves".
By the way, if you ever want to drive Kathryn crazy, make the Rotary banners crooked that are hanging on the wall that she faces when talking. She hates that!
John, Gregg, Steve, Karen and Kathryn (l-r)
Best Western staff that makes it happen
Steve's centerpieces that caused the fisticuffs
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Tim Shannon lead this morning's Invocation in a most welcome fashion. Tim took the occasion to express some frustration that we all are probably feeling with today's society . He noted how quickly things have changed in our life time. We all remember the Encyclopedia Britannica as an example. That wasn't the source of the frustration however. The frustration comes from wanting to know the reason for today's divisiveness and the reason why so many of society's ills are not being addressed. Yes, very frustrating. Tim ended with a wonderful prayer of hope.
John Malan (second from left) lead the Flag Salute.
Mary Paseta was all set to welcome our Guests this morning but for one issue. There weren't any. Mary got off light this morning.
This morning's Greeter was Mike Mutal. You can tell Mike's a natural at this.
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Gary White, our Parliamentarian, let us know to expect an email next week with an update to our Bylaws attached. The adoption of this update will be voted on at our next meeting on January 6th, 2022.
Gary White
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John Baxter brought our attention to a Neighbor in Need. A caregiver he knows is in dire need of a washing machine. She is caring for a bedridden family member and she can't get by without one. As is typical to our Club, several hands went up for donations. See Vince if you can help out.
John Baxter
Dorina Timbol was asking for some assistance with helping a local, single mother of 4. She has nothing and Dorina is looking for members to adopt this very deserving family. Please see Dorina if you are interested.
Dorina Timbol
Martha Macker announced her next Family of Rotary event. It will be 5:00 PM, January 13th, 2022 at the Junkyard. Appetizers will be provided - Thank You President Kathryn. To that point, Martha said she's looking for similar sponsors for future Family of Rotary events. Please see Martha if you're interested in helping out.
Martha Macker
Bill Klepper announced a Blood Drive this December 29th from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM at the Junkyard. Please help out if you can.
Mr. Klepper
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Bill Klepper said the Happy Face Hill uplift was successful. Bill thanked our newest member, Dan Jordan, for helping out. Way to jump in Dan!
Bill mentioned that he is starting to hear Happy Face Hill referred to now as the Face of Simi Valley. Some think Bill would like it taken even further and have it referred to as the Face of Bill.....It does look great though. Check it out if you get a chance.
A reminder from Kathryn about the District Conference. It's not too late to sign up!
Bill Klepper has been involved with the search for a donor for a bone marrow transplant for young Ayden Denne of Simi Valley. Bill was happy to report that a donor was found so we will all keep our fingers crossed and pray that this leads to a successful transplant.
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Our Guest Speaker this morning was actually 3 parts of an acapella quartet. We were entertained with holiday music by some very talented singers from the Cultural Arts Center thanks to Jan Glasband. If something like this doesn't get one into the spirit of the season, nothing will. Truly delightful.
Jan said that this was the first time the ladies have sang publicly in 2 years. And, she also announced that they are opening up a holiday concert series starting this Friday at the Cultural Enrichment Center at 2956 School Street. It is called Together For The Holidays and there will be an orchestra accompanying the singers. Everyone is invited.
Jan, left, with our entertainment
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Love was clearly in the air in December. Congratulations to all!
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Happy Birthday and Anniversary Bob!
Happy Birthday Jim!
Happy Anniversary Bruce!
Happy Anniversary Deb!
Happy Anniversary Steve!
Happy Anniversary Tim!
Hands being raised for donations
Voices of Angels
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We will be dark the next two weeks December 23rd and 30th due to the Holidays.
Our next in person meeting will be on January 6th back at the Best Western, Posada Royale at 1775 Madera Road.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
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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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