David Masci - Introduction of Program Speaker-Jim Freidl
Jim Freidl - General Manager CRPD
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BECOMING A ROTARIAN IS A MEANINGFUL EXPERIENCE....
Invite a friend, family member, colleague to join Rotary.
Encourage Them to Be Part of Something GREAT!!!
Why wouldn’t you want them to be part of an organization that feeds the hungry, cures the sick, provides education to women and children, provides clean water and sanitation. And now is taking on the environment.
See Dominic Pino for more information
Dominic.Pino@edwardjones.com
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MANDATORY PARTICIPATION EVENTS FOR ALL THOUSAND OAKS ROTARIANS:
CHILI COOK-OFF-2027 TBD- SEE MARISSA BUSS
WINE FESTIVAL-2027 TBD- SEE DAVE MASCI
STREET FAIR -3rd SUNDAY in OCT 2026 SEE CRYSTAL EVANS
President Michelle welcomed members and guests to the meeting with an inspiring challenge centered on service and kindness. She encouraged every Rotarian to perform one random act of kindness each week, pointing out that with approximately 100 club members, that simple commitment would result in 5,200 acts of kindness over the course of a year. She reminded everyone that small acts, multiplied across many people, can have a tremendous impact on the community.
Looking ahead, President Michelle also announced the club's second challenge for 2026: to collectively complete 2,026 hours of community service.
The effort is already underway, beginning with the club's annual Safe Passage backpack project, organized by JessicaSasslos. A menu of upcoming service opportunities was displayed for members, making it easy for everyone to find ways to get involved throughout the year.
Members were also reminded about the upcoming Rotary Foundation Luncheon on September 12 in Ventura. The luncheon is approximately $75 per person, and the club will organize carpools for those planning to attend.
President Michelle invited Steve Stanley to deliver the Inspirational Moment. Steve spoke on the importance of gratitude, describing it as recognizing the positive aspects of life even when challenges exist.
He reflected on how the past century has brought more progress than perhaps any other period in history. Just 100 years ago, everyday conveniences such as television, vaccinations, refrigeration, and even hot showers were unavailable to most people. While acknowledging that there is plenty of uncertainty and anxiety in today's world, Steve encouraged everyone to pause, look around, and appreciate the many blessings that surround us. His message served as a thoughtful reminder that gratitude can help provide perspective and strengthen our outlook.
Michael Ladd then led the club in the Star-Spangled Banner, after playing a rock rendition (by Jimi Hendrix)
Guest Introductions:
Cherry Wang welcomed several guests to the meeting. Visiting with the club were former Rotarians Betsy and David Kreibel, Teresa Lallo, wife of Matt Lallo, Eddie Nash, son of Michelle Nash, along with Allison Pachetnik and Sue Kelly. The club was pleased to welcome both familiar and new faces and looks forward to seeing them again at future meetings.
Jessica Sassolos encouraged members to support the club's Safe Passage Backpack Program, noting that only three volunteer spots remain to be filled. She thanked the many Rotarians who have already signed up and shared that their participation will help the club achieve its goal of completing 2,026 hours of service throughout the 2026–2027 Rotary year.
President Michelle Nash then engaged the club with a bit of Rotary trivia, asking members to guess who had the longest tenure in Rotary. After several longtime members were mentioned, it was revealed that Ken Warner holds the distinction with an incredible 53 years of Rotary service. In recognition of this remarkable milestone, Marc Feigen presented Ken with a certificate honoring his decades of dedication and commitment to Rotary's motto of Service Above Self. Congratulations, Ken, on this well-deserved recognition!
Jessica Sassalos
Michelle Nash
Marc Feigen presents certificate to Ken Warner- 53 Years in the Rotary Club of Thousand Oaks
Certificate of Appreciation for 53 Years of Service
Happy Dollars: Jeff Borenstein had the honor of carrying the Happy Cup.
Happy Dollars brought plenty of smiles and stories as members celebrated friendships, travel, anniversaries, and Rotary connections.
Chris Lamia started playing tennis recently and sadly lost straight sets last week.
Jim Friedl was happy to welcome Sue back, joking that he was surprised she that even after attending the demotion party she still came back for another meeting.
Karen Furnari was pleased to welcome Betsy and Dave Kreibel and shared her appreciation for their years of involvement overseeing Rotary Choir.
Martin Anderson reminded everyone that Dave and Betsy first met through Rotary, where their friendship grew into a marriage—a wonderful example of the lasting relationships Rotary creates.
Jessica Sasolos recently returned from London and said the trip made her especially grateful for life in the United States. She also noted that England's air conditioning leaves a lot to be desired.
Betsy Kreibel shared that Saturday the 18th marks her and David's 18th wedding anniversary.
Pat Hanley thanked Michelle for changing up the meeting format and making an effort to keep everyone engaged and happy.
Christy Wilson said she thoroughly enjoyed the New Member Social the night before and complimented the event.
Nancy Wohl echoed Christy's comments, saying she also had a great time at the New Member Social.
Felix Wang shared that he had just returned from Taiwan, where he connected with Michelle Nash during the Rotary International Convention. He added that anyone interested in visiting Taiwan is welcome to reach out, and he would be happy to show them around.
Michelle Nash thanked Felix Wang for his hospitality and guidance while in Taiwan. She also expressed her appreciation to Monica and Carol for organizing the New Member Social.
Past President Darin Arrasmith came forward to recognize members of the 2025–2026 Board of Directors, thanking them for their dedication and willingness to serve the club. He recognized John Bradley as Treasurer, Sara Collins as Vocational Service Chair, and Susan Murata as Membership Chair, acknowledging each of them for taking on these important leadership roles.
Darin also presented a special Mike O'Beirn Award to Felix Wang in recognition of his outstanding commitment to Rotary's mission of developing future leaders. Felix was honored for chartering two new Interact clubs—one at Newbury Park High School and another at Thousand Oaks High School—expanding opportunities for local students to experience service above self through Rotary.
Monica Marietta served as Fine Master, taking members on a fun trip down memory lane by revisiting highlights from the past Rotary year. She invited Darin Arrasmith, Michelle Nash, and Jeff Borenstein to the front of the room to answer a series of "Name That Rotarian" questions. Each challenge featured a photo from a club event with the faces blacked out, testing how well they could identify their fellow members. It really didn't matter if they got it right or wrong......It was just fun to see all of the photos.
The first photo, taken at the Wine Event, featured Carol Freeman.
The next photo was from the Economic Forecast and included Crystal Evans, Sevak K., and Somer Barwick.
Another photo from the Wine Event showed Paul Dryman and Mark Fagan, correctly identified by Jeff Borenstein.
A photo from the Chili Cook-Off featured Ean, Vicki, and Jeff, with Darin correctly naming everyone pictured.
The next Chili Cook-Off photo featured Marissa Buss, who was correctly identified by Jeff Borenstein.
A photo from the Street Fair showed Nelson Buss, Michelle Nash, and Cherry Wang.
The final photo featured Rich Folsom, easily recognized as the club's photographer with his cameras in hand.
Rotarians (Michelle Nash, Victor Hayek, Jessica Sassalos, Marc Feigen, Louis Hirsch, Laura Conway) and their family members gathered to stuff back packs for kids in the Safe Passage Program
David Masci introduced the featured speaker, Jim Friedl, General Manager of the Conejo Recreation and Park District, by sharing a humorous video highlighting Jim before welcoming him to begin his presentation.
Jim opened the program by providing an overview of the history and mission of the Conejo Recreation and Park District. He explained that the district operates as its own entity, with its Board of Directors elected by local voters. The district serves five areas within the Conejo Valley, where approximately one-third of the total land area is dedicated to open space and parks.
He shared that the Park District operates with an annual budget of approximately $35 million, with about $21 million coming from property tax revenue. He emphasized that volunteers play a vital role in the district’s success, with more than 800 volunteers contributing their time and talents to support the community.
Partnerships are also a key component of the district’s success. Jim highlighted the importance of the Conejo Open Space Conservation Agency (COSCA) as a critical partner in preserving and protecting open space. He noted that Rotarian Dorothy Sullivan serves as Vice Chair of COSCA. He also recognized the importance of the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority (MRCA), which helps protect more than 85,000 acres of open space.
Jim discussed several exciting projects currently underway, including the district’s continued partnership with the City of Thousand Oaks. One major accomplishment was the recent acquisition of Fireworks Hill and the buildings located on that property, totaling approximately 51,000 square feet. The Park District now owns this important community asset and is exploring future opportunities for the site.
Another upcoming project is the Borchard Skate Park, where the district is investing $4 million to create a new recreational destination for the community. Plans are also underway for a new 20,000-square-foot event center at the Fireworks Hill property.
Jim also shared the vision for future improvements at Conejo Creek West, with the goal of creating a space similar to an East County Fairgrounds. While still in the planning stages, the project represents another opportunity to expand community activities and experiences.
Jim concluded his presentation by sharing his appreciation for the Conejo Valley and what makes the community so special. He emphasized that it is a safe place to live and work, where residents value protecting open space, caring for seniors, promoting health and wellness, and maintaining a high quality of life. He also noted that the Park District plays an important role in strengthening the community and helping support property values throughout the region.
President Michelle asked Jim to sign a book that will be donated to the library in Jim's honor for his presentation today. She then thanked everyone involved in the meeting today and adjourned the meeting
