TOARTS Corporate Members Inducted into the Rotary Club of Thousand Oaks
Ethan Craig
Casey Comstock-Mills
Niki Richardson
2026-2027 Rotary International Theme
August is Membership and New Club Development
New Member Mentor- Michael Ladd presents Blue Badge to Richard Schwarts
President Michelle presents $250 check to DG Margarida for Pier Into the Future
Thought for the Day
Trevor Tyloch carried the Happy Cup
Funny for the Day:
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The Thousand Oaks Rotary Club is proud to be a Peace Builder Club.
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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. And have fun while were doing it!!!
See Dominic Pino for Membership Information
dvpino@outlook.com
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MANDATORY PARTICIPATION EVENTS FOR ALL THOUSAND OAKS ROTARIANS:
CHILI COOK-OFF-2027 TBD- SEE MARISSA BUSS
WINE FESTIVAL- June 13th 2027 -SEE DAVE MASCI
STREET FAIR -3rd SUNDAY in OCT 2026 SEE CRYSTAL EVANS
President Michelle Nash called the meeting to order at 12:26 p.m. She began by applauding the fun and engaging Fireside Chats that were held last week, noting how they help members build meaningful friendships and strengthen the Rotary experience.
Michelle spoke about the many benefits of Rotary, including the opportunity to develop lasting friendships, gather together for lunch, and raise money for worthy nonprofits. She emphasized that Rotary gives members the chance to plot and work together to make the world a better place.
As part of a special community-service challenge celebrating America’s 250th birthday in 2026, the club has committed to providing 2,026 hours of community service as a birthday present to the United States. Michelle proudly reported that the club has already completed 1,422 hours since the beginning of the Rotary year.
Michelle also re-introduced a second challenge: Every member is encouraged to perform one act of kindness each week. With 52 weeks and approximately 100 members, that could result in a goal of 5,200 random acts of kindness during this Rotary year.
Michelle noted that people have even started saying hello to one another more often, asking, “Is it a coincidence?” Perhaps the spirit of Rotary and its emphasis on kindness is already making a difference in the community.
The club has also collected a significant amount of electrolytes for our troops, continuing its tradition of responding when people are in need.
From helping fire victims to providing support for thirsty troops, Pres. Michelle emphasized that the Thousand Oaks Rotary Club continues to show up whenever help is needed.
She concluded by saying how proud she is to serve as President of the Thousand Oaks Rotary Club.
INSPIRATIONAL MOMENT & PLEDGE:
Laura Conway – Inspirational Moment
Laura shared that she had put it on her calendar two weeks earlier to bring an inspirational message to the club. On Monday evening, she came across a Facebook post about a man who knew someone living with Alzheimer’s. He decided to visit her home and play music for her, and he was looking for more opportunities to do the same for others.
Laura reached out to him through Facebook, telling him, “I want to document this generous act of kindness.” Although they were complete strangers and had nothing else in common, they discovered one important thing they shared: They both wanted to help people who are suffering.
The story quickly spread, with thousands of people responding to his post. Many expressed an interest in joining him to sing and bring music to people who could use some comfort and companionship.
Laura told him, “You did two powerful things. First, you decided to help someone through an act of kindness. Secondly, you shared what you did with others, which inspired them to do the same thing.”
She connected the story to her role as Publicity Chair and to the work of Thousand Oaks Rotary. She explained that Rotary engages in acts of kindness and service all the time, and that the purpose of sharing those stories is not simply to receive recognition.
Rather, by sharing the good work of the Thousand Oaks Rotary Club, we show people who we are through our service and, most importantly, inspire others to join us in serving others.
Song:
After Laura led the Pledge of Allegiance, Nelson Buss led everyone in “My Country Tis of Thee”
GUEST INTRODUCTIONS
Nelson Buss introduced the club’s guests:
Teresa Lallo, wife of Rotarian Matt Lallo
Christine Durocher from Montecito Bank & Trust, guest of Monica Murrietta
The Thousand Oaks Rotary Club welcomed three new members into the Rotary family: TOARTS Corporate Membership- Ethan Craig, Casey Comstock Mills, and Niki Richardson, who were formally inducted and received their traditional red Rotary badges.
President Michelle Nash invited District Governor MargaridaEidson to assist with the induction ceremony and presentation of the red badges. Assistant Governor Pat McCoy also joined the ceremony.
Casey Comstock Mills, TO Arts Program and Development Director, introduced herself and shared a little about her background. She is a piano player and theatrical director, is married, and has a beloved tripod English Bulldog.
Ethan Craig said he was excited to meet new members and become more involved with the club and its programs. A CLU graduate in 2023, Ethan is a Ventura County member of Calvary Community Church and said he is happy to become more involved in the community through Rotary.
Niki Richardson said she was “good to be back” and thanked Susan Murata, whose persistence helped get Niki and her family to join Rotary. Niki shared that she has two children, ages 19 and 15, as well as a three-year-old dog.
District Governor Margarida welcomed Ethan, Casey, and Niki as members of the worldwide family of Rotary. She told them they were joining a fabulous club and reminded them that respect comes with wearing the Rotary pin. She encouraged them to wear it proudly.
Michelle echoed Rotary’s familiar commitment to “Service Above Self,” emphasizing that new members can count on the support of fellow Rotarians. She noted that Rotary is known throughout the world for the results it achieves through service.
The three new Rotarians received a traditional standing ovation from the club.
The induction was especially meaningful for Michelle, as this was her first new-member induction ceremony as club president.
Happy Birthday! The club wished Judy St. John a happy birthday. Judy was not present at the meeting.
Michelle invited the New Member Mentor- Michael Ladd to come forward to swap out the new member Red Badge for the official Blue Badge to Richard Schwartz
Club Member Updates
Lois Curren Klein's husband - David has upcoming surgery. The club sends its best wishes for a successful procedure and recovery.
Mike Pruner's daughter is doing better following her surgery.
Creek Cleanups – September 19
Pat Hanley, Dorothy Sullivan, and Jim Friedl invited members to participate in the upcoming Creek Cleanups at Orchard Park, scheduled for September 19 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Flyers were available on the table.
A simultaneous cleanup will also take place in Agoura Hills, organized through NextGen, during the same time. Members are encouraged to participate as a way to help the environment while also connecting with and encouraging potential new members.
Rotary Board & Strategic Planning: Karen Albaum reported that the Rotary Board meets monthly and discussed the Performance Stage planned for the new downtown, describing it as a major project for the community.
She also announced that strategic planning will take place in September, incorporating information from the member survey that Nancy W. has been working with. David Masci is leading the club’s strategic planning process.
PIER INTO THE FUTURE:
Michelle invited DG Margarida to speak about Pier Into the Future.
DG Margarita shared that the Ventura Pier was once the largest pier in the area. About 10 years ago, a nonprofit was created to support and preserve the pier as an historic community landmark.
Michelle then presented a $250 check from the Thousand Oaks Rotary Foundation to Pier Into the Future in support of its work.
HAPPY DOLLARS: Trevor Tyloch carried the Happy Dollars cup as members shared their good news, gratitude, and stories.
Michelle contributed $28 to celebrate her 28th anniversary and another $50 in recognition of the Thousand Oaks Rotary Club being highlighted in the Acorn the previous week.
Nancy Wohl reminded everyone about the member survey.
Pat McCoy contributed for the wonderful Fireside Chat.
Carol Schrieber contributed $20, sharing that her brother recently underwent open-heart surgery and is now home recuperating at her house.
Jessica Sassalos contributed $5 to celebrate the success of the hydration drive for the troops. She also shared her appreciation for Dolly Parton, describing her as an amazing entertainer who has stood for many good causes. Jessica highlighted Dolly’s Imagination Library, a wonderful nonprofit that provides free books to children from birth through age five. At her son’s birthday celebration, the family requested no gifts and instead asked guests to donate to Dolly Parton’s favorite charity.
Karen Furnari contributed $10, jokingly warning new members about what can happen when you join Rotary. She had texted Michelle that the Rotary clock was looking dusty—and apparently, that was enough to create another Rotary project!
Monica Murrietta. contributed $5 for Rotary stickers and magnets. She shared that she had placed a Rotary sticker on her tumbler and was wearing Rotary magnets. A fellow Rotarian spotted them while they were both at a golf outing, creating a nice connection and conversation.
Kyle Lundberg contributed $5 to celebrate his daughter being invited to play soccer in Madrid. She is one of 18 players selected to participate over Thanksgiving.
Marc Feigen. contributed a couple of dollars for DG Margarita and shared that he and Sue Engler are in charge of the Harbor House sandwich project on September 13, which will take place at Sue’s house.
Laura Conway contributed $20 in celebration of the nonprofits already signed up for Charity Karaoke. Twenty nonprofits are currently participating, with $22,000 raised for prize money. Laura reminded everyone that tickets sell out quickly!
Dave Wender contributed $2 to celebrate a grandchild arriving in November. He shared a picture of the sonogram and proudly noted that the baby is already very smart!
Martin Anderson spoke about membership and recalled playing Hearts with local business people, many of whom were Rotarians. He mentioned Lee, who taught him how to play poker, and Jack Cain, a longtime Rotarian and former president who was known as an excellent poker player. Martin began telling a story about Jack raising the limit, but left the club laughing about the memory.
Mike Ladd. contributed after an incident in his neighborhood that involved seven or eight patrol cars, the fire department, and EMTs. His neighbor had been upset, but fortunately, everything turned out OK in the end.
Rich Schwartz contributed Happy Dollars and shared that, as a new member, he is very happy to be part of the club.
Felix Wang. reminded members that on September 13, following the Harbor House sandwich project, the Forever Found Gala will take place. Felix said he has dinner tickets available for two people. Forever Found works to help end teen trafficking.
Darin Arrasmith thanked Gary Seigle for Fireside Chats at his home.
Pat McCoy introduced District Governor Margarida Eidson, describing her as a successful businesswoman, mother of four, community service champion, and an inspiring leader with a true heart for service.
Margarida joined Rotary in 2017 and served as club president in 2022. She is president of Eidson Management Company and has held numerous leadership and human resources roles. She is also a volunteer and treasurer for the Ventura Community Police Foundation.
Born in Portugal, Margarida was a professional ballet dancer, an experience she credits with teaching her discipline and dedication. She has four children, and one of her sons, now in his 30s, is president of the Ventura Rotary Club. Outside of Rotary, Margarita enjoys knitting and crocheting and even attended Boy Scout summer camps with her family.
Margarida’s Rotary Journey
Margarida began her presentation with a self-introduction and a PowerPoint presentation highlighting her path to Rotary leadership. She attended American University and worked in human resources before becoming increasingly involved in Rotary.
She asked the audience what problem they most commonly hear from Rotarians. The answer, she said, is often membership.
A Zone grant allowed the District to develop a marketing effort in which Rotarians were interviewed about why they joined Rotary and why they stay. Through that process, the District discovered that Rotary did not actually own the People of Action website. The District 5240 website provides information about Rotary’s many avenues of service and the tremendous number of projects taking place throughout the four counties. The website also helps members learn about activities throughout the District, with information shared with membership chairs, governors and Rotarians so they can connect with other clubs and participate in projects.
Margarida emphasized that new members are retained by current members. She encouraged Rotarians to let their club president and board know what they are passionate about so they can become involved in areas they enjoy. She encouraged members to develop and participate in projects that reflect their interests and passions. She also encouraged clubs to work together with other clubs in their communities, noting successful examples such as women's Rotary socials and district grant projects involving multiple clubs. She complimented the Thousand Oaks Rotary Club on its accomplishments and involvement.
Margarida gave a strong endorsement of the Rotary Foundation, explaining how donated dollars can have an enormous impact around the world.
As an example, she described clean-water projects. When a community gains access to clean water nearby, mothers and children no longer have to spend hours traveling long distances to obtain it. The time saved can instead be devoted to education and improving quality of life.
She also highlighted Rotary's investment strategy, explaining that donated funds are invested and that a portion of the investment earnings is returned to local clubs to support their projects. She described this as one of Rotary's unique advantages.
Margarida explained Rotary's Sister District relationships and noted that Rotary clubs around the world can have very different structures and cultures. Some operate as exclusive business or networking organizations, while others are heavily focused on community service.
She said some international clubs are interested in investing in projects being conducted by clubs in District 5240. She also announced that representatives from South Korea will be visiting District 5240 in June.
Upcoming Rotary Events
Around the World Gala — September 12, 2026: $75 per person. Tables will be decorated to represent different nationalities, and guests will be able to select foods to enjoy family-style. The afternoon will also include a discussion of Rotary projects that have made a major impact. The event will be held outdoors at Margarita's home from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Rotary International Convention — Barcelona, Spain: June 20–26, 2027.
District Conference: June 12, including the District Governor's step-down activities.
District Assembly: Held in March.
District Governor Training: Approximately 600 Rotary leaders gather for a week in Orlando, Florida, to share ideas, ask questions and prepare for leadership. Margarita explained that in many districts, past District Governors select future governors. She prefers the District 5240 process, in which the four counties work through the Assistant Governors to select the next District Governor.
Margarida also reminded everyone that the Rotary float is a tortoise—not a turtle!
Roary, the District Mascot
Margarida announced that the District has purchased Roary, the Rotary mascot, for use at fundraisers, marketing activities and special events. Mike Dutra maintains Roary's schedule.
There are, however, a few important rules: Roary does not speak, does not give hugs, and must always wear pants!
Margarida also shared that in South Korea, two women are currently serving as District Governors. She contrasted this with India, where she noted that women are still not represented in Rotary in some areas.
Closing
Michelle presented Margarida with a book for her to sign, which will be donated to a local Title I school. Michelle then thanked everyone who helped make the meeting a success:
Michelle closed the meeting with a quote from Dolly Parton: “If you see someone without a smile, give them yours.”
