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!!!
President Michelle Nash welcomed everyone and remarked that she could hardly believe it was already the third month of her presidency. She began by noting that she liked seeing everyone seated at different tables today, encouraging members to mix things up and get to know one another.
Michelle recalled when she first joined the club and happened to sit at a table with Dr. Fred Lindberg, who founded the free clinic. Dr. Lindberg also helped her son, Eddie, get a job at the clinic. Today, Eddie is in medical school.
Michelle reflected that if she had not happened to sit at Fred’s table that day, perhaps none of those connections would have happened. She encouraged members to continue mixing up their seating and getting to know fellow Rotarians.
Inspirational Moment
Christy Wilson presented an inspirational moment centered on the importance of having a positive character.
Christy asked some of her friends what came to mind when they heard the word inspiration—specifically, what does it mean when someone inspires you? The responses were remarkably consistent: positivity, kindness and good deeds.
She then connected these ideas to the teachings of Socrates, Plato and Aristotle, who emphasized the importance of virtuous character, including strong ethics and morality. Christy likened these qualities to Rotary’s Four-Way Test and concluded that Rotary embodies these same ideals through its commitment to ethical behavior, kindness and service to others.
Song:
After Christy led everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance-The motley crew of Trevor Tyloch and Marc Feigen led the room in God Bless America.
Guest Introductions
Past President-Darin Arrasmith introduced visiting Rotarian Mike Hebert, Matt Lallo's wife, Teresa Lallo, Maureen Sullivan was introduced as a guest, Michelle Nash's daughter- Chloe, Cherry Wang brought a guest-Lucy Liu. Paul Dryman introduced his guest, Randall Perez, who is considering joining Rotary.
President Michelle gave special recognition to several Thousand Oaks Rotarians celebrating significant membership anniversaries.
Larry Baker was recognized for being inducted into the Rotary Club of Thousand Oaks on September 3, 1993—33 years ago.
She then recognized Lee Ladd, who joined the Rotary Club of Thousand Oaks four years before Larry.
Finally, Jeff Borenstein was recognized for becoming a Thousand Oaks Rotarian on September 6, 1979—47 years ago.
Each honoree received a pin and certificate of recognition presented by Executive Secretary-Marc Feigen, followed by a well-deserved standing ovation from the club.
From Left to Right: Jeff Borenstein, Lee Ladd, Larry Baker, Marc Feigen, Pres. Michelle Nash
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Announcements
Harbor House Sandwich Making: Pres Michelle reminded members that sign-up sheets were available on the tables for those who would like to help make sandwiches for Harbor House. The group will meet on Sunday, September 13, at Sue Engler’s house. The sign-up sheet also includes a list of supplies needed to make the sandwiches. Contact Marc Feigen or Sue Engler for more information.
Coastal Cleanup Day — September 19: Michelle also reminded everyone about Coastal Cleanup Day on Saturday, September 19, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Participants should bring gloves, hats, sunscreen and closed-toed shoes. This is a family-and-friends event, with cleanup locations in Agoura Hills and Newbury Park. See Pat Hanley or Michelle Nash for more details.
Craft Day — October 4: Nancy Wohl announced that October 4 will be Craft Day. Members will create succulent arrangements using pumpkins. Nancy described it as a fun opportunity to get creative, relax and spend time with fellow Rotarians.
Rotary Day of Service — October 3: Nelson Buss announced that October 3 will be a Rotary Day of Service. The nonprofit organization The Hub needs help preparing its facility, including organizing, installing shelves, painting and taking inventory. The service project will take place from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., and food will be served.
Community Service Update: Pres Michelle reported that the club has now completed 1,695 hours of community service so far this Rotary year.
Nepal Flood Relief: Michelle shared that District 5240 is planning to assist victims of the devastating floods in Nepal. Members should watch for a message from District Governor Margarida, which will include links and information about how to donate.
Rotary Youth Exchange: Michelle also reported that District 5240 is hosting Rotary youth exchange students and encouraged anyone interested in becoming involved or helping with the program/students to let her know.
District Luncheon — September 12:
Finally, Michelle reminded members about the upcoming District 5240 Gala on September 12. She joked that it really isn't a gala—it is actually a luncheon—and encouraged everyone to attend.
Dorothy Sullivan carried the Happy Cup, and members had plenty of reasons to celebrate—and tease one another.
Michelle Nash contributed a Happy Dollar because she was delighted that her daughter, Chloe, was back home from school.
Dorothy Sullivan contributed a Happy Dollar in recognition of her 355 days as a Thousand Oaks Rotarian.
Dave Wender shared that his table was perfectly happy—until Trevor Tyloch came back and sat with them!
Nancy Wohl contributed a Happy Dollar about an estate sale she attended on Saturday. Unfortunately, the previous homeowner had been an estate planner, and she is a bit dismayed having come away from the sale with 11 tubs of stuff!
Trevor Tyloch put in five Happy Dollars, just to make Dorothy walk all the way back to his table.
Mike Hebert was happy to be back visiting his Rotary family. He observed that many members seemed to be a little slower and a little grayer—just like him!
Martin Anderson contributed a Happy Dollar because he found himself sitting at the King Card Table. He noted that, when playing poker, he can never seem to pull a king!
Today’s program was a club assembly facilitated by David Masci. David began by showing a video titled Giving Back to Make Lasting Change.
President Michelle Nash and the Board of Directors wanted to hear from club members about the future of the Rotary Club. Members were asked to consider four questions:
What should our club look like in the future?
What steps should we take to achieve that vision?
What value does our club bring to its members?
What efforts should we make to attract new members?
The room was divided into groups, with each table discussing the four questions and developing suggestions and ideas.
DISCUSSION
David asked a representative from each table to share their group’s thoughts. Chloe Nash was the scribe/ and wrote down everyone's responses so the Board could review later.
Jim Friedl’s table emphasized the need for more members and noted that retired, older members are just as important to the club as recruiting younger members. The group also expressed a desire for the club to have “more serious fun.”
Victor Hayek’s table suggested increasing the club’s self-promotion at major events. They also proposed hosting a Monte Carlo night or poker tournament as a way to invite members of the community to participate and introduce them to Rotary.
Trevor Tyloch’s table felt the club needs a stronger presence in the community. The group emphasized the importance of increased self-promotion and more marketing to raise awareness of Rotary and its activities.
Michelle Nash's table thought we should be strategic in bringing in new members.
In closing, Pres. Michelle thanked everyone for their participation and reminded the club that Linda Bowman will be the guest speaker next week to discuss scholarships for foster children.
