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Fine Session

Trevor Tylock took the reins as Fine Master and delivered a fast-and-furious session filled with funny sayings, jokes, and multiple-choice questions. The pace was so quick that keeping up with every question was a challenge! Members who answered incorrectly were fined $50, while those who got the answers right paid $20.

Here’s how our members fared:

• Jeff Borenstein – Wrong ($50)

• ?? – Wrong ($50)

• Felix Masci – Wrong ($50)

• David Masci – Right ($20)

• Kyle Jorrey – Right ($20)

• Ken Warner – Right ($20)

• Michelle Nash – Right ($20)

• Herb Gooch – Wrong ($50)

• Karen Furnari – Wrong ($50)

• Victor Hayek – Right ($20)

• Laura Conway – Wrong ($50)

• Cherry Wang – Right ($20)

With Trevor keeping everyone on their toes, it was a lively round of laughs, quick thinking, and Rotary fines!

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Paul Harris Awards

Monica Murrieta, the club's Foundation Chair, reminded members that October 8 is National Hero Day—a day to recognize those who demonstrate courage, selflessness, and compassion. She drew a meaningful connection between these everyday heroes and Rotarians who give generously to The Rotary Foundation.

Through their selfless contributions, Rotarians help fund important causes and make a difference in communities around the world. Twelve members were recognized for their continued generosity and support of the Foundation.

Paul Harris Fellow +1 Recognition

• Keith Wintermute

• Christy Wilson

• Dorothy Sullivan

• Victor Hayek

• Gary Siegel

• Karen Albaum

• Michael Ladd

Paul Harris Fellow +2 Recognition

• Keith Wintermute

• Kyle Lindbergh

• Sebak Kabashian

• Christy Wilson

• Tanya Collegieri

Congratulations to all our honorees! Their generosity reflects the spirit of Rotary and the lasting impact that giving can have on people and communities around the world.

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Program: Hospice of the Conejo

Laura Conway introduced the day’s guest speaker, Kyle Jorrey, Executive Director of Hospice of the Conejo. Before taking on this role, Kyle served as editor of the Thousand Oaks Acorn for 10 years.

Kyle began by expressing his gratitude to the Mighty Rotary Club of Thousand Oaks for its generosity over the years, having donated more than $100,000 to Hospice of the Conejo.

Founded in 1977, Hospice of the Conejo will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2027. The organization provides compassionate, nonmedical end-of-life support for people with terminal or life-limiting illnesses, as well as comfort and companionship for their family caregivers.

Much of this important work is carried out by dedicated volunteers who complete eight weeks of training, meeting two to three hours each week. Volunteers are then carefully matched with patients based on shared interests and beliefs, helping create meaningful connections during a difficult time.

Hospice of the Conejo is currently serving 31 clients and expects to have served more than 60 clients by the end of the year. Its services extend well beyond bedside companionship. The organization offers grief counseling through 11 weekly support groups, serving more than 150 participants. It also operates as a resource center, providing compassionate guidance, support, and referrals to other community resources.

Another valuable service is its medical equipment Lending Closet, where patients can borrow essential items such as walkers and wheelchairs completely free of charge.

Kyle highlighted SANO, a grief-support program serving underserved members of our community through the Westminster Free Clinic. This program is one of the services supported annually by a grant from the Rotary Club of Thousand Oaks. The grant pays for Hospice of the Conejo's bi-lingual counselor who provides the weekly group.

He emphasized that all Hospice of the Conejo services are provided at no cost to those receiving them.

The presentation offered a meaningful reminder of how compassionate volunteers, community partnerships, and Rotary’s generosity can bring comfort, dignity, and support to individuals and families when they need it most.

To sustain its mission, the organization hosts several fundraisers throughout the year, including the Turkey Day Dash, Festival of Trees, a tree-decorating contest, and a golf tournament. Kyle also announced that Hospice of the Conejo would participate in the weekend’s Charity Karaoke fundraiser.

That announcement led to a delightful surprise! Kyle introduced the organization’s Charity Karaoke performer, Melvis, who entered the room draping colorful scarves around the ladies’ necks. Melvis then invited Laura Conway to be serenaded and proceeded to perform for her in front of the entire club. The entertaining moment brought plenty of laughter and applause!

As the meeting drew to a close, President Osuna of the Rotary Club of Tijuana came forward to present a bottle of mezcal tequila to President Michelle Nash.

Michelle then invited Kyle to sign a book that will be donated to a Title I school in his honor as a guest speaker.

President Michelle concluded by thanking everyone who had contributed to making the program a success.

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