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 opening the August 13th Rotary Meeting
Welcome:
President Michelle Nash called the meeting to order with a warm, “Welcome, welcome, welcome, my fellow Rotarians!”
Michelle announced that Rotarians completed 116 random acts of kindness during the past week. She also shared how proud she was of last week’s program, during which more than $100,000 was given to local nonprofits. She said there was so much joy and connection in the room, and that many of the nonprofits are now planning to work together. She proudly reported that our Rotary Club has completed 1,091 hours of community service so far.
Michelle also asked if anyone knows the whereabouts of the large “2026” sign, which is missing. If you know where it is, please let her know!
Inspirational Moment & Pledge:
Ken Warner reminded us that it is easy to get “hot under the collar” when we hear something upsetting or encounter an opinion with which we disagree. A conversation can quickly turn into a conflict or a contest, with everyone wanting to prove that they are right.
Ken pointed out that while disagreement can isolate us, it can also help us evolvewhen we take the time to listen to one another. He reminded Rotarians of the Four-Way Test and emphasized how important it is to apply its principles in all our dealings with others. Good communication, he said, is essential.
Ken then led us in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Song:
Instead of singing a song, Michael Ladd played a video of James Cagney performing “Yankee Doodle Dandy.” When the familiar song began, many Rotarians joined in and sang along.
Guest Introductions:
Steve Stanley introduced Joana Siegel, wife of Gary Siegel, Matt Lallo introduced his wife, Teresa Lallo. Karen Albaum introduced Michael Albaum. Nelson Buss introduced his wife, Amy, and daughter, Tristan. Also joining us were Eliana Muscarella, Shealen Wynner, and Tina Barry.
Carol Schreiber reminded everyone that there will be no Rotary meeting on August 20 because the club will be holding Fireside Chats on August 20 and 21. She encouraged everyone to sign up immediately and let her know, and she thanked the Rotarians who have already stepped up to serve as hosts.
Jessica Sassolos, the club’s Community Service Director, announced an opportunity to help the nonprofit For the Troops, which is putting together special hydration packets packages to send to the troops overseas. Anyone interested in donating hydration packets can contact the organization at USA@forthetroops.org.
Pat Hanley announced that the Environmental Committee, which includes Jim Friedl and Dorothy Sullivan, would be meeting immediately after the meeting. Anyone interested in joining the committee is welcome. The committee will meet on the second Thursday of every month, directly after the regular Rotary meeting.
The committee’s first environmental project will take place on September 19 from 9:00 a.m. to noon, when our Rotary Club will join the City of Agoura Hills in cleaning up Agoura Hills Creek.
Michelle Nash announced that Mike Pruner’s daughter had disk replacement surgery the previous day. She asked everyone to reach out to Mike and wish his daughter a speedy recovery.
Later on Trevor Tyloch let everyone know the Story Book Project at Tood Road Jail will be on October 30th. He will be taking sign ups for people wanting to participate soon.
Robert Bianchi contributed $50 to commemorate 47 years of marriage to his wife.
Martin Anderson contributed $29 in honor of his and his wife Elaine’s 29th wedding anniversary.
Trevor Tyloch put in a Happy Dollar to wish David Masci a happy birthday. Trevor surprised David with several balloons, a birthday sash, and a fluffy pen, prompting David to give him a big hug.
David Masci then let his dad, Felix Masci, know that it was his youngest son’s birthday—apparently Felix had forgotten! When David’s brother asked what he planned to do for his birthday, David replied, “Of course, I’m going to spend lunch with my Rotary friends.”
Dorothy Sullivan contributed a Happy Dollar because she was happy to have helped local park rangers with e-bike training during the past week.
Jody Wintermute contributed $55 because on August 31 she and her husband, Keith, will be traveling to Scotland, where they will celebrate 53 years of marriage.
Gary Siegel contributed commemorative dollars celebrating 48 years of marriage with his wife this week.
Nancy Wohl put in a Happy Dollar to let everyone know that she sent out a survey email. She said the club is working to grow and improve and encouraged everyone to participate in the survey so the club can learn whether members would like to see any changes.
Pat McCoy contributed a Happy Dollar to get David Masci to stand up. Once David was on his feet, Pat led everyone in singing “Happy Birthday” to David.
Fine Session: Laura Conway was the Fine Master, and her fine session focused on Charity Karaoke. She showed video clips from past Charity Karaoke events and challenged Rotarians to “Name That Rotarian.”
A correct answer earned tickets to Charity Karaoke and other swag, while an incorrect answer cost $20.
Robert Cabral was shown a video from the 2024 Charity Karaoke in which someone was singing “I Got You Babe.” Robert correctly identified the singer as Nelson Buss.
Kyle Lundberg was shown a video from 2022 and asked to identify the Rotarian who was “dancing like no one was watching.” He correctly answered Jim Friedl.
Don Moors was asked who was dancing her heart out in the 2022 video. The correct answer was Marissa Buss.
Christie Wilson was asked who sang “You’ll Never Find.” She correctly answered Pat McCoy.
Laura finished her fine session by noting that more than $52,000 was raised for Charity Karaoke last year. She then asked Marc Feigen how Rotarians could participate in the Rotary Charity Karaoke Group.
Marc explained that anyone can donate, and those who donate can go on stage to present the check to a local non-profit at Charity Karaoke. Last year, the TO Rotary team donated more than $1,250.
Past President-Herb Gooch came forward to introduce the club’s guest speaker, describing her as a “dangerous woman” because she won’t take no for an answer and gets things done, whether people like it or not. Herb also noted that she is a member of the Downtown Ventura Rotary Club and was named Legislative Woman of the Year last year.
Guest speaker, Pattie Braga, is the Executive Director of the Ventura County Leadership Academy.
Pattie explained that the Leadership Academy was founded in 1994 and originally operated as part of the United Way. In 2016, it became a standalone nonprofit. Its mission is to connect people and issues to strengthen Ventura County.
The academy offers nine full-day sessions held throughout Ventura County, along with a trip to Sacramento. The program covers important issues facing the county, including the economy, transportation, water, education, public safety, social safety, and housing. The cost to participate in the academy is $2,850 per person.
The organization's goal is to bring together a diverse group of community leaders, build relationships, and break down the silos that can separate organizations and communities.
To date, 845 engaged and passionate community leaders have gone through the program.
Pattie said that in 2024, the organization held four community focus groups to help the board determine its direction for the next three to five years. The resulting strategic plan identified several priorities, including hiring additional staff, rebranding and developing a new name, and building stronger connections with alumni.
She invited everyone to attend the academy’s Big Reveal Party on Thursday, August 20, from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. At the event, the organization will announce its new name and its plans for the future. She encouraged everyone to get their tickets and come celebrate this exciting new chapter for the Ventura County Leadership Academy.
At the end of the program President Michelle invited Pattie to sign a book that will be donated to the library at a local title one school.
Michelle ended the day by thanking everyone that participated in helping with the meeting. She also thanked her Board of Directors and Committee Chairs who she noted were working hard to make this a great year.
