-------------------------------------------------------------------- Upcoming- September 24th, 2026 Lila Faz -Defining the Right Problem to Drive Better Business and Marketing Decisions
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 opened the September 17 meeting and invited David Masci to come forward for the Inspirational Moment.
Inspirational Moment:
David Masci began his Inspirational Moment by sharing photographs from family vacations he has taken around the world, many of them with his daughter.
The photographs featured Rotary connections from around the globe, including a Rotary Plaza playground in Italy and a Peace Pole in Portugal, along with other examples of Rotary’s presence in communities around the world.
David’s message was that as he and his family have traveled the world, and it is evident that Rotary is everywhere—a symbol of charity, caring, and hope that connects people and communities across the globe.
Song:
Following the Pledge of Allegiance, Past President Pat McCoy led the room in singing “God Bless America.”
President Michelle Nash reminded everyone to check the event sheet (see dates below in Service Above Self Section) and the orange Sign up sheets on the tables.
She also encouraged members to pick up one of the newspaper articles available in the foyer about the allocations recently awarded to local nonprofits at one of our Rotary meetings.
Michelle reminded everyone that the environmental cleanup is this weekend. If you participate, be sure to wear your yellow Rotary vest and take pictures to share with the club.
Laura Conway announced that Charity Karaoke is coming up on October 11 and is already selling out, so members are encouraged to get their tickets soon. There are 20 nonprofits participating in this year's event.
Before Laura left the stage, President Michelle gave her a big hug and told her she knows this is going to be Laura's best year ever, adding that everyone in the club loves her so much. Laura responded that when she joined Rotary, she had no idea she would make the best friends she has ever had in her whole life. She said she is incredibly grateful.
Victor Hayek announced that the club will once again participate in Trunk or Treat this year. The club needs candy, and Victor asked everyone to bring a bag of candy to an upcoming Rotary meeting so he can collect it.
Mike Ladd announced that October 10 is the Homeless Dinner at Thrive Grove. Volunteers are needed to help, and members are encouraged to sign up to participate and bring food. Mike also wished Keith Wintermute a happy birthday.
Nancy Wohl reminded everyone about the upcoming Pumpkin Decorating event on October 4th, where Rotary members will create pumpkin planters with succulents. Members should bring their own pumpkin, while the Rotary Club will provide the supplies and succulents.
President Michelle then announced two upcoming fundraisers:
MANNA Boutique Pumpkin Fundraiser — September 27. See details below.
Schools Foundation Boots & Bling — September 26th at Tierra Rejada
Later on in the program, President Michelle announced that the Club's special community-service challenge celebrating America’s 250th birthday in 2026, to provide 2,026 hours of community servicehad already been totally completed!!!! Actually surpassing the number of hours and currently providing 2041 hours.To celebrate this accomplishment, the song "We are the Champions" was played as trays of cupcakes lit with candles were delivered toeach table for Rotarians to enjoy. WAY TO GO THOUSAND OAKS ROTARIANS!!!!
Darin Arrasmith carried the Happy Cup and invited members to share their happy news.
Dorothy Sullivan contributed a happy $10 to wish Laura Conway a very happy birthday. Dorothy also expressed how fortunate the community is to have Laura, especially for all she does through her charity karaoke event.
Felix Masci shared a fun family story about his grandson’s trip to Italy. While visiting Felix’s hometown, his grandson was taking photographs in a cemetery when a woman approached him and slapped him, telling him he shouldn’t be there! After talking for a while, they discovered that the woman was also a Masci. The encounter turned into a wonderful family connection, and Felix’s grandson had the opportunity to meet relatives and people connected to his family in the town.
Pat McCoy contributed a happy dollar to wish Laura Conway a happy birthday and had the entire room join in singing “Happy Birthday” to her. Pat also shared that he will undergo his second knee operation on September 22. He plans to be back at Rotary by October 22. Upon his return, the Economic Forecast Committee will begin meeting, including the task of selecting a keynote speaker.
Karen Albaum contributed a happy dollar to wish Laura Conway a very happy birthday.
Craft Talk — Sara's Spotlight-Getting to Know Your Fellow Rotarians
Before the regular program, President Michelle Nash invited Sara Collins to come forward for a Craft Talk, “Getting to Know Your Fellow Rotarians.”
Sara interviewed President-Elect Victor Hayek, giving members an opportunity to learn more about Victor.
When asked what he does for a living, Victor shared that he works for the Conejo Valley Unified School District, where he is responsible for operations and the budget.
Victor is married and has three children. One of his favorite family vacations was a trip to Europe with his daughter, where they visited London and Amsterdam. Victor said that he and his daughter get along well and travel well together—perhaps because they are so much alike. In fact, they were born on the same day!
When asked what song best typifies him, he chose “Only the Young” by Journey, the theme song from the movie Vision Quest. He explained that the movie had a significant impact on his life because its message is not about the rewards we receive, but about challenging yourself, persevering, and never giving up. When someone tells Victor that something cannot be done, he says he doesn't listen—he simply moves forward.
When asked which superhero he would be, Viktor chose Superman, explaining that he wants to fly.
Finally, Sara asked Victor what he would tell his 18-year-old self if he could go back in time. His answer was simple and meaningful: “I have no regrets from my whole life. Just live your life.”
SERVICE ABOVE SELF.....Things to do and/or help in our Community..
Rotary Board Meeting - 2nd Monday of Every Month 5:30pm Cancer Support Community office 4195 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd.
Day of Service- Oct 3rd- helping The Hub (non-profit) ready their facility. See Nelson Buss
Craft Day-Oct 4th Pumpkin Art Project making succulent arrangements in pumpkins-Bing your own Pumpkin- Succulents and other supplies provided to join the fun see Nancy Wohl
Peace BBQ for the Homeless Thrive Grove October 10th Sign Up to provide Food and Volunteers needed (see Mike Ladd)
Charity Karaoke- October 11, Canyon Club
Offsite Meeting Thousand Oaks Inn- October 15th- See Sara Collins
Sue Engler introduced our guest speaker, Elena Escoto, Executive Director of the Museum of Ventura County.
Elena began by sharing the history and evolution of the museum, which was founded in 1913 as a pioneer museum and was originally primarily a collection of artifacts. Today, the museum’s mission is much broader: to engage participants in meaningful experiences with history, art, culture, and each other. Its vision is to spark curiosity and encourage compassion to build community and connection.
The museum places a strong emphasis on engaging visitors through exhibits, programs, and hands-on experiences. It also works closely with local schools, bringing hundreds of students to the museum each year—completely free of charge.
Elena explained that attracting new visitors is an important challenge for the museum. Currently, active visitors represent only about 16% of the population, while 16% are considered inactive visitors, 38% are unlikely visitors, and 30% are non-visitors. The museum sees this as an opportunity to find new and creative ways to bring more people through its doors.
Rather than following the traditional idea of what a museum should be, the Museum of Ventura County is working to turn that notion “on its head.” The goal is to make the museum a place where people can participate, explore, learn, and connect through hands-on experiences.
Elena also shared the fascinating history of the Conejo Valley, accompanied by slides illustrating how the area developed. She explained that Spain came to the area in 1770, and eventually ranches were awarded to people who immigrated from Spain. In 1862, the Edwards and the Mills purchased much of the ranch land and subdivided it for farming, allowing families and the community to grow.
By 1910, the valley only had approximately 30 households. In 1912, the James family purchased property and helped shape the development of the valley as it continued to grow.
Elena closed by encouraging everyone to visit the Museum of Ventura County and experience firsthand the many exhibits, programs, and opportunities it offers to the community.
President Michelle closed the meeting by sharing the Rotary Club of Thousand Oaks’ commitment to making sure all children have access to clean, new books. The club is donating books to a library at a Title I school and invited Elena to sign one of the books, which will be donated to the library in her name.
Michelle then thanked everyone who helped make today’s program possible.
