Using a generous donation from SoCalGas, club members and Interact students shopped for coats to augment the over 500 donated coats we will be giving to Westside children at an event December 16.
On the evening of December 1, club members and their guests celebrated the holidays at Bright Spark Brewing, featuring a great variety of pizzas, sliders, and beers, and the Great Rotarian Bake Off competition.
On November 29, 2023, we attended a presentation by Ben Rode and Nancy O'Rode. They gave tips they learned the hard way after the Thomas Fire on how to harden your home against wildfires.
We honored Veterans at our meeting November 8, 2023, with a number of local veterans as our guests. Naval Base Ventura County presented the colors and Navy Veteran Susie Hicks sang the National Anthem. We learned about the work of the Ventura Chapter of Disabled American Veterans. Thanks to all who have answered our nation's call!
Ashley Pope, President of the Autism Society Ventura County, addressed the club November 1, 2023. She cleared up misconceptions about autism and discussed how to communicate with, and remove barriers for, individuals with autism.
On Oct. 24, 2023, we raised money for Rotary International's campaign to eradicate polio throughout the world. We enjoyed hamburgers, 50s music, trivia, hula hoops, costumes, and a silent auction.
Club member Jeffrey Lambert, who is CEO of the Housing Authority of San Buenaventura, addressed the club on Oct. 18, 2023. The Housing Authority acquires and redevelops housing for low-income county residents and assists them to develop skills to move out of public housing.
Justin J. Grooms, founder and CEO of Chariot Consulting, gave an informative and interesting presentation regarding Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion on Oct. 11, 2023.
Rotary District Governor Marta Golding Brown visited our club October 3 and 4, 2023. After a reception in her honor and a meeting with our club leadership, she addressed the club to share her priorities and those of Rotary International.Assemblymember Steve Bennett met with club members the evening of September 28, 2023. He discussed the issues he is working on in the state Assembly and addressed questions from our members.
Dr. Sevet Johnson, the County Executive Officer of the County of Ventura, addressed the club on September 27, 2023. She shared innovations in the 27 agencies and departments she oversees. Dr. Johnson oversees an operating budget of $2.7 billion and over 10,000 staff members. She is a member of the Rotary Club of Moorpark.
The Ventura community enjoyed beautiful weather for the Beachside Bash, sponsored by the three Ventura Rotary clubs. SCA Ribeye Steak cookoff, music by Nautical Thrust and The Bomb, Eight-0-Five Car Show, vendors, food trucks, and grilling demonstrations.
Our meeting September 20, 2023, featured members competing to tell the funniest joke. But the Rotary motto of Service Above Self is no laughing matter!
J. Ryan Stradal, author of award-winning novels Kitchens of the Great Midwest, The Lager Queen of Minnesota, and this year's Saturday at the Lakeside Supper Club, presented at our meeting Sept. 13, 2023. Who says Rotarians ain't got no culture?
We learned more about the lives and interests of two of our members, Keith Moschetto and Aaron Campbell, when they were interviewed at our meeting September 6, 2023. These talented and interesting members help make us The Friendliest Club in Rotary!
On September 30, 2023, club members visited the STEMbassadors IDEA Center on Ventura Avenue. The program allows middle school and high school students to follow their passions using state-of-the-art manufacturing equipment.
On August 17, 2023, club members performed a "Restaurant Raid" on CRAVE, the new Kofi and Gelato Bar in Portside Ventura Harbor, owned and operated by club member KarynSue Rose-Thomas.
On August 19, 2023, members of the Rotary Club of Ventura, Ventura East, Ventura South, and Downtown Lions filled 730 backpacks with school supplies to give to Ventura students in need.
Janet Barron addressed the club about Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Ventura County. It's a great program where volunteers advocate for abused and neglected kids in the court system.
Ventura Chamber of Commerce Board Chair Dena Rogers and President/CEO Stephanie Caldwell spoke to the Rotary Club of Ventura at our meeting July 26, 2023. They discussed the Chamber's many programs that are improving the quality of life in Ventura.
Neal Lassila has begun his term as President of the Rotary Club of Ventura. At our meeting July 19, 2023, he shared highlights of the Rotary International Conference he attended in Melbourne, Australia, his President Elect training, and our Club Leadership Retreat. The year is off to an exciting start! His presentation is at https://clubrunner.blob.core.windows.net/00000002868/en-ca/files/homepage/club-assembly-presentation/Club-Assembly-presentation.pdf
