We 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
The Rotary Club of Ventura presented our 30th Anniversary 4th of July Fireworks Show and Family Picnic at Ventura College. Food trucks, kids zone, live music, and an amazing pyrotechnics show. We are proud to provide this event to members of our Ventura community. Thanks to our volunteers, sponsors, and all who attended!
Our Step Down Dinner was held in the courtyard at the Museum of Ventura County. We honored an incredible year from outgoing President Margi Wray and inaugurated incoming President Neal Lassila. Entertainment by Bev and Kirby Ward, Jessica Brandon, and Christopher Lloyd Bratten on keyboard.
At the Step Down event for Rotary District 5240 President Scott Phillips on June 24, 2023, the Rotary Club of Ventura won awards for Best Large Club, Gold Club, and the Impact Award.
Amazing Fireworks, Kids Zone with bounce houses, organized Kids Games, Live Music with a repeat performance by Soul Infusion, Food Trucks, and more!
Tickets $10 adults, $5 children, family pack of 4 (online only) $28. For information and to purchase tickets, visit www.VenturaFireworks.com. Tickets at the gate are cash only.
On June 7, 2023, the Julius Gius Memorial Rotary Foundation, which is the nonprofit arm of the Rotary Club of Ventura, awarded a total of $66,000 to 20 local nonprofit organizations. In addition, we awarded the Everett Millais Annual $1000 College Scholarship to a deserving Ventura College student.
On May 17, 2023, the Rotary Club of Ventura awarded a total of $10,250 in scholarships to five Ventura Unified School District seniors who will be pursuing education in the arts. Entries were in art, photography, video, or music, on the theme of peace.
Participants in the RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Awards) program share their experiences with the Rotary Club of Ventura.
The Rotary Club of Ventura hosted a Teacher Appreciation Lunch for faculty at Ventura's model continuation school, Pacific High School, on May 12, 2023. Thank you, teachers and staff, for all you do!
On April 29, 2023, members of the Rotary Club of Ventura joined Rotarians around the world in rolling up our sleeves to work for our community. We partnered with Habitat for Humanity to refurbish the exterior of a mobile home for local family.
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Ventura County Sheriff James Fryhoff addressed the Rotary Club of Ventura at our meeting April 26, 2023.
Sheriff Fryhoff was introduced by President Margi Wray.
Rotary Club of Ventura hosted Career Day at Pacific High School on April 21, 2023. Over two dozen professionals, including a number of club members, inspired students to explore new possibilities for their futures.
Senior Deputy District Attorney Andrew Reid updated members about recent scams and the DA's fraud investigations and prosecutions at our meeting February 12, 2023.
