We honored our nation's veterans at our meeting November 6, 2024. Navy Lt. Commander Gopi J. Nadella and representatives from the Rein in Hope program discussed the challenges and opportunities for those who have served our country.
We were treated to an upbeat and inspiring presentation by author and speaker Art Mortell at our meeting October 30, 2024. Mr. Mortell helped us identify the negative addictions we use to deal with stress, and how to replace them with positive activities.
Club members and guests walked the evening of October 16, 2024, as a fundraiser to support Rotary International's efforts to finally eradicate polio from the earth. The walk was followed by socializing, appetizers, and live music at the Crowne Plaza Hotel.
New club members met with more established members for a delicious breakfast at Cafe Nouveau on October 11, 2024, and heard short presentations on Youth Services & upcoming club projects & volunteer opportunities. Are you not a member but interested in learning more about the club or attending a meeting to see what we're about? Click on Contact Us at the top of this homepage!
We got to know better two club members, Betsy Chess and Clyde Reynolds, as they shared their lives and experiences with us at our meeting October 9, 2024. They are two reasons we are The Friendliest Club in Rotary!
Club members met with students of the Pacific High School Interact Club on September 23, 2024, and had great conversations about leadership, service and communication while enjoying a delicious breakfast.
Our club's Youth Service Director, Ken Leandro, shared his career journey with the Ventura High School ASSETS program (After School Student Education Teamwork for Success).
Lance Orozco, News Director for NPR radio station KCLU, discussed The Changing Media at our meeting October 2, 2024. In an era where fewer people rely on traditional broadcast and print media for their news, and unverified rumors spread online and on apps, the role of responsible professional journalism is more important than ever.
Park Ranger Emily Zivot gave a fascinating presentation about the Channel Islands National Park at our meeting September 25, 2024. She shared her vast knowledge of the geological forces that created the islands, their unique wildlife, and a Native American perspective on their importance.
Club member Greg Wray is a professional illustrator who has rendered characters for the Walt Disney Company, Warner Brothers, and created images for all forms of visual communication. He was the first 2024/25 guest speaker at the Ventura High School Interact. Interact clubs bring together young people to develop leadership skills while discovering the power of Service Above Self. The Rotary Club of Ventura sponsors Interact clubs at Ventura, Foothill, and Pacific High Schools.
Wade Chumney, Associate Professor of Business Ethics and Law at Cal. State Northridge, gave a thought-provoking presentation on AI and Ethics at our meeting September 18, 2024. He is the author of Conscious Business Ethics.
Jim Lewis, Rotary District 5240 Polio Plus Chair and himself a polio survivor, has been a leader in the fight to eradicate polio for 30 years. He addressed our club on Sept. 11, 2024, about Rotary International's decades-long contributions to ending this crippling disease worldwide.
Eduardo Flores from Ventura Bee Rescue gave a fascinating presentation about the lives of bees, honey production, and relocating unwanted hives at our meeting August 28, 2024. He even brought some of his sweet friends with him!
On Saturday, August 10, 2024, members of the Rotary Club of Ventura, joined by Rotary Ventura South, Ventura Rotaract, Foothill High School Interact, and Ventura Lions, filled 750 backpacks with school supplies to donate to Ventura Unified High School students in need. This annual project is part of our club's commitment to serve youth.
Paul Orfalea, founder of Kinkos and philanthropist, addressed the Rotary Club of Ventura on August 7, 2024. He shared secrets of growing a single copy shop into an international chain with over 1,200 locations, and his philanthropic activities, which center on early youth development. In attendance were many members of our club, members of other area Rotary clubs, and guests. Guests are always welcome at our Wednesday luncheon meetings.
The Rotary Club of Ventura hosted our 31st Anniversary Fireworks Show and Family Picnic on July 4, 2024. A great crowd enjoyed a spectacular professional fireworks show, live music by Soul Infusion, kids games and kids zone--all for $10 adults and $5 kids. Proceeds support dozens of programs of local non-profit community organizations. Big thanks to our major donors--Community Memorial Healthcare, Ventura Auto Dealers Association, Hofer Properties, and SoCalGas--along with all our other sponsors (click "Read more"), and to all who volunteered to make this event a huge success!
This joyous event is spread across several acres of beautiful lawn at the Ventura College Athletic Fields, and includes a spectacular fireworks show, live music, food vendors, a Kids Fun Zone, and what we like to call 'the friendliest hometown picnic in America'! Adults $10, children $5, family of four $30. For information and tickets, visit https://www.venturafireworks.com/ Member volunteer link https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0C4BA5A92BA1FAC43-49814613-ventura . Community members also needed to volunteer https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0C4BA5A92BA1FAC43-49453949-community
The Rotary Club of Ventura
STRATEGIC MISSION STATEMENT
Why We Exist: We believe in the power of community and the profound impact of service above self. Our purpose is to bring like-minded individuals together, and through trust and support, we uplift each other while working tirelessly to improve lives, making Ventura and the world a better place.
How We Achieve It: We create a warm, friendly, and welcoming environment where fellowship, philanthropy, and friendship thrive. Through collaboration, we open doors to opportunities that might otherwise remain closed, enabling both personal fulfillment and collective accomplishment. By partnering with and empowering other non-profit organizations in Ventura, we amplify our impact, ensuring that good deeds reach those who need them most.
What We Do:
- Foster a sense of extended family and community through networking and support.
- Engage in philanthropic activities that enhance the well-being of our local and global communities.
- Promote peace and understanding through our service projects.
- Provide platforms for community leaders to meet, collaborate, and drive positive change.
- Act as caretakers, leaving a legacy of betterment and a measurable impact.
Our Belief: We are better together and can achieve so much more as a united group. We exist to give back, meet community needs, and create a brighter future. As the Friendliest Club in Rotary, we take pride in our commitment to making our community a better place for everyone, ensuring that our existence means something significant.