Welcome 2024! I hope you all had healthy and happy holiday celebrations and are ready to jump into the New Year with enthusiasm. Our first two programs are excellent opportunities to invite guests.  This week we will learn about the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Cal State University Channel Islands.  Their next session begins later this month, so there will be time to register for their Zoom and in-person offerings covering a variety of topics from history to civics to art and travel.  Next week we have the Ventura County Tax Assessor as our program speaker covering topics I’m pretty sure will be pertinent to all of us. Let’s fill all the tables for both these programs! 

 

Thank you to the December Salvation Army Bell Ringing crews, sharing good cheer and Rotary spirit while collecting much needed funds that touch many lives.  On my shift one donor said the Salvation Army saved his life, and another family shared that the husband/dad was graduating from a treatment program in time for Christmas.  

 

The second half of my year as club president will be full of more social activities, informative and inspiring programs, fun-raisers that benefit projects that Create Hope in the World, our Rotary International theme of the year while celebrating friendship and good times with the District’s theme of Let’s Have Fun.  I’m ready, so let’s boldly embrace the year ahead and our commitment to Rotary and to each other.

 

One final note as we forge into 2024: I recognize that this is an election year and that there is divisiveness in our country and the world.  I remind you that Rotary is a neutral zone.

 

Thank you for respecting and enjoying the a-political aspect of our organization.

 

January 4 – Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at CSUCI

January 9 – Board Meeting

January 11 – Ventura County Tax Assessor, Keith Taylor

January 18 – Social TBA