Welcome to Maternal and Child Health Month! Each month Rotary has an area of focus. This is such an appropriate area of focus for Rotary. Child health in underdeveloped countries, including Polio Eradication, has long been an emphasis for Rotary. Many club's international projects revolve around this area of focus. It makes a lot of sense that clubs put effort into this area of focus. Healthy, educated children only makes things better. Better because the healthcare system isn't taxed, better because healthy, educated children help improve the economy of their countries. In addition to emphasis on Maternal Health, I also believe that there needs to be a greater effort on reducing human trafficking. Many mothers and young children in underdeveloped countries are subjected to human trafficking and this is such a travesty. However, it's not only in underdeveloped countries where human trafficking is prevalent. This is a problem that is everywhere, including Ventura County. We need to invest more resources into eliminating human trafficking everywhere.
  We hosted our Inaugural Jigsaw Puzzle Challenge this past Saturday and had 8 teams participating. It was a learning experience and I know we learned some things to make next years event even better.
Congratulations to our winning team from the Rotaract Club of Santa Barbara, Ashlyn Cavaletto and Caylee Burditt.
Our second place team was Rich Stewart, Harriet Clune, Sue Garfield and Cindy Mulhollen.
Our third place team was Amber Stevens and Chris Jurewicz. Thank you to everyone who participated and made our event a success. All proceeds from this event will benefit the Autism Society of Ventura County and the Rotary Club of Ventura-East.
Don't forget about the "Forty Days - Forty Items" challenge. Starting on March 6th we are challenging you to remove one item from your closet that you no longer use or wear. At the end of the forty days either donate the items to a non-profit of your choice or bring your bag to the club and we will donate the items to a non-profit who can use the items. I know Rosandra and I will be participating and I trust many of our club members will also.
Finally, our Step-Down Dinner is scheduled for June 21st from 6:00 - 9:00 pm at Strey Cellars in Oxnard. Please save the date and we look forward to having a fun and festive evening. Remember, part of your monthly dues goes towards paying for the Step-Down so please try and be sure you are there.
Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it.
Charles R. Swindoll
Yours in Rotary Service,
Jeff Hata
President, 2018-2019
Rotary Club of Ventura-East
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