This week our Third Thursday Social at 5:30 p.m. is at Finney’s Crafthouse on the corner of California and Main St. We have reserved the upstairs lounge so there are 18-20 stairs. Let Margarida know if you will be attending:
margarida@live.com.
Last week’s meeting was stellar: Thank you to Jerry Dannenberg for presenting the Student of the Quarter – Spencer Paredes from Buena High. It was a moving and inspirational presentation attended by Spencer’s family, teacher, principal and a guest appearance by the Superintendent of Schools who gave a brief presentation about the CTE programs at the high schools of which Spencer is participating in two Career and Technical Education pathways: Stagecraft/production and criminal justice. Spencer is producing the Buena High School presentation of “All Shook Up” April 18-21 and May 2-4.
Then we heard from Patricia Torres from the Salvation Army about the myriad of support services they provide to the Ventura community including food pantries, the mobile eye clinic, and a summer camp for kids. Mentioning that the bell ringing Kettle Campaign each year is the bulk of their operating funds, she thanked us for our continuing support. Plenty of volunteer opportunities for the club to consider.
We also had a presentation by Cameron DeJong of the Football Showcase jersey with our Rotary sponsorship logo. Margarida gets to hang the case in her office.
Next week will be a jewel: Scholarship Awards, April 25th in the Ventura Room. Between the new and continuing (renewed) awards, this year our total scholarship awards puts us at $1 Million!!! Talk about positive impact! Be there to celebrate this milestone accomplishment and meet the recipients and their families. Always inspiring so bring a guest to impress.
The Walk for Kids benefiting the Ronald McDonald Family room is on Saturday! April 21st at Buenaventura State Beach Park. It is a lovely stroll to the pier and back; kind of turns into a bit of a parade. We have a table at the Rotary Village where we meet great people that we can talk to about who we are and what we do. There are fun activities for kids going on and a short program highlighting the Ronald McDonald Family Room accomplishments before the Walk, so come out around 9 a.m. to enjoy the festivities, and remember to wear your Rotary attire.
The Aut 2 Run at CSUCI at the end of the month is another must-see/do community event. Sign up to walk, sign up to hang out at the table and talk to people. We will have give-aways for the kids, maybe an activity at the table. Invite friends and neighbors and coworkers to both of these phenomenal events.
April Calendar
April 18 – Social at Finney’s Crafthouse, 494 E Main St.
April 21 – Walk for Kids (as a sponsor we can all participate: sign up sheet soon)
April 25 – Scholarship Awards
April 28 – Aut 2 Run, Cal State Channel Islands. An amazing turnout and lots of fun. Let's have a team. (another sign up sheet for working at our info table)
In recognition that this is an election year, I remind you that Rotary is a neutral zone. Thank you for respecting and enjoying the a-political aspect of our organization.
