We collected cans and cash that were much appreciated by Food Share, initiating a new tradition.
Our first program speaker of the year was Melissa Hannah from United Parents. She spoke about the services and resources this Ventura County non-profit provides to families raising children and youth with emotional, behavioral, mental health, and special education needs. We also had two Rotary Youth Leadership Assembly attendees visit our meeting to debrief the Club on their camp experience and newfound leadership skills.
This month, we are welcoming our first Youth Study Exchange student since 2020! Javier arrives from Spain in time to enjoy summer on the Ventura coast, and gloat about his country winning the World Cup!
Our socials this year will be on the 4th Thursdays!! Please note that for your calendars. Nancy will be coordinating and taking the RSVPs and location recommendations (408) 655-3718. We start with this Thursday the 23rd at Finny’s Crafthouse on Main Street.
On months that have a 5th Thursday: July, October, April, we will be organizing a community service project sometime during that week instead of having a regular meeting. So we will NOT have a regular meeting on July 30th.
The Foundation Gala will be on September 12th from 11-3 in Camarillo, with fun foods from around the world! Email myself for registration!
It is my honor and privilesge to serve this club and our community. Please let me know if you have any ideas for club speakers, community service projects, or other ways Rotary can get active! Thank you.
Yours in Rotary,
Derek Eidson
President | Rotary Club Ventura East
Event Coordinator | Poinsettia Pavilion
We want to say thank you for your continued support of three children at Chayah Children's Home in Uganda.
Pius is in 6th grade and doing well. His health is good and he has become a very responsible young man as he's become more comfortable in the boy's home with Chayah's staff
Daisy is thriving. She's put on weight since coming and her health is excellent. She's not quite old enough for school, but enjoys playing with the other toddlers. She is well cared for by the Mothers and Aunties at Chayah and is doted on by the older kids.
Otim is just turning 3 and also doing well. He is a busy toddler and delights in making others laugh. He is full of joy, healthy and loves to take the lead with his age-mates. He's also been known to take their toys run for the hills!
Your sponsorship provides meals, clothing, housing, medical care, a nurturing staff and lots of space to play. We couldn't do it without you and appreciate your continued care and support of these three miracles.
Scholarship Thursday was another great success. A special thanks to Steve Harbison, Kathy McGee and Jacquelyn Syndergaard who were judges and presenters.
We presented scholarships to 24 graduating seniors, including 9 students from Paciific High School for vocational and community college purposes. The foundation also awarded funds to 24 students who are currently enrolled in college. Thank you to Cal Magro for being responsible for bringing the Pacific students into the program and his generous monetary donation to a Pacific student.
And a special thanks to all of you that attended the luncheon. In total we had approximately 100 people in attendance. Great Job Rotary East!
The entertainer and philanthropist Dolly Parton died 25 August 2026. This Q&A was originally published in the March 2010 issue of The Rotarian (now Rotary) magazine. Later that year, she spoke at the Rotary International Convention in Montreal, Canada.
We are a nonpolitical, nonsectarian social organization comprising local business, civic and professional leaders. We meet regularly to get to know each other, form friendships and through that we are able to solve community and global problems with service projects. Like:
Scholarships at 5 local high schools,
Interact Clubs at 3 local schools.
Support the YMCA, City Center, Ventura Botanical Gardens
Promote literacy and career guidance in schools
Internationally we support an orphanage & school in Uganda and contribute to eliminating Polio worldwide.
The Rotary Club of Ventura-East meets Thursday noon to 1:30 at the Poinsettia Pavilion in Ventura. Come and learn more about Rotary's humanitarian service, high ethical standards in all vocations and help build good will in this community. Use your professional skills and talents to make a difference.
