Rotary District 5280 Governor 2023/2024, will be the special guest of honor at the Greater Van Nuys Rotary Club meeting on Thursday, September 21, 2023. On behalf of the Board of Directors and member of the Greater Van Nuys Rotary Club, we look forward to welcoming you and your entourage to our Club. Here is a bio of our Governor.
Makiko Nakasone
District 5280 Governor 2023-2024
Makiko Nakasone was born and raised at the foot of Mt. Fuji in Japan and has been a very active Rotarian since 2004. She is a proud member of the Glendale Noon Rotary Club. Makiko is honored and proud to be the first Rotary Ambassadorial Scholar to serve as District Governor. With the scholarship, she studied at the Albert Rudvigs Universitaet, Freiburg, in Germany in 1982-83. District Governor Makiko is a journalist by profession and she has worked as an editor for Readers Digest Japan and was a staff writer at the world’s largest financial newspaper, Nikkei, both at its headquarters in Tokyo and at LA bureau. Currently, she is the owner of Miken Education, an educational services/consulting company. As a Rotarian, DG Makiko’s passions have been Rotary’s Peace Initiatives, and New Club Development. She is super excited to be serving as our District Governor in 2023-24!
Rotary District 5280 and Sunland-Tujunga Shadow Hills Rotary Club, participated in the 4th of July Parade, held on Tuesday July 4, 2023. D5280 Governor, Makiko Nakasone and other Rotary members, joined the parade on the Rotary Float. Photos from the parade below.
Members of Greater Van Nuys Rotary is happy to welcome Carolyn Urquidez as our Club President for 2023/2024 Rotary Year.
Carolyn is the Co-Founder and Vice President, Kidneys Quest Foundation since June 2006 to present. The KQF is a 501(c) nonprofit, administrating and managing KQF, an outreach and educational organization dedicated to helping families and individuals with kidney disorders, renal patients and those in need of kidney transplants.
KQF also helps in Supporting, educating and directing kidney patients on next steps they can take after being diagnosed with a kidney disorder, options for dialysis support and education on dialysis. Introducing and educating, potential candidates on options for dialysis at home and how they can gain time for employment and activities. Preparing renal patients to become active and stay active as potential recipients on Kidney Transplant Lists. Teaching nutrition for renal diets and how renal patients can eat healthy and with enjoyment, including menus that are available, meal preparation, how to exercise or stay physically and mentally active, and be involved in hobbies as a renal patient.
GVNR out going President, Shirin Mosavi-Nejab, presided over her last meeting as president yesterday. It is also worth mentioning that Shirin, won the District 5280 "Rotarian of the Year" Award for 2022/2023 rotary year. On behalf of the Board of Directors and Executives of GVNR, thank you for your leadership of our club, and all we achieved in the year.
Dave Friedman presenting outgoing president Shirin Mosavi-Nejab with a Paul Harris Pin
Greater Van Nuys Rotary Foundation, gave a donation to Children's Hospital during the year. A representative from Children's Hospital was at the meeting to received the check.
Outgoing president, Shirin Mosavi-Nejab, Foundation Chair, Dave Friedman, Wynne Ritch and Rep from Children's Hospital
Members of the Greater Van Nuys RC partnered with Hollywood RC, Rotary Club of Los Angeles Colombo Americano, and Rotary Club of Historic FilipinoTown, for a food packing event recently in Hollywood. The packed meals were to be distributed in Hollywood and adjacent communities. The event was coordinated by "The Outreach Program" a non-profit worldwide organization, whose goal is to end hunger around the world.
Last week Saturday, GVNRC joined Rotarians for Environmental Action (REA) and 4 other Rotary Clubs to plant 30 trees in the beautiful City of San Fernando. It was a community service project with Tree People. The training, support and tools were provided by Tree People.
The goal of this project in the community, is to "reduce urban heat islands and save our planet", in the words of Jim Montgomery, member of REA. We succeeded in planting 30 trees at the event and gave each tree a name.
It was such a rewarding event, knowing that as Rotarians, we are helping to provide more green space, cleaner air and beautification of the community. Thanks to every Rotarians who participated on this project.
GVNRC members, getting down and dirty
Past President Catherine Ibrahim & Rtn Ruby getting ready
Greater Van Nuys Rotary Club partnered with Together We Rise (a Non-Profit Organization), last Saturday, to prepare duffle bags, filled with goodies, to be given to Foster Care Children. Goodies included Bicycles of different sizes , teddy bears, blankets, personal care pack and many more. The event took place at the Salvation Army complex in San Fernando Valley, Los Angeles, CA.
Other Rotary clubs also participated at the event. Present were; Rotary Club of Granada Hills, Rotary Club of Woodland Hills, Rotary Club of Calabasas, Rotary Club of Glendale, Glendale Sunrise and other Clubs in our District. Rotarians came along with their children and grand children, to help fill the goody bags. It was such a fun day for everyone present. Also present at the event, were Past District Governors, District Governor Elect, Rotarian Makiko and District Reps.
Below are pictures taken at the event.
District Governor Elect, Rotarian Makiko, Rotarian James Tenner and others designing Duffle Bags
Rotarians Dave Friedman, Marc Tapper, and Grace Agaba at the event last Saturday
It was such a pleasure to have Past President Don Reinken and his beautiful wife, Andrea, fellowship with us today. During the meeting, Past President Don Reinken, was presented with his Paul Harris Fellow (+3) pin. Rotarian James Tenner was given the honor to present him with the pin.
From L-R Rotarians James Tenner, Don Reinken, Peter Satuloff and Mrs Andrea Reinken
Rotarian Don Reinken and Mrs. Andrea Reinken earlier today
Several Rotary clubs in district 5280 came together to donate backpacks and school supplies to returning students, as the new school year begins. Below are samples of backpacks and school supplies donated by GVN Rotary.
Members of GVNR displaying samples of the backpacks and school supplies.
Greater Van Nuys Rotary & Granada Hills Rotary members, volunteered at "Operation Gratitude", a Community Service project, and helped with completing 6000 "Care Packages" last Saturday. The "Care Packages" are to be distributed around the country and overseas. It was such a fun event and we are looking forward to the next project coming up next month.
Members of GVN Rotary and Granada Hills Rotary after the event last Saturday
The Rotary Club of Ibanda with the financial support of the Greater Van Nuys Rotary Club and Foundation has purchased and distributed basic but lifesaving PPE ( thousands of masks and gloves, sanitizing gel ) to 4 clinics in Ibanda and it's environs. Great job . Thanks to Rotary and the Rotarians Moto of "Service Above Self" - working together for peace and understanding and disease prevention. Proud to be Rotarians.
Members of the Rotary Club of Ibanda during the presentation to the clinic
We would like to extend an invitation to all members of Rotary District 5280, guests, and families to attend our OPEN HOUSE.
KEYNOTE SPEAKER : MAURICIO CANSECO
Mauricio Canseco: a renowned Social entrepreneur and grandson of the Past Rotary International President Dr Carlos Canseco who envisioned
the eradication of poliomyelitis and started the polio plus campaign back in 1985-1986. Mauricio has invested more than 10 years of his life in pursuit of challenging social and business models. He is a member of the Rotary Club of Monterrey, Mexico - District 4130 Zone 21A.
He is going to talk to us, live from Mexico City
We will also showcase the GVN Rotary Club Community, Youth , International and Service projects and major Fundraiser and present several slides to illustrate the many projects completed by GVN Rotary this Rotary year.
When: WEDNESDAY APRIL 14, 2021
Time: 5:00 PM
Where: Virtual via ZOOM
How: a) Using your ZOOM App installed on your computer or mobile device (phone or tablet )
Greater Van Nuys Rotary recently partnered with Kidney Quest Foundation to prepare 300 care bags, which will be given out to kidney patients throughout Los Angeles. Each bag contains basic and essential items, kidney patients require during these trying times of COVID-19. Thanks to all volunteers who showed up to prepared these bags. Below are some of the many items that were put in each care bag.
Greater Van Nuys Rotary President and Kidney Quest Foundation President
Greater Van Nuys Rotary made donations of school supplies and holiday cards to the Salvation Army, in Van Nuys, San Fernando Valley Los Angeles recently. President Zoraida S Grossman and Capt. Juan (on behalf of the Salvation Army) receiving the donations.
I met Les Grossman, Esq. several years ago and noticed that he had many different Rotary plaques in his office. One day my Uncle Bob, who later I found out was a part of Rotary decades ago when he was working as a park ranger, came into Les’ office with me. When my uncle saw the Rotary plaques on the wall he was surprised and told me that Rotary is a wonderful organization that helps a lot of people. This planted the seed.
Years go by and then the 2020 pandemic hits. I was working inside of a store and I saw all of the shelves being emptied by customers. Section by section completely gone in a state of panic as if locust had come through. My immediate concern was that my neighbors were not going to be able to feed their families. I called them and tried to urge them to get the things they needed right away. Unfortunately my neighbors didn’t know what was happening and felt no urgency. They told me they would go to the store the following week. Knowing that they wouldn’t find the needed items, I shopped for them and shared everything I was able to get. I felt good about being able to help. A week or so later I wasn’t really doing much except for working. I started feeling a bit hopeless about the things going on around me like the Pandemic, social injustices and not knowing what the future held or my part in it. I quickly figured out that not finding a way to be productive and be involved was taking me down a rabbit hole. I asked myself, “What can I do?”. Then I asked, “How can I help?”. With the second question I came to the conclusion that I could listen learn and look for different items that people needed and that this would help. So that’s what I did. I found that a few of my neighbors had lost their jobs when the businesses were forced to shut down so I would bring them groceries with the understanding, that when they were able to, they would help someone else by paying it forward.
As time went on money came in for my neighbors and they were able to shop for themselves. I still would look for the difficult to find items(like rice, flour, tp, Lysol and other different things at different times)for people. People would tell me that they couldn’t find something and I would be guided to that needed item.
I’m still listening and learning. I know that my Purpose is to help others and that this means different things at different times. I find that opportunities to help cross my path all of the time and sometimes I miss them or make the wrong choice because I am busy thinking about my own things but I have grown and become more aware now.
I recently bought some of the “hard to find” items by Les’ office and was looking at his Rotary plaques again. The seed that was planted had grown. I asked him about Rotary and he told me some of the wonderful experiences that he was able to be involved with and how he had grown from his involvement. I asked him how I could be a part of that. I wanted to be a part of his club, the Greater Van Nuys Rotary, because I wanted to grow and get to know his family and to have him as my mentor.
On behalf of Greater Van Nuys Rotary, congratulations and welcome on board.
Learn what every member needs to know about Rotary, program basics and more! Join us for an informative and interesting overview led by LA Superior Court Judge (ret.) and past District 5280 Governor Greg O’Brien.
This Zoom training is open to everyone, but advance registration is required. Click on the District calendar and signup or go to www.rotary5280.org/Events to signup.
Greater Van Nuys Rotary had a very special guest as Speaker at our regular meeting on Thursday, August 13, 2020. Please find below a brief Bio of our Guest Speaker.
Guest Speaker: Rudy Ortega Jr.
Topic of Presentation: Fernandeño Tataviam Band of Mission Indians: People Facing The Sun
Rudy Ortega Jr.
Tribal President, Fernandeño Tataviam Band of Mission Indians
Vice Chairperson, Los Angeles City/County Native American Indian Commission
Rudy Ortega, Jr. is the Tribal President of the Fernandeño Tataviam Band of Mission Indians, a native sovereign nation of northern Los Angeles County. As the elected Tribal President of the Fernandeño Tataviam Band of Mission Indians (www.tataviam-nsn.us), President Ortega Jr. oversees the Tribe’s governmental body and manages affairs pertaining to the rights of all Fernandeño Tataviam tarahat (people).
He is a member of Siutcabit, the lineage of present-day Encino, CA. His ancestors come from the villages that originated in the geographical areas of Santa Clarita Valley, Simi Valley, and San Fernando Valley. His great-grandfather Antonio Maria Ortega, from whom he receives his role as tomiar, traditional leader, fought in Los Angeles Superior Court in the 19th century to preserve traditional lands and protect the Tribe’s title to Mexican land grants from encroaching Anglo-settlers. His father, the late Rudy Ortega Sr., served as the previous leader of the Tribe for over fifty years and was elected to the Los Angeles City/County Native American Indian Commission (LACCNAIC) in 1977. Following his father's leadership, Ortega Jr. was appointed to the LACCNAIC by Mayor James Hahn in 2004 and currently serves as Vice Chair.
From 2004 - 2018, Ortega Jr. served as the Executive Director of Pukúu Cultural Community Services (www.pukuu.org), the Tribe’s non-profit that serves the greater Los Angeles County American Indian community and manages Haramokngna American Indian Cultural Center, located 14 miles up the Angeles Crest Highway (2) (www.haramokngna.org).
Currently, Ortega Jr. is a member of the Los Angeles River Master Plan Steering Committee, the Edison Consumer Advisory Panel Board, and the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy appointed by Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr..
Rotary District 5280 Governor, Bette Hall will be visiting GVN Rotary Club on Thursday September 17th 2020. The District Governor and her entourage will be attending a joint meeting (Via Zoom) with us at 12:00PM. All members, Family, Guest of Rotarians and Rotarians are invited to join our meeting that day.
District Governor's Bio
A member of Calabasas Rotary Club since 2007, Bette Hall has held various positions, both within her Club and District 5280. Positions held include Club Avenues of Service and Events Chair, Board member, Club President, Assistant Governor, District Trainer for several years, and three years as the Senior Assistant Governor, Youth Services for District 5280. She has also chaired both the 2019 District Club Assembly and District Conference.
Bette has been very involved in developing and providing training for the Youth Protection Program and if asked to select an area she is most passionate about in Rotary, the answer has to be our Youth Programs. In 2017 Bette was one of two members who received the Rotarian of the Year award for District 5280, the other being none other than our District Governor Melody St. John. She is so very honored to be the District 5280 Governor, 2020-21.
Originally from London, England, Bette is a long-time resident of the West San Fernando Valley, and retired a few years ago from a long and varied career in Human Resources after holding positions such as Director and Vice President of Human Resources for large, multi-state/International companies, prior to running her own HR consulting company.
What Bette enjoys most about retirement is having more time to volunteer with Rotary and an extra bonus – spending more time with her family, and especially the grandchildren. She feels very fortunate to have them all living within easy driving distance, and being able to go to their activities, including baseball games, to cheer them on, and yes she has been known to be very loud, especially when they hit a home run!
Greetings Fellow Rotarians and Guests. Welcome to our New Rotary Year. Thanks for stopping by our Club Website.
Rotary International President, Holger Knaack's theme 2020-2021," Rotary Opens Opportunities", asks Rotarians "to create opportunities that strengthen their leadership, help put service ideas into action, and improve the lives of those in need". GVN Rotary is set to do just that. This year, we have some great and exciting projects we will be undertaking both locally and internationally. Please continue to visit us for more exciting news and keep tract of what we are doing.
Zoraida Suarez-Grossman, M.D. (President- Elect) Greater Van Nuys Rotary will be our Guest Speaker at our Zoom Meeting on April 23, 2020. Come and learn all you need to know about the COVID-19 Virus.
Kidney Quest Foundation held a one day conference recently in Los Angeles, in partnership with Greater Van Nuys Rotary. The conference was to raise awareness of the disease to our community. ABC News Anchor, Philip Palmer, himself a kidney donor, was one of the keynote speakers at the conference.
Philip Palmer, Rotarian and President Kidney Quest Foundation Carolyn and volunteers at the event
Greater Van Nuys Rotary partnered with CCSAE to supply educational materials, school uniforms, hygiene materials for girls, scandals, as well as toys to students of the school in Uganda. Rotarian Grace Agaba giving out supplies to students. Greater Van Nuys Rotary plans to continue to support this organization as there is dire need to do more.
Our Harvest festal this year had over 400 kids/families in attendance. Kids had a great time. Lots of games, costume contests, and great prizes were given out to kids. The highlight of the evening was free thyroid screening exam for anyone who wanted to be screened. People took advantage of the free screening.
District 5280 Annual Foundation Celebration was held on Sunday October 27, 2019. The event was held at the beautiful Taglyan Complex in Hollywood. It was indeed a night of good food, music, fun & fellowship and most importantly, silent and live auction. All proceeds will go towards various District projects. Below are pictures from the event.
L-R President Catherine Ibrahim, PDG Les Grossman & Past President Dr. Zoraida Grossman
Past President Marie Valencia and Hubby Jess
Rotarians having fun and enjoying fellowship with one another
Past President Dave Friedman and Mrs Judy Friedman
GVN Rotary is happy to welcome Carolyn Urquidez as a member of the club. She was inducted at a ceremony on Thursday October 3, 2019. On behalf of the BOD and members of GVN Rotary, Congratulations!!!!!!!!!!!!
L-R Club President Catherine Ibrahim, PDG Les Grossman, Carolyn Urquidez, and Membership Chair Richard Miller
We inducted our newest member last Thursday. Bob Blisten, a former Rotarian, was officially inducted into the GVN Rotary Club. Congratulations Bob. We are very happy to have you join us.
(L-R) Richard Miller, Bob Blisten, PDG Les Grossman and Catherine Ibrahim during the induction ceremony
Posted by Zoraida Suarez - Grossman, M.D. on Sep 18, 2019
The Bell being Donated to Valera Rotary Club
We met a group of Venezuelan Rotarians who were soliciting a donation to buy a new Rotary Bell for the Valera Rotary Club, located in the State of Trujillo, in the western part of the country. One of the members have kept in contact with me all along and coordinated all the details. Due to the difficult political situation and the humanitarian crisis that the country is going through, she works in Colombia and travels to Venezuela every two weeks to attend the Rotary meetings. Their Bell had been stolen probably to resell as cooper. Rotary Bells are copyrighted and can not be reproduced without the consent of Rotary International. My husband, Les reminded me we had a Bell at home from our former NSFV/Panorama City Club RC merged with the Van Nuys Rotary Club.
PDG Les Grossman, Dr Zoraida Grossman and members of the Valera Rotary Club
I wanted to polish the Bell before sending it, but the Rotarians felt that it was a relic and felt tremendously honored to inherit it, as it was. The Venezuelan Rotarians are very active and have been extremely grateful and excited about their new Bell and have made us feel very proud to experience the human connection and the true spirit of Rotary.
Dr Zoraida, holding the Bell and members of the GVN Rotary
District Governor Melody St John visited Greater Van Nuys Rotary Club on Thursday, August 8, 2019. It was a wonderful time with her as our guest got the opportunity to hear directly from the leadership, what rotary is all about and the great and fantastic work rotary is doing around the world. During her visit, she inducted our newest member, Grace Agaba into our club.
DG Addressing the audience
Grace Agaba during the induction ceremony by the Governor
Catherine Ibrahim, District Governor, (New Member)Grace Agaba and Richard Miller after the induction
Melody St. John has been involved with Rotary throughout her entire life, from her days as the daughter of a Rotarian in South Dakota when women were not accepted as members. Today she utilizes her passion for youth programs and has been involved with Rotary Youth Exchange for over 25 years. She and her husband Paul have hosted over 22 students in their home from around the world.
A member and Past President of the Rotary Club of Hollywood, St. John is involved in a number of Rotary District 5280 initiatives.
Lisa Miller, was the guest speaker at our regular meeting recently. Her topic of discussion was on Cryptocurrency. She has given us permission to post her article/paper on our website.
Lisa Miller and Raul Castillo after the presentation of her article at our meeting
A Ripple in Time: Early Cryptocurrency Adopters Earn Advantages
Cryptocurrencies, as widely vetted digital stores of value, are considered almost-invulnerable. And they offer attractive efficiencies and economic advantages. Together, these makes digital currency competitive with recognized fiat currencies[1] (“fiat” money is currency that lacks intrinsic value, but which is declared “legal tender” by a government; the US dollar is fiat currency) as a medium of exchange.
Despite the fact that it offers protocols that allow anonymous, direct peer-to-peer transactions via the Internet, blockchain technology minimizes the need for relationships of trust among parties to transactions.[1] No third party (bank, escrow company) is necessarily in the mix when individuals engage via blockchain’s system. Cryptocurrency can eliminate notaries, brokers, and other layers of administration that are designed to enhance trust. This saves money on common law firm expenses.
When parties digitally transfer value among accounts on the blockchain, they place their trust in the underlying technology, but not in any individuals or businesses, to enable the transfer, ensure sender authenticity, and ensure currency validity. This direct, peer-to-peer interaction, without transactional friction resulting from third-party participation, nurtures the revolution around cryptocurrency. Cryptocurrency is a high-tech fiscal work-around.
[1] “Fiat money” is currency that lacks intrinsic value, but which is declared legal tender by a government. It is considered valid currency solely by government declaration: fiat money is not backed by any commodity (for example, gold or silver). Fiat currency is paper money and coins backed only by the faith of the holder of the currency. The US dollar is fiat money (found on-line at Investing Answers at: https://investinganswers.com/financial-dictionary/economics/fiat-money-1790).
As blockchain technology gains more stability, new business methods for smaller law firms will evolve. These new approaches will incorporate cryptocurrency as a way to offer greater value to clients and harden competitive advantage in a crowded market. But blockchain is a raw technology; existing infrastructure is struggling to support it.
The GVNR club Held it's annual "Service Service Above Self" event on Thursday April 25, 2019. The event was held at the popular and beautiful Odyssey Restaurant located at 15600 Odyssey Drive, Granada Hills, California, United States.
Bret Ferrante was formally induction into the Greater Van Nuys Rotary Club last week. Bret is a Financial Planner with Black Card Circle here in Los Angeles, California. On behalf of the Board of Directors of GVNR and the Club, Congratulations.
(PDG) Les Grossman, Persident Elect Catherine Ibrahim and Bret Ferrante after the induction
Our annual "Service Above Self" event will take place on April 25, 2019 at the Odyssey Restaurant, located at 15600 Odyssey Drive, Granada Hills, CA. Event starts from 6:00PM - 9:15PM. For your information, there are great items listed for the live auction and you will not be disappointed. Looking forward to see everyone at the event. Mark your calendar please.
Chellie Campbell was the guest speaker at our meeting last week. In addition to other things she talked about, was peoples beliefs about money. According to her, "much of what is passed along about money is negative, therefore, we need to reprogram our minds with positive beliefs about money". She encourages people to repeat positive statements each day. Below are some of the positive statements if repeated daily, can change peoples consciousness about prosperity. Below are some of her prosperity affirmations.
People love to give me money, I am rich and wonderful, I am now earning a great big income doing what satisfies me, My affirmations work for me, whether I believe they will or not, I am a money magnet, I am a big winner, all my dues are paid in full something wonderful is happening to me, and many more. For more on Chellie Campbell, visit her at www.chellie.com
Chellie Campbell author and motivational speaker/teacher
Our annual Christmas Lives event took place on December 18, 2018. This year, we have over 50 families at the event. Gifts were given to children (some as many as 4 kids) in a family. As usual, we had Santa present and kids and their families got the opportunity to take pictures with Santa. We had a total guest of over 300. In N Out Burger truck was on site to give out Burgers to everyone. DJ Bobby provided great music and Stephenie was on hand to provide great Christmas Carol. Everyone had a great time. Here are some pictures from the event.
Family Picture with Santa
Kids at the event
In N Out Burger Truck was also on site
Mrs. Rosemary Ritch was on hand to volunteer at the event as always
from L to R Peter, Les, Javier, Dave, Catherine and Barbara
Our District Governor, Joe Vasquez visited our club earlier this month. Governor Vasquez joined us during our Board of Directors’ meeting and was given a full report about the current status of the club. Each director gave a brief report about their various avenue of service. At the end of their report, DG Vasquez gave us some advice/guidelines on how to move the club forward.
Raul Castillo be awarded his Paul Harris fellow Pin by Executive Aide Nora MacLeilan
At the general meeting, he took the time to induct our newest Paul Harris Fellow member. President Raul Castillo was inducted and welcomed into the Paul Harris Fellowship by the DG. DG Vasquez took us down memory lane on how he came into rotary and is still very proud to be a rotarian. He spoke briefly about rotary in general and district 5280 in particular. He spoke about the great work rotary is doing around the world with regards to humanitarian projects and peace building around the world. (full video will be posted later).
The DG also recognize and presented to Wynne Ritch, an award for his hard work in putting together our club's "Service Above Self" event for the last three years.
Evecutive Aide Nora presenting Wynne with his sevice above self pin
In honor of the DG, Rotarian Michael Camorlinga and owner of Lulu’s Restaurant, created a special menu for our DG. Named Sloppy Jeo Vasquez Sandwich. It’s a mixture of Southern flavors combined with lean seasoned ground beef and topped with fresh avocado. Served with sweet potato fries.
Sloppy Joe Vasquez Sandwich by Lulu's Restaurant
Rotarian Michael Camorlina presenting DG Joe Vasquez a certificate of the authentic "Sloppy Joe Vasquez Sandwich"
DG and Executive Aide Nora digging into "Sloppy Joe Sandwich"
Greater Van Nuys Rotary Club partnered again this year with the Laborers’ Local 300 Union to award scholarships to children of union members in Los Angeles. This year over 50 young adults received scholarship to attend various universities/colleges throughout the country. In the words of Sergio Rascon, “this annual event is important to all of us because it expresses our commitment to a brighter future for our sons and daughters. Through education, these beautiful young women and men will gain the power to shape the world in ways we can only imagine”.
Greater Van Nuys Rotary is happy to contribute this year again to making this possible. Our club is a service club established in 1825, and has been serving the communities of Van Nuys, Pacoima, San Fernando, Mission Hills, Chatsworth, Reseda, Panorama City, North Hills, Lake Balboa, Arleta, Sylmar, and Lakeview Terrace.
Greater Van Nuys Rotary Club salutes the scholars of Laborers’ Local 300.
Below are pictures from the event.
Michael Parenteau President GVNR presenting a check to Sergio Rascon Business Manager Local 300
Dr. Zoriada Grossman giving a speech during the presentation ceremony
Rotaract Panel Presentation - Moderator: Olayinka Hakeem Babalola, RI Director-elect
2018 International Convention in Toronto - General session 2.
Rebecca Fry, Rotaract Club of Sydney City, NSW, Australia Raquel D'Garay-Juncal, Rotary E-club of Silicon Valley, USA Muhammad Talha Mushtaq, Rotaract Club of Jhang Saddar, Pakistan
Dr. Renee Michelle Gordon was a guest speaker at our regular meeting held recently. Dr. Renee is a renowned author and has written several books as well as being an international speaker. Some of her books include; Five Simple Steps to Attract Your Soulmate Within 90 Days, Finding your Love at Last, and is currently working on her next book, Finding Your Love at Last Duets, Five Simple Steps to Creating harmony and Love in Your Marriage due out later in 2018.
As president and founder of Love at Last, Dr. Renee Michelle Gordon believes, “We help singles and couples build strong relationships by teaching them to first know and love themselves in order to have the best life possible”. Further, her passion is to first help people find their perfect match as well as helping couples rediscover their love and spark in a harmonious way that impacts the quality to the rest of their work and personal lives.
WHAT IS LOVE:
According to Dr. Renee, LOVE is everything, Love is open to possibilities, Love is everlasting; Love is the everlasting center of being here on earth; Love is beautiful; Love is kind; Love is whatever you want it to be. We all have the capacity to love. However, we must start by loving ourselves first.
This video depicts the beginning of the eradication of polio in the world. Ruth, herself a polio victim and wife of late William Bill Frank, PDG (District 5260) 1973-74 Rotary year. This video was done by the Greater San Fernando Rotary Club, which today is Greater Van Nuys Rotary, after the merger of two other clubs. I am sharing this video with everyone so that members of our club can be knowledgeable about why we as rotarians, are so bend on the eradication of polio from the face of the earth.
President - elect Barry Rassin has announced his vision for rotary moving forward. The theme for 2018-19 is "Rotary members to Bethe Inspiration". Please read his full address or watch video of his speech:
This year's GVN Rotary Luncheon was held on Thursday December 14, 2017 at the 94th Aero Squadron restaurant in Van Nuys and we had the beautiful Chalet de Clay room as our seating location.
Chalet de Clay room
Approximately 23 members, spouses and guest were in attendance and each received a raffle ticket for a chance at an assortment of gifts.
Rotary president-elect Sam F Awori dies unexpectedly on July 13, 2017 due to complications after surgery. Sam was a devoted member of the Rotary Cub of Kampala, Uganda, for more than 38 years.
In his own words during his nomination last year, he said "Rotary has become a way of life for me with the intrinsic value and core belief in mutual responsibility and concern for one another as a cornerstone. I feel immense satisfaction knowing that through rotary, I've helped someone live better".
Sam Owori's term would have began on July 1, 2018 as the 108th President of Rotary International.
To Rotarians around the world, president Ian Risely said "in this difficult time, I ask you all to keep his wife Norah, the Owori family, and Sam's millions of friends around the world in your thoughts. Sam was a special person in so many ways, and his unexpected death is a huge loss to Rotary, his community, and the world" Risely said.
Rotary International is making arrangements to celebrate Sam's life. More information will be made available soon.
Ashton Kutcher, philanthropist and actor, was one of the numerous speakers at the Rotary International Convention this year in Atlanta, Georgia, USA, whose main goal was to speak to convention goers and the world at large about the menace of human trafficking and the sexual exploitation of children. During a Panel discussion, he expressed his sadness about this global menace.
Kutcher is the Co-Founder of THORN: Digital Defenders of Children. During his speech at the Rotary Convention, Kutcher in his own words confessed: “As a young man coming up in the public school system in the United States, I thought slavery was done, a thing of the past. When I realized this was happening even right here in Atlanta, a hotbed for trafficking as a travel hub, I was floored and set out to learn as much as I could about it.”
He further stressed that vulnerability and poverty often acts as catalysts for human trafficking and sexual slavery of children. In the United States, most children who ends up in the ‘system’ have no one in their lives to love them. They are the ones who are most vulnerable to this menace.
Thorn is dedicated mainly to preventing sexual exploitation and eliminating child pornography and the conditions that cause it specifically on the internet. Thorn has a high tech lab which it uses to combat this global menace. Thorn targets the internet because it plays a significant role in promoting child pornography as well as the sexual slavery of children on a global scale.
Other members of the panel included Gary Hauhen, Bob Corker and Rebecca Bender, who herself is a survivor of human trafficking.
Learn more about how Rotary, in partnership with Thorn and millions of Rotarians worldwide, are working to fight this global menace.
Our Club was recently honored by the San Fernando Valley Coalition On Gangs (A project of community Partners). On hand to receive the award was Dave Friedman (President of GVNR), Marie Valencia (PP), Catherine Ibrahim (Secretary) and Judy Coates.
On behalf of the GVNR Club, I say thank you for your recognition of our club.
This year our annual Harvest/Halloween festival was held with the usual funfair. The festival started at 6:00Pm. By 6:10PM the venue at the Victory Outreach Church Center, was packed full with well over 400 kids and their parents. Nearly all the kids and their families were all beautifully dressed in their costumes. Once again there were various tents/booth setup, each with different games for the kids whereby winners were given prices. We also had a puppet show on stage and the kids enjoyed all the stories from the show. The main stage had music from a live band entertaining. It was fun for everyone.
Bill, Barbara, Judy, Maryjane, Richard and Dave at the Halloween Festival
This year, our club gave out free Tooth Brush to everyone, and Rotarian Dr. Barbara Pampalone was on hand to advise kids of the importance of personal hygiene. Brushing at least twice a day would keep teeth healthy.
Once again we had a costume contest, in different categories. From toddlers to adults. Judges were members of our club and it was very hard to pick winners since everyone looked to beautiful in their costumes. Eventually, winners were picked and prizes of Gift Cards were given out to winners.
Jeffrey Barnes was a guest speaker recently at our club. Jess is a Professor of Humanities and Dean of Student Success at California Baptist University. He is also the author of the best-selling book, "The Wisdom of Walt: Leadership Lessons from The Happiest Place on Earth".
We were happy to have Jeff come talk to us about our own dreams, our own goals and our own success. This video is all about his address.
Song: Judy Coates did it again. She led us in singing “God Bless America”.
Guest:
Bill Wishard (Rotary Club of Malibu)
Rob Endres
Haley Zafrani (prospective member)
Niki Barnes
Guest Speaker:
Jeff Barnes
President Dave Friedman welcomed everyone to the meeting.
Announcements:
Dave Friedman acknowledged the presence of all guest present today.
He went further to announce that there will be a joint lunch meeting between GVNR and New Horizon on October 13, 2016. He encouraged everyone to please attend.
Bill Wishard: Spoke briefly about the District Breakfast he attended recently. The speaker at the event was an officer of the LAPD who gave a comprehensive lecture about the internet, and most importantly, how to navigate and be safe on the internet. Bill concluded that the LAPD is the best in the world. According to Bill, a great deal of information was shared by the officer and he was very impressed.
Dave Friedman welcomed Les Grossman and Zoraida back from their vacation to Bermuda.
Javier Nunez pleaded for volunteers to help out at our annual holiday/Halloween festival coming up in October. He says there is no limit to the amount of volunteers needed. The more the merrier.
Les Grossman was called upon to induct our newest member to our club. Lourdes Simons was called upon and she was formally inducted to the GVNR club. We all joyfully welcomed her.
Our District Governor (Rotary District 5280) Greg O'Brien and his wife Carolyn O'Brien visited the GVNR club on September 1, 2016. DG O'Brien during his speech to members and guests. In attendance also was PDG Eli Guana and his wife Rotarian Alice Guana.
During the District Governor's visit, Awards were presented to four members of our club for their achievements and contributions to rotary. PDG Les Grossman, DGR Richard Miller PP Wynne Ritch, and Ron Wolf.
Song: Judy Coates did it again. She led us in singing “God Bless America”.
Guest:
Rotarian Mrs. Carolyn O’Brien
Eli Guana (PDG)
Alice Guana
Bill Wishard (Rotary Club of Malibu)
Mike Thomas (ADG)
Lourdes Simons
Guest Speaker
DG Greg O’Brien
Announcements:
Dave Friedman welcomed everyone especially the District Governor Greg O’Brien and his wife, Carolyn O’Brien to our club. He acknowledged the presence of PDG Eli Guana and Rotarian Alice Guana, and other District Representatives who were present. Other guest was also acknowledged.
Barbara Pampalone informed the club of the forthcoming “Walk for Peace” event. This program is organized by The 21st Century Peace Literacy Foundation in association with reGeneration. According to her, the 2016 Conejo Valley Peace Heroes Walk, commemorating the 15th Anniversary of 9/11 will be held at the California Lutheran University Lundring Event Center at Gilbert Sports Area, Thousand Oaks, California on Sunday, September 11, 2016 at 2:00 PM. The event is free to the general public. She encouraged all members to attend.
Marc Tapper announced that today was Richard Miller’s birthday and so everyone happily sang “Happy Birthday” to him and wished him well.
Happy Buck/O My God
The following members were happy/celebrating: Catherine Ibrahim, Richard Miller, Dave Friedman, Richard Flanagan, Barbara Pampalone and James Tenner. Their gifts were gladly accepted.
Our Club recently held a wine tasting and potluck event to help raise funds for the club. The event, (first of it's kind) was held at Mr. & Mrs. Peter Satuloff residence last week Friday in Chatsworth. Turnout was very good and it was a night of socializing with one another and getting to know members spouses. The highlight of the event was the wine tasting competition. Members enter their wine in the competition and after counting and collating all the votes, the wine competition was won by Mr. & Mrs. Don Reinken.
Mr. & Mrs. Don Reinken all smiles with the winning gift
Rotarian Mike Thomas (Assistant Governor District 5280)
Linnaea Mallette
Guest Speaker
Linnaea Mallette
Outgoing President, Marie Valencia officially handed over to our new President, Dave Friedman today. He welcomed everyone, especially guests to our meeting.
Announcements
President acknowledged the presence of Rotarian Mike Thomas, Assistant District Governor 5280 to our meeting today.
Dave Friedman also announced that we will be having what he terms “Happy Bucks/Oh My God” at every meeting henceforth. This is for members to donate any amount of money towards whatever it is they are celebrating. It will also be a form of raising funds for the club. He encouraged everyone to participate.
Peter Satuloff announced that we will be having a social event for club members and family at a date to be announced soon. It will be an opportunity for club members to get to know ourselves better. Please look out for for information on this as time goes on.
Marie Valencia informed that she received a letter of appreciation from the President of Mission College, thanking our club for helping kids who are planning to go to College/University. The donations we gave will be of great help to these kids.
Our club held it's demotion party on Saturday June 25, 2016. It was a beautiful sunny day in Southern California and the weather was fantastic. Nice outdoor party and everyone had a great time.
Our outgoing President, Marie Valencia, thanked her Board Members for making her year a great success. According to her, "she could not have made it without her board members". She also thanked every member of our club for helping in one way or the other toward the success of our club. She handed out gifts to her Board members in a show of appreciation.
Also present was the Jazz Band from Cleveland High School. They entertained us with good Jazz tones from the past. Dave Friedman gave each member of the Band a certificate and thanked them for a job well done. A donation of 500.00 from GVNR was also presented to the Band Leader with a promise to help the Band during his year.
PDG Eli Gauna and PDG Les Grossman were on hand to swear-in Dave Friedman as President and his Board members. On behalf of the President and Board of GVNR, we say "thank you" to PDG Eli Gauna and PDG Les Grossman.
Present at the party were members from our Chatsworth club. Tamara Chezick and her husband, Karan Norman, Jill Saltzman and Kris Fuess.
It was a beautiful picnic party and we all had a great time. Here are some highlights from the party.
PGD Les Grossman and Marie Valencia outgoing president
Robert Ryans Club President (2015-2016) Rotary Club of Crenshaw/Watts was the Guest Speaker at our club recently. His presentation was focused on Child Sex Trafficking Beyond the Numbers- Putting Face on Tragedy. It was a very interesting and detailed presentation. He encouraged Rotarians to do more to eradicate this awful practice from our society.
Song: Judy Coates did it again. She led us in singing “America the beautiful”.
Guests:
* Robert Ryans (Club President 2015-2016) Rotary club of Crenshaw/Watts
President welcomed everyone and especially our guest speaker all the way from Rotary Club of Crenshaw/Watts
Announcements
Dave Friedman gave a brief summary of the District Conference he attended. He also personally thanked Bill Parks for all he did during our Track Meet event at BCCHS.
He informed the club that the demotion party is tentatively set for Saturday June 25, 2016. Will keep us informed as time goes on.
Les Grossman announced that one of the project he and Zoriada worked on at the District Conference was the packaging of 12,000 meals. About 125 others worked on the project.
Richard Miller announced that the District Assembly was slated to hold on June 14, 2016 at the Carson Civic Center and he encouraged everyone to attend.
Our Club held it's 37th Annual Track Meet event at BCCHS sports arena on Saturday April 23, 2016. Over 20 High Schools participated in this year's event. The event was a great success.
On behalf of the Chairman and members of the Track Meet Committee, we would like to say thank you to all those who participated to make this year's event a great success.
Song: Judy Coates did it again. She led us in singing “America the beautiful”.
Guests:
Tony Quiroga
Angie Aramayo
Guest Speaker
Linda-Cota-kumaga
President Marie Valencia welcomed all to our meeting especially as guests.
Announcements:
President announced that a few members of our club is absent today because they were attending the District Conference in San Diego
It was Peter Satuloff birthday today and we all joined together in singing “Happy Birthday” to him. We all wished him long life and good health.
Wynne Ritch announced that the Track Meet this year was a great success. According to him, everything went well. Over 20 High School Schools participated in this year’s event. Our club was within it’s budget.
Dave Friedman thanked all members of our club and their families and friends who came out in full force to volunteer at the Track Meet. A very special thanks to the following people: Eli Gauna (PDG), Mrs. Reinken, Mrs. Satuloff and granddaughter, Thomas Ibrahim (my son), Michelle Kaufer, Jason Lassen, Phillip Mai, and many others. Also, he acknowledged the presence of members of our Chatsworth Satellite Club who came out to volunteer as well.
Song: Judy Coates did it again. She led us in singing “America the beautiful”.
Guests:
Donielle Dela: she is an Executive with Habitat for Humanity
Sandy Mirie
Tony Quiroga
Shani Yehezkel: Works with the Van Nuys Airport
Guest Speaker:
Officer Michelle Lopez: LAPD
President Marie Valencia welcomed everyone and especially our guests to our meeting today.
ANNOUCEMENT
Dave Friedman announced that tickets are now available for purchase for our forthcoming Track Meet Event. This will be a fund raiser for the club.
James Tenner announced that he would be donating a TV set to raise money for polio. The efforts to eradicate polio becoming harder, especially in the last remaining two countries. Lives are being lost daily in the process. Lets all join hands in donating money toward polio eradication.
Zoraida Grossman reminded members about the forthcoming Local Labor 300 Union annual 2016 Scholarship Fundraiser which will be held at 2005 W. Pico Blvd. Los Angeles CA 9006
During the meeting, a donation check was given to Donielle Dela, a representative from Habitat for Humanity on behalf of our club.
Also a donation check was given to Sandy Mirie, a representative from L A Mission College on behalf of our club.
In this issue of our bulletin, we had Officer Michelle Lopez come to talk to us about what the LAPD is doing within our community.
Song: Judy Coates did it again. She led us in singing “God Bless America”.
Guests:
Christine Dickson
Eric Smith
Guest Speaker
Michelle Kaufer: Executive Director “Spare Some Change”
President was not available at the meeting today. Wynne Ritch (Past President) presided over the meeting today. He welcomed everyone especially our guests to our meeting.
ANNOUNCEMENT:
Dave Friedman requested us to pledge our attendance to the forthcoming Track Meet Committee meeting slated to hold at his residence. All raised hands.
Diana Sanchez thanked everyone who attended the Van Nuys Airport Events held last weekend. She acknowledged Anthonia Ibrahim, my daughter who also volunteered at the event.
L A Mission College is having an event on May 7, 2016 and tickets are available for 56.00 per head. The event runs from 4:00P.M. – 8:00P.M.
News:
Les Grossman presented Javier Nunez with his Paul Harris Fellow Certificate.
Flag: Marie Valencia, Invocation: Less Grossman, Song: Judy Coates
Guest:
Chad Maender
Rene Rubalcava
Announcements:
President Marie Valencia welcomed all and thanked our guest for taking the time to attend our meeting today.
She informed all that there will be a Track Meet committee meeting at Dave Friedman’s residence on March 28, 2016 at 5.30 PM
Judy received a free T-shirt for singing beautifully today.
Marie Valencia called on Wynne Ritch to give a brief summary about our “Service Above Self” event held on March 10, 2016.
Wynne Ritch: He announced that the event was very successful, as we took in $52,000.00 gross. Net amount was 36,000.00 with an additional $5,000.00 expected. However he mentioned that our club would fulfill our commitments to all who paid and attended our event. He thanked everyone for his or her participation as it led to the great success we had.
Wynne Ritch however, was disappointed that District 5280 did not sent any Representative to our event.
He also informed members that we received $1,275 from ticket sales.
Richard Miller: announced that our club donated $749.00 to the District for Polio Plus.
Our annual “Service Above self” event was held today, March 10, 2016.
The Host for the event, Wynne Ritch, Past President GVNR Club welcomed everyone to the event at 6:10PM.
Flag ceremony/presentation: The Marine Corp League (Ronald Reagan Division) Did the Flag Presentation.
Flag Salute: Andy Garza (boys scout member)
Invocation: Sarah Wynne
Song: Stesni Valencia gave a beautiful rendition of “God Bless America” and the audience gave her a standing ovation
Our President, Marie Valencia thanked everyone for coming and she encouraged everyone to please take part in the auction and the silent auction because our club had no intention of carrying items back home. All items on site must be sold. We had over 200 guests at the event. It was a very successful event and all our Awardees and guests had an enjoyable evening. There were so many items for auction and our silent auction yielded a huge reward. We are grateful to all who participated in planning this great event. To all the volunteers who participated, we say “thank you”.
Four people who had contributed immensely to our communities were given ward during the evening. Kenneth Worthen, Javier Nunez, President of Mission College, and a Doctor from Children's Hospital.
Since this event was the reason we did not hold our regular meeting today, attendance credit would be give to all members who attended.
Here are some highlights from the event. I encourage you all to please go to our club website and click on the album link on the home page to view more pictures.
Flag: Marie Valencia, Invocation: Less Grossman, Song: Judy Coates
Guest:
Chad Maender
Rene Rubalcava
Announcements:
President Marie Valencia welcomed all and thanked our guest for taking the time to attend our meeting today.
She informed all that there will be a Track Meet committee meeting at Dave Friedman’s residence on March 28, 2016 at 5.30 PM
Judy received a free T-shirt for singing beautifully today.
Marie Valencia called on Wynne Ritch to give a brief summary about our “Service Above Self” event held on March 10, 2016.
Wynne Ritch: He announced that the event was very successful, as we took in $52,000.00 gross. Net amount was 36,000.00 with an additional $5,000.00 expected. However he mentioned that our club would fulfill our commitments to all who paid and attended our event. He thanked everyone for his or her participation as it led to the great success we had.
Wynne Ritch however, was disappointed that District 5280 did not sent any Representative to our event.
He also informed members that we received $1,275 from ticket sales.
Richard Miller: announced that our club donated $749.00 to the District for Polio Plus.
We had our annual “Service Above Self” event on March 10 2016. It was a very successful event and all our Awardees and guests had an enjoyable evening. There were so many items for auction and our silent auction yielded a huge reward. We are grateful to all who participated in planning this great event. To all the volunteers who participated, we say “thank you”.
Here are some highlights from the event.
Our first awardee from Children Hospital, Wynne Ritch & Marie Valencia
Rotary Javier Nunez an award recipient, Wynne, Marie, Les & Zoraida
Sarah giving the invocation at the event while her dad Wynne Ritch and Javier Nunez looks on
Flag: Marie Valencia, Invocation: Dave Friedman, Song: Judy Coates
Guest
Jared Gerber
Sandy Mine
Maryjean Murio
Matt Bistrak
Announcements
President reminded members that we will not hold our regular meeting on March 10, 2016 because in the evening of that day is our “service Above Self” event. And the venue is at the Odyssey Restaurant, 15600 Odyssey Drive, Granada Hills, CA.
Wynne Ritch: Event Coordinator informed members that all seems to be set for the event. A good amount of money had been received via donations and that about 190 people are projected to attend the event. He appeal to all volunteers to be on time and also to come over to his house on Wednesday evening at 6:00 P.M. to coordinate the packaging/stuffing envelopes of items for the event. He announced that his daughter Sarah is out of the hospital and will give the invocation at the event. He also stressed the importance of all volunteers to be at the event on time.
Dave Friedman: Thanked everybody for their willingness to volunteer at our Track Meet event this year and also announced that 6 members from our Chatsworth club will be volunteering at the track meet.
Diana Sanchez: informed members of the following events holding at the Van Nuys Airport: (1) Operation Gratitude event on Saturday March 19, 2016 for information visit vnypr@lawa.org (2) Friends of Van Nuys Airport event. For more information, call (818) 442-6526 (3) The sky’s The Limit Aviation Career Day holding on April 1, 2016.
We had a representative from Assemblymember Adrin Nazarian's office who spoke about the forthcoming free “Women’s Self-Defense Workshop” slated for March 5th, 12th, and 19th 2016. For more information, please visit www.asmdc.org/dt or RSVP/INFO (818) 376-4246
Marc Tapper was called to introduce our guest speaker for the day.
Guest Speaker: Jared Gerber
His topic for the day was "10 pillars of Internet marketing". According to him, these 10 pillars can be used to build a strong foundation for your Internet marketing strategy. From High conversion website, to design, interactivity, content, email marketing, social media, organic search results, local listings, paid advertising and lastly traditional marketing convergence. All these are very important tools necessary in building or running a successful Internet marketing outfit or promoting your business/company. For more on these, contact Jared Gerber by email at jared.gerber@imagineit.com
Flag: Catherine Ibrahim, Invocation: Judy Coats, Song: Don Reinken
Guest:
James Skydell
Kriss Harrigian
Announcements:
President welcomed Judy Coates back with joy after her accident. We were all happy to see her well.
Dave Friedman: Reminded all members about the forthcoming Track Meet and thanked everyone who had signed up to volunteer on that day. He said this year’s 37th Track Meet event would be “fabulous”. All arrangements are being made to ensure that it will be a great event. Please contact him if you have not made up your mind yet about volunteering as we still need more volunteers.
President also announced that the BOD approved the sum of 250.00 to be given to Scot King for auto registration reader, so that athletes can complete registration online.
Richard Miller announced that the District Conference is coming up soon and the venue is in San Diego.
He also announced the forthcoming spring 3-1 polio plus event slated for March 12. He challenged anybody who can beat him in the two and half mile walk and promise a gift to the winner.
Donations: our club made donations to the following projects: Panama Incubator project, YMCA, Harvest Festival, Thanksgiving Dinner to the homeless, and Christmas Lives project.
Wynne Ritch: Arrangements are still in progress towards our “Service Above Self” event slated for March 10, 2016. He encouraged the support/contributions of all members towards this very important event of our club. He announced that he has received a check for USD 1,000.00 from Disabled Veterans of America. The following members has pledged to donate the following items: Guy Mangia 1 Oral B. Kit, Les Grossman 1 Dodger Ticket and 1 Angel Ticket, Catherine Ibrahim 2 Geneva His & Hers wrist watches.
Meeting called to order at 12:15 PM
Flag: Wynne Ritch, Invocation: Judy Coates, Song: Judy Coates Guest
Erika Endrijonas
Raul Castillo
Tom Shanakian
President elect Dave Friedman presided over our meeting today Announcements:
Barbara Pampalone spoke briefly about the Rotary World Peace Conference she attended in Ontario last week, which was hosted by Rotary Districts 5330, 5320, 5340, 5300, 5280, and 5240. She said she gained great knowledge about the role Rotary is playing towards Peace in the world. She also informed members that the District has a Peace Committee and that as soon as she gets full detail about the workings of the committee, she’ll update the club.
President-Elect- Dave Friedman presided over the meeting today.
The passing away of our founding member, Don Fetherolf was formerly announced to members today. Dave Friedman promised to keep us posted when information is available from the family.
He also informed members that the Board has approved a Foundation donation of $500.00 towards the District Project for the purchase of pre-natal equipment unit in Panorama.
President Marie Valencia welcomed everybody back and wished everyone a very Happy New Year. She gave thanks to God for seeing us through 2015 and giving us the opportunity to see 2016. She prayed that 2016 would be a good new for each member and their loved ones. She noted that it was a full house during our first meeting of the year and hope that the trend will continue throughout the Rotary year.
Our Christmas Lives Ceremony this year was held on December 15, 2015 at the Laborer's Local 300 Union, 14800 Devonshire Street Mission Hills, California.
There were over 300 children and their families at this year's event. Our Club handed out gifts to each member within a family that had been identified by representatives as needy families. Gift cards were also handed out. Gift cards ranging from $25.00 to $50.00 were handed out to many individuals at the events.
Our Annual Holiday event this year was held on December 10, 2015 at the 94th Aero Squadron Restaurant - Van Nuys, California. This is a very special event organize by our club (GVNR) annually. This year's event was as great as always and we had a huge turnout. Families and friends of Rotarians and fellow Rotarians from other clubs attended.
The highlight of the event was a fabulous performance put up by the Monarch Jazz Group from Valley College. They entertained us with great music and performance. The group took the audience down memory lane, singing familiar Christmas tunes and great jazz music.
Guest participated by singing along with the Group. At the end of their performance, the Group got a standing ovation. Overall, it was a great event and we all had a swell time.
Flag: Marie Valencia Invocation: Javier Nunez Song: Judy Coates
Guest:
Jason Lassen
S. Stewart
Tommy Gelinas
Steve Gordon
Carmen Pimental
Announcements:
Marie Valencia announced that the Foundation Dinner was a very successful event and everyone had a great time. Members who attended were Mr. & Mrs. Grossman, Marie Valencia and husband and Mr. & Mrs. Tenner. Our club got $5,200 credit to Rotary Foundation. There were several silent auctions and our own members won some of the items from the silent auction. Overall, everyone had a great time and hope our club’s participation next year will improve.
The President informed members that there would be no regular meeting on November 26 due to Thanksgiving Celebrations.
Flag Salute: Wynne Ritch Invocation: Richard Miller Song: Judy Coates
Guest:
Bill Washard (Malibu Rotary)
Michael Parenteau
Michael Camorlinga
President acknowledged the presence of our District Governor and his entourage to our club. Members welcomed DJ Sun and Cozette Vargara formally to our Club.
The District Governor D J Sun visited our club on Thursday November 12, 2015. He and his entourage met with the Board of Directors in a close door meeting. During the meeting, he was formally introduced to members of the Board by our club President.
He thanked the Board for the good work GVNR was doing in the community and encouraged all members to do more. He briefly told the Board what District 5280 was doing currently and will be doing under his leadership for this Rotary year. He laid out the various programs the district was planning and that more information will be send to GVNR as time goes on.
At 12:00 PM our general meeting started and DJ Sun was introduced to the full house of GVNR
District Governor addresses members of GVNR on Thursday
On behalf of our Board of Directors, we salute our Veterans today and we say THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE TO OUR GREAT COUNTRY AND FOR KEEPING US SAFE. Once again THANK YOU ALL.
Our club fully participated in the Veterans Day Parade in Pacoima
Flag: Marie Valencia, Invocation: James Tenner, Song: Judy Coates
Guest:
Wynne Ritch (PP) introduced his guest, Michael Parenteau, Les Grossman introduced Mr. Ingo Werk and Mrs. Mary Werk, Eli Gauna (PDG) was introduced by Alice Gauna, while Mary Barrientos introduced David Contreras and Ashley Leony, our Honorees for the day.
Announcements
President Marie reminded all members about the forthcoming Poker Tournament. Andy Duchan was called upon to give an update. He stated that all arrangements had been formalized, and members should please invite family, friends and guests to the poker tournament. However, payment arrangements for those paying with credit cards have yet to be finalized.
We had a visit to our club from Past District Governor Ingo Werk on October 29, 2015. He came along with his beautiful wife Mary Werk.
He has been designated to go around all rotary clubs in our district to talk about the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WSH) project planned for the Central African country of The Republic of Niger.
Our Harvest/Halloween festival this year was very successful as usual. We hosted over 300 kids and their families this year. Our guest were provided with all kinds of fun games and winners won prizes ranging from gift cards, trips, week-end-getaways, electronic devises and much more. The highlight of the day was the costume contest. Rotarians as judges, had a hard time judging little kids. They were all so beautifully dressed. After much deliberation, winners were chosen.
The Fleet Street crew did not expect the 64 bicycles that they screened, repaired, sent owners to buy parts for in order to finish repairs, and (very occasionally) had to admit bicycles were too damaged to be repaired there. 6 young men from Pacific Coast Boys Lodge worked under the guidance of Steve to find correct parts for, repair, lubricate and fill ties on the many bicycles that were brought in by the owners. From Woodland Hills Rotary Dana and Antonio were busy screening the bicycles and directing the registration work of our Rotarians Kris, Libby, Bob, and Barbara.
Chatsworth citizens also brought in about 8 bikes to be donated, so that their parts or frames can go to be used on another day in some other Bike Repair Day.
Flag Salute: Marie Valencia Invocation: Richard Miller Song: Judy Coates
Announcements:
President Marie Valencia reminded members of the District Breakfast in October and most importantly the District Governor’s visit to our club on November 12, 2015. She stressed the importance of inviting family, friends and guest to our meeting on that day. She asked that we do everything possible to have s full house.
She also mentioned the following:
Recognition will be given out to deserving members of our club
Our forthcoming annual Harvest Festival
Humanitarian Trip to Panama from January - February
Twenty-seven years ago, polio was rampant in over 60 percent of the world leading to paralysis for several hundreds of children everyday. By January of this year, there were only 3 countries in the world recording new cases of polio. Nigeria, Pakistan and Afghanistan, but that is changing. Once considered the locus of new polio diagnoses, Nigeria reported the first year without new cases. This milestone is especially crucial in light of the impediments the government has faced in trying to eradicate the disease; officials and volunteers have had to deal with Muslim extremists targeting medical workers, rumors about vaccinations being employed as a subterfuge by the government to sterilize Muslims, etc.
Rotarians are a group of business and professional people that come together to promote the ideal of service in their personal, vocational, and community endeavors. The Object of Rotary is to encourage and foster the ideal of service as a basis of worthy enterprise. It is not the business of business that brings us together as Rotarians, but the business of Service.
We are Rotarians because we have committed to “Service Above Self”. Fellowship and service to humanity frees Rotarians from the trap Paul Harris (PH) called the “love of things”. According to PH, life is more than business. As Rotarians from diverse, ethnic, professional, religious, and sociocultural backgrounds, we have found a common platform in the ideals of Rotary.
Our Club - Greater San Fernando Rotary - demotion party was held on June 28, 2015, at the El Queso Grande Restaurant. It was a day of fun and fellowship with family members and friends. The THEME of the party was HAWAIIAN.
The outgoing president demonstrated his appreciation to his board by presenting each board member with a parting gift. He also recognized other members by presenting them with gifts for their hard work and dedication. On behalf of members of the club, our incoming President presented the outgoing President with a parting gift as well.
There were performances by Hawaiian dancers, who put up a fantastic show for our guest of honor. It surely was an afternoon of fun.
Our new club president was sworn in by PDG E. Gauna.
This year Rotarian Marie Valencia with other members of the Van Nuys club brought some Christmas joy to the children on Casa Esperanza. Rotarians brought presents to this children--they even brought Santa.
At Last Wednesday’s regular Greater Van Nuys Rotary Bingo game, Frita was the big winner. Out of our 14 games, she had a part in winning 5 games: 3 regular games at $45.00, 1 special game at $75.00 and the last Full Board game at $200.00 for a total of $410.00. This was most incredible- even the rest of the bingo hall players were cheering her on. And, she was so happy that she bought pizza for anyone who wanted a slice.
Bingo dates changing:
After October’s fourth Wednesday event (October 22, 2014), we will be switching to the third Wednesday of the month to avoid conflicting with holidays and allow more players to attend . So, the following dates will be November 19, December 17, January 21, February 18 and so on.
Bingo is a Community Service Project and a Fundraiser packed into one event The proceeds go to support academic scholarships and the Birmingham Charter High School Band, as well as other community projects.
Help us Reach our Goal and fund our community outreach programs. Call or e-mail Emilio at emilio@embasule.com or 818-262-6028 and pick your squares just 10 Days left!
Super Bowl Fund Raiser Click Picture for actual Form
Rotary,org launched it's updated site the beginning of this month. The revised site Front Pages are geared to Non-Rotarians and the General Public, The Workiung site is underneath in to parts.
A general Area to Find Clubs and other Updates (no Login required)
A Working Site which replaces the old "Member Access Portal"
To Gain Access you will need to enter your Username (Usually the e-mail address you registered with RI) and Your password.
Passwords are now required to be at least 8 Characters long, Have 1 Uppercase and 1 lowercase letter and a number or valid special character. If your current Password doesn't meet this criteria then you will need to update it follow the instructions. If you have never accessed the site then you will need to register. If you have any Problems give me a call (818) 262- 6028
To Get to the Working Site you will need to click on " My Rotary " Small print in the top right hand side of the page.
Gary Turner, Literacy Chair told us about the Ethics Forum scheduled for October 11 for the Rotaract groups to compete for cash prizes at Lyola Marymount College. In addition, on March 1, Lyola Marymount will host the High School Competitions for the winners of local contests in Art, Music, Speech and Dance.
In front, Fernando Moreno and PDG Eli Gauna; back row L-R Marie Valencia, Rich Miller, Javier Nunez, Max Kellogg, Alice Gauna, Barbara Pampalone, Guy Mangia(love those fangs!) and Robin Kellogg
PDG Eli Gauna said the most important thing we do is to induct new members, which he had the honor of doing today in welcoming Lawrence Pleet back into Rotary (he is a former member of the Granada Hills club), with sponsor Robert Reimann looking on.
February 24 Robin will be inducted as the North San Fernando Valley Chamber of Commerce’s new Secretary – congratulations! Come show your support, showcase your company, and meet other Valley business people and the honorary mayor of Northridge, Nancy Cartwright (the voice of Bart Simpson). The lunch will be held at the Odyssey Restaurant; tickets are $55 each. Tables for the vendor faire are $125 each.
Saturday and Sunday, November 12 and 13, we participated in the fundraising festival at St. John Eudes church.While many non-profits were there, including the Salvation Army (thanks to our own Captain Judy), the real focus was on raising funds to help prevent and rescue children from child slavery.We know several thousand dollars were raised, which means hundreds of children will be helped.Thank you Emilio and Renée (our committee chairs), Barbara, Rich, Robin, Jean, Antoinette and Beth for working the event, but a very special big thank you to Rosie and Clinton for not just working the whole event but bringing their special vibration equipment for “rides”!
On Wednesday, November 9, our very own president, Barbara Pampalone, was honored as one of just 5 Legends and Heroes by the Chatsworth Chamber of Commerce at their 6th annual luncheon at the Porter Valley Country Club.Representative Brad Sherman was just one of the many dignitaries who spoke and thanked these community leaders for their unselfish service.Each was given many certificates and honors.Barbara had the biggest cheering section of course – about 3 tables full!
John Alexander, PDG and Club Parlimentarian DiesJohn Alexander who missed his first District Conference in 44 years due to his weakened condition, died Monday, September 26 at Northridge Hospital. He was 90 years old. John was a long time member of the Van Nuys club and joined the Mid San Fernando Valley club in January of 2011
One of our former members " VAN" Now retired and living on the Puget Sound in Washington State has finally Arrived at an Honorable Vocation.
Members of my Rotary club here titled the attached photo as
follows:
After 10+ years the city boy finally becomes a country gentlemen
farmer - complete with bib overalls.
I am on my "new" 1951 Ferguson
tractor - looks like hell but runs like GREAT. The photograph was taken at our
commercial shop location. We rent the single wide mobile in the back of the
photograph and have RV covered space rental and storage on the rest of the
facility.
Best Whishes to all my friends at Rotary.
V A N
PS Van Met his lovely Bride on our very own "Love Boat" Emilio's beautifull Sail boat "Noteworthy" And they say marriages at sea never last.
Denny's and Coco's are working hard with the Mid San Fernando Valley Rotary Club to provide much needed Funds for LAUSD's early Child hood Developoment Centers. March 21 - 27 2011 To print out the flyer please chick here.
For several years, the Board of the Mid SFV Rotary has made it easier for our members to get a Paul Harris Fellow by offering to meet them halfway. On February 23 in honor of its 106th anniversary, Rotary International has decided to do the same.
The Mid SFV Rotary club’s website, www.midsanfernandovalleyrotary.org, thanks to our webmaster Emilio Basile, now offers easy access to www.Shopandcontribute.org
In a response to District Governor Drew Frohlich’s request for more fellowship amongst individual Rotary clubs, the Granada Hills, Mid SFV, North SFV and Northridge/Chatsworth Rotary clubs held a joint meeting, Thursday, Feb. 3 at the Porter Valley Country Club. Presidents of the four clubs were in attendance as was Richard Miller, Assistant Governor for the area.
The portable dental clinic purchased by the Mid San Fernando Valley Rotary with matching funds from the District, is just now split between two places.
The July 11 bingo event went quite well, according to PDG Emilio, who reported we had 61 paid admissions, gave out $800 in prizes and neted a profit of $900, including after purchase of the banner, which brought in at least 6 or 7 people. The next event (October 10, 2012) should be even better!
A few of the many volunteers. L-R PDG Emilio, Martha, Beth, Sara and Rosielee, photo taken by Renée
As Razi observed, one of the most beneficial things we do in Rotary is inducting new members, and he asked PDG Eli to do the honors for inducting Marina Martinez, of the Salvation Army Van Nuys center, into the club. Eli started by acknowledging that Razi is right, one of the most beneficial things we do in Rotary is inducting new members to join our fellowship of service. He then teasingly warned Marina that if she doesn’t remember what he was about to tell her in two weeks, we’re going to unpin her.
Roz Pulled the Joker and won half the $1,002! Congratulations, Roz! She immediately gave $25 of it to The Rotary Foundation to help us achieve 100% participation. So why is the great big smile on Emilio's face? Is it because he won the $5 and the first chance to find the joker, but pulled the 8 of diamonds. Or Because with Roz's Contribution we are on our way to being an EREY Club!!!
As promised, After Emilio, The second ticket pulled was Martha's, but got she tpulled the jack of clubs. And – third time was the charm! Roz found the joker!.
With Rich acting as MC and Dean Puretz as speech master, we were given a taste of what a Toastmasters meeting is like, sans the normal “um” counters and grammarian. Dean did select a word for the day (“dilemma”) which was supposed to be woven into any of the spontaneous talks the speakers gave, if they could.
Toastmasters starts members off with a 10 speech training manual, starting with an introduction talk or “icebreaker”. Successfully delivering all 10 earns you the Competent Communicator title. To give us a feel for the talks, club president Marilee started with an icebreaker focused on the hats of her life. Below is a picture of her in one of the dozen or so she used during her talk, a hat created to wear with the kindergarteners she taught. From the first few words, she had us completely enchanted.
In a backyard ceremony in Northridge last Saturday night, Sally O'Steen, 94, walked down the aisle on the arm of Louis Kerker, 100, her oldest, dearest friend. Louis was at Sally's first wedding in 1937. He gave Sally's hand in marriage to Ted Knox, 89 (Former MSFV Rotarian Ted Knox weds!)
Barbara Pampalone has long been a supporter of Drs. Jaquelyn McCandless and Jack Zimmerman and their progress with a low cost HIV/AIDS drug. In the course of their research, the doctors have discovered that Naltrexone, a generic FDA-approved opiate antagonist, used to combat drug addiction, can also be used to build the immune system.
PDG John Alexander and Club Secretary Sara Vasquez have been speaking with middle schools and high schools about conducting an essay contest focused on Rotary's Four-Way Test.
Members of the Mid SFV Rotary club celebrated International Literacy Day on September 8, 2010 by delivering baby books to Northridge Hospital and Tarzana/Encino Medical Center.
Bring your appetites and imagination to The third annual Taste of the World, sponsored by the Mid SFV club on Saturday, October 23. The evening filled with good food and commeraderie...
The Mid SFV Rotary club collected $76.85 in loose change for the Boys & Girls Club of the West Valley's "Miles of Quarters" event on Saturday, September 11 at Westfield's Topanga Mall.
Roz Dubrow, a long time volunteer for City of Hope, was inducted by District Governor Drew Frohlich as the Mid SFV Rotary's newest member. Roz is a retired registrar from Every Woman's Village, worked with her husband in a tile business they owned, was employed by National Frost Protection and helped students in the Junior Achievement Program.
What do you give the person who does the most and expects the least? The answer in the Mid SFV Club was a "Service Above Self" award. This club honor was a way for club members to thank Beth Ullman, past president and 2009-2010 newsletter editor and Projects Chair for her dedication to the club and its projects. The award took on even more meaning when District Govenor Drew Frohlich presented it to Beth. Said Beth, "It's because of these wonderful people and the great leadership in this club that I do what I do."
District Governor Drew Frohlich's message to the Mid-SFV Rotary club hinged on a simple fact: There are more and more Rotary clubs springing up in places like Germany, India, Korea and even the old Soviet Bloc. Even the Chinese allow foreigners to have Rotary clubs with Chinese citizens as guests, but not members. The only place clubs aren't growing is in the U.S. What can we do to help our club and our district grow? Drew believes we need to Think Bigger, Bolder and Better.
Robin Kellogg, District PR Chair for the 2010-2011 Rotary year, was interviewed by Cynthia Fox on WKLOS radio (95.5 FM) for the station's Spotlight on Community segment. The 12-minute segment will air, Sunday, May 23 at 6:15 a.m. A podcast of the interview will be available at www.klos.com.
Members of the Birmingham Community Charter High School Interact Club hold their first meeting of the year. The students are pictured with their advisors and Rich Miller, the Mid San Fernando Valley Rotary club Youth Liaison. Interact also participated in decoratint the Rose parade float for Rotary
26 Trophies and a slew of 4-Way Test medallions were awarded to clients of New Horizons as they competed in the eight annual Mid San Fernando Valley Rotary / New Horizons Golf Classic
Neither the sizzling hot valley sun or a temperature which soared to105 degree F., stopped shoppers from sorting through the large variety of items at the recent Mid SFV Rotary Club's rummage sale, August 30 at the Canoga Bowl in Canoga Park.
Preemie parents, hospital staff and residents of several Valley assisted living facilities are beaming. More than 90 preemie and chemo caps were delivered Aug. 20 and 21 to Tarzana and Northridge Hospitals, along with a small stack of hand-made blankets, with more awaiting delivery to Olive View Hospital.
Students at Birmingham High School surround their teacher and Rotary Interact Coordinator Maria Agazaryan at the closing ceremonies of this year's American Cancer Society's Relay for Life.
Congratulations!Our club was one of only about 12 clubs (out of 42) that received an RI Presidential Citation. This year's criteria included having a project that helped reduce childhood mortality, in addition to a number of other areas, such as Convention attendance and an increase in membership.
Taga Arvila our honoree received the " Service above self " Award for out standing service to the residents of the West Hills Rehabilitation Center. Pictured above are Taga Avila; John Black, Facility Administrator; and Mata Sagar, the very first recipient. of the award. aga is the Activities Assistant, in charge of their arts & crafts projects, and made all the centerpieces with the residents. Originally from Hawaii, he is one of 15 children, and his mother told him he "should work to make people happy, not money."
Rotary, Gates Foundation announce $355 million for polio eradication
New challenge grant helps bridge critical funding gap, inspire other donors in global effort to end crippling childhood disease. Rotary International and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation have announced they will contribute a combined $355 million in new funds for polio eradication
On Wednesday, December 24 our club served dinner to the men at the Salvation Army. Brenda provided the tablecloths, aprons and 11 volunteers besides herself. In Addition She supplied the little christmas stockings that decorated the tables
Taste of the World dinner and fundraiser was held Oct. 25. Casual, low cost ($20/person) with an international menu, it was very affordable and a lot of fun. It was used as a club social, a way to introduce potential members to Rotary, and as a small fundraiser.
On Oct. 20 we gave a Service Above Self Award to a staff member at a nearby nursing and rehabilitation center. The honoree gets voted on by both staff and patients, so it really is the person who most exemplifies Service Above Self in the 6 month period between awards.
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Rotary president-elect Sam F Awori dies unexpectedly on July 13, 2017 due to complications after surgery. Sam was a devoted member of the Rotary Cub of Kampala, Uganda, for more than 38 years. 
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