Mountain Fire Relief Poinsettia Fundraiser! Deadline to order: 11/25/2024 * Arriving the first week of December direct from the grower *FREE DELIVERY in a 15 mile radius of The Junkyard Cafe if you purchase 6 or more *See ORDER FORM for Details* Questions? Call 805-377-4972
Elaine Freeman was inducted as the first female Rotarian of Simi Valley in 1988. She is such an awesome person and we're so honored to know her and have her preside the last meeting of our rotary year.
We had such a wonderful speaker at our meeting yesterday. Dana Gasser shared his passion for Star Wars, Battlestar Galactica and many more with us. He explained the process of making and replicating different costumes. We even got to see, touch and wear a stormtrooper helmet. It was such a pleasure and honor having Dana at our club, we all had so much fun! Thank you! May the 4th be with you!
We had a privilege of having Jon Looney from Action VC at our meeting. ACTION VC is a different kind of faith-based nonprofit in Ventura County. We began when four churches gathered on a Sunday morning in 2004 to live out service in their neighborhoods! We have now grown to include all members of the community- individuals, businesses, schools, and agencies- because we believe that it takes a connected community to ensure that no vulnerable person falls through the cracks in our system. By working together, we provide low-income seniors, under-resourced families, and persons with disabilities access to tangible service projects that improve their home safety and quality of life. Together, we are changing Ventura County one need and neighbor at a time.
It was such an honor having Matt Jacobs speak at our rotary today. We learned a lot of what being a federal prosecutor entails and are super grateful to have such an outstanding member living in our community.
The Rotary Club of Simi Valley returns to continue the annual Pancake Breakfast at the Senior Center. This has been a long-standing tradition and proceeds benefit the Senior Center in Simi Valley.
The Rotary Club of Simi Valley will have the IRON LUNG on display at the Simi Valley Town Center for viewing October 19-22nd from 4-8PM and 23-24th from 12PM - 8PM. October 24th is World Polio Day to increase awareness and end Polio for all.
Our Rotary Club of Simi Valley joined together with the morning and evening clubs to fill backpacks with school supplies for children in our community.
Past District Governor Anil Garg and Moorpark Rotary Club Member Jim Lewis will give a presentation on the status of efforts to end polio worldwide through Rotary.
The Iron Lung will be on display for the presentation and tour.
October 8-10, 2021 | Ventura Beach Marriott In-Person Speakers - Rotary International Representatives:
Barry Rassin, PRIP, RI Trustee
Mike McGovern, Chair, Rl Polio Plus Committee
Brad Howard, Aide to RIP 2022-2023
Yavuz Atila, No. American Regional Chair, New RI Focus: Environment Sustainability
Leadership-Membership
Special Guest Speakers
Learn tools for success
PRLS Clinic
Club Project & Vendor Displays
Socials
Live Entertainment Provided By Brad Wilson Talent
Fellowship with missed friends Discount room rates
This Event Will Sell Out
Separate application required to display vendor & club projects The conference will NOT be simultaneously broadcast on social media For more info: 805-701-7248 mcgobedo@gmail.com
The Rotary Club of Simi Valley has been lighting the cross on Mt. McCoy between Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday for over 50 years and this year our attention is turned to those we have lost in 2020.
Rotarians will be reading the names of loved ones each night from March 29th to April 3rd.
If you would like to submit the name of a loved one, please call 805-814-8237 and leave a message with the name of your loved one, their date of death, and your name and contact number.
Please visit our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/simivalleyrotary
The Rotary Club of Simi Valley presents a check for $3100 to the Cultural Arts Center of Simi Valley in honor of recently passed member Greg Stratton. Greg served as Mayor of Simi Valley and was a founding member of the Cultural Arts Center. Fred Helsel, Director of the Cultural Arts Center accepted the check from Lynne Kline, President of the Rotary Club of Simi Valley. Also present, former Director of the Cultural Arts Center and club member David Ralphe, and Becky Savell, past President of the Rotary Club of Simi Valley.
Several years ago our Club started selling Pointsettias to our Members and it has been a Holiday Tradition and a wonderful fundraiser. This year we had a last-minute request from Adventist Health Simi Valley Hospital and we came through providing the hospital with beautiful plants for patients' rooms.
Several times a year, our Rotary club cleans up the roadside along Tierra Rejada. Here is The Crew lead by President Lynne Kline, with Past Presidents Mike McGuigan, and Darryl Nind. The prize for the most interesting find was had by All that day!
Rotary Club of Simi Valley is proud to support our local non-profits. Our year end allocation donations included Free Clinic of Simi Valley, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Soaring Spirits, and The Greater Contribution. Pictured here are President Darryl Nind, Mike McGuigan, Fred Bauermeister, Chip Marvin, and Terry Marvin.
District 5240 has no shortage of outstanding Rotarians whose service to humanity can serve as an inspiration to all of us. This Rotary year, we plan on recognizing and sharing their inspirational journey. Each of the 12 Groups in the District has been assigned one month in the Rotary 2019-20 year for the Assistant Governor and Presidents to select one Rotarian of Action in their Group. For the month of March the Rotary Clubs selected as their Rotarian of Action to be Mike McGuigan, Rotary Club of Simi Valley. In recognition of “doing good in the world”, Mike will be presented with a Paul Harris Fellow Recognition.
Mike McGuigan is the Rotarian's Rotarian ... his demeanor is grouchy, but peel back the layers and you'll find a kind and most generous human being. Mike is the go to guy for just about anything and has consistently supported the club's presidents year after year taking on tasks that no other members would volunteer for - from coordinating planting oak trees at Corriganville, and helping to maintain the Welcome to Simi sign,years of volunteering to barbecue for the hundreds of volunteers for the July 4th Fireworks and Share the Road charitable events.
When the club decided to cancel its major fundraiser - the 4th of July Fireworks (which became a huge liability for the club), it was Mike who came up with suggestions for replacement fundraisers - Hot August Nights and a Softball Tournament. His goal was to come up with fundraisers that required minimal manpower to run and that would net a respectable amount of money - both fundraisers have been successful and continue to grow.
Mike recently took over as chair of the club's Rotary Charitable Foundation - under his leadership - new board members have been installed, the board meets on a regular basis and Mike was instrumental in getting the board to vote to grant the Free Clinic of Simi Valley a $100,000 donation to be used to fund the Clinic's capital campaign for a new center.
We've been busy serving our Frontline Workers during these difficult times. Lunch delivery continues to our community including the Police, Fire Departments, Medical Facilities, Banks, Schools, and more.
THANK YOU ALL from the Rotary Club of Simi Valley!
On the heels of the tragic events in Thousand Oaks, Ventura County now faces additional threats in the form of wildfires that broke out yesterday afternoon.
The Hill Fire and Woolsey Fire have already destroyed dozens of homes and continue to spread. Ventura County Community Foundation has set up the Hill Fire/Woolsey Fire Sudden and Urgent Needs Effort Fund as a vehicle to collect the generous donations from our community.
We will post more information on the VCCF Facebook page. In the meantime, consider making a contribution to support a community in need.
This Fund is designed to support the immediate needs of community nonprofit organizations serving those affected by these wildfires. VCCF continues to monitor the status of these fires and is in active communication with government and public safety officials.
Wonderful to be able to celebrate our Community Heroes- School Counselors, and our Community Organizations that provide help and services locally and worldwide. Many thanks to the School Counselors who are there for our young people every day at school. Thank you also to the many non-profits in our community, we love all that you do! Representatives include The Boys and Girls Club, The Coalition for Family Harmony, The Greater Contribution, Big Brothers, Big Sisters, Soaring Spirits International, The Free Clinic, YMCA, The Laurie White Fund, El Rancho Simi Cemetery.
District Governor John Weiss was joined by his wife Christine and Past District Governor Nick Frankle this past Tuesday, January 23, 2018 for the annual Club Visit.
We gave him a basketball jersey for his upcoming evening game with other Rotarians and enjoyed lot's of laughs. Member Joe Grinstead was presented with an award for his generosity to the Rotary Foundation and we inducted new Member Debbie Palaski, who was accompanied by her father, also a Past District Governor.
Patricia Havens, Simi Valley Historian and Strathearn Pat Havens, recent speaker at our club meeting, entertained us with several stories of the history of Simi Valley sprinkled with references we could all relate to today. So wonderful!
Patricia Havens, Simi Valley Historian and Strathearn Historical Park Museum Director
Members of the Rotary Club of Simi Valley joined together to provide a service day at the Free Clinic of Simi Valley. The Free Clinic provides medical and dental services to our community for low or no cost.
Members of the Rotary Club of Simi Valley, Soroptimists Intl. Simi Valley, and Simi Valley City Council showed up to say thank you to firefighters from all over California who have been fighting the Southern California fires this past week. The firefighters were hosted by Evelyn Loker and Tony Falato at the Junkyard Cafe for a free dinner and a warm welcome.
Three Rotary Clubs in Simi Valley join together every year to build more than 300 bikes to donate to children in need. Thank you to Members Evelyn Loker and Tony Falato owners of the Junkyard Cafe in Simi Valley for donating the pizza!
The Rotary Club of Simi Valley is proud to recognize Roger Callahan as a Community Hero for his support of the Free Clinic of Simi Valley and for his leadership in our city.
Our recent speaker was Elizabeth Gilbert, sharing her story as a Transgender woman and the joy of living her life fulfilled. The Rotary Club of Simi Valley gave her a warm heartfelt welcome and much love.
President Michele Neff Hernandez and her husband Michael Dare
Artis Twyman, Senior Director of Communications for the Los Angeles Rams
Rocky Rhodes, Coffee Consultant, Club Program
Fred Bauermeister, Simi Valley Free Clinic, Club Program
Lynne Kline, Rotarian of the Month
Debbie Thomas and Margie Wyatt, Soroptimist Club of Simi Valley, Club Program
Dr. Jonathan Kurohara receives his Past President Badge from President Michele Neff Hernandez
Dorina Timbol and Dr. Gregg Hartman present program on the Youth Empowerment Summit (YES!)
In Honor of Our Friend and Member Gary Spellman, 1939-2017
Services for Gary Spellman will held on Friday June 2nd at 2pm in the Sanctuary of the Simi Valley United Methodist Church. The church is located on the corner of Erringer and Cochran at 2394 Erringer Road. Gary's family requests everyone wear something blue as this was his favorite color. Club members are requested to wear their Rotary Red Coats to the service.
Gary was a Rotarian for 31 years and was sponsored by Gregg Burt.
Join in the Celebration of "If You Can Dream It, You Can Do It!"
District Governor Nick Frankle's
Step-Down Event and Awards Luncheon
Saturday, June 24, 2017, 10:30AM- 1:30PM
Los Robles Greens Golf Course
299 S Moorpark Rd, Thousand Oaks, CA 91361
District Governor Nick Frankle invites you to join in the celebration of a great year in Rotary for his Step Down and Awards luncheon.
Clubs and individuals will be recognized for their accomplishments and hard work. District Governor Nick will pass the Gavel to District Governor Elect John Weiss.
Come enjoy a Deli buffet, maybe a little bubbly and a great fellowship of friends.
Christina and John Lindsey are presented with a citation of excellence from Mayor (and club member) Bob Huber and the City of Simi Valley for providing Constitutions to Middle Schools in Simi Valley.
6 June 2016: Last day for special centennial discount ($265 Rotarians/$70 Rotaractors) 15 December 2016: Last day for early-registration discount ($340 Rotarians/$70 Rotaractors) 31 March 2017: Last day for preregistration discount ($415 Rotarians/$100 Rotaractors) 14 June 2017: Last day for online registration ($490 Rotarians/$130 Rotaractors)
IRONMAN TRIATHLETE MINDA DENTLER CHALLENGES WORLD TO END POLIO
Minda Dentler becomes the first woman hand cyclist to complete the 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile cycle, and 26.2-mile marathon of the Ironman World Championship in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, USA.
I was born in 1978 in Mumbai to a domestic worker and single mother. At six months old, I was paralyzed from the hips down by polio. The chances of surviving in India until your 18th birthday with a disability are very slim. My mother was unable to care for me and left me at an orphanage. I don't remember much about my time there because I was so young, but I know the conditions were primitive. I had no real hope that my life would become anything of note or that I would have the opportunity to be independent and overcome the burden of a very preventable disease.
I didn't know it then, but several years after I was born, a revolution in the way the world approached polio prevention came to India. That revolution was the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, which has reduced global polio cases by 99.9 percent since 1988. But like millions of others in India, I never received the two drops of oral vaccine that protect against the virus. In India, your health is vital to your social and economic opportunities. If you are healthy, you can get a job, and if you have a job, you can get married. Unfortunately, this simple passage of convention seemed beyond my reach. But then my life changed irrevocably once more.
Get your tickets now! This special event benefitting END POLIO will be at the Arlington Theater in Santa Barbara on Friday, November 11, 2016 at 8:00PM.
Paul Harris Night is a celebration of the founder of Rotary International and an opportunity for the incoming club president to be introduced to the club. Young Rotarian Sasha Lorkowski, daughter of member Sharon Lorkowski helped President Elect Jonathan Kurohara with presiding over the event. Jonathan poses with our current President Virginia Hayward. Fun was had by all and many Paul Harris Awards were accepted by members and their families.
Join us for a pre-play cocktail party featuring a wine tasting, raffle items, and entertainment and then go upstairs for the performance of "It's a Wonderful Life- The Radio Play". Ticket price includes party and play. Contact Becky Savell for more info
At our annual holiday meeting our Rotary club was proud to give back to the community with our fundraising dollars by presenting checks to the Samaritan Center of Simi Valley, the Boys and Girls Club of Simi Valley, the YMCA of Simi Valley, and the Free Clinic of Simi Valley.
The Rotary Club of Simi Valley has been joining together with the other Rotary clubs for several years to build and donate bikes for children in need. The event is always loads of fun for fellow Rotarians and their families.
Thank you to our volunteers who put Rotary labels on the United States Constitutions that were handed out to schools in Simi Valley as a joint project with the Daughters of the American Revolution.
MPRLS Weekend: October 7-9, 2016
You may take one Master PRLS (MPRLS) class or all five in one weekend!
Class cost is $60 each or $250 for the weekend - a savings of $50
[Recommend previous completion of Introduction to Rotary] Register at by: Monday, October 1, 2016
At: http://www.rotarydistrict5240.org/SitePage/prls
WEEKEND CLASS SCHEDULE Friday
3:00 – 7:00 PM Leadership Saturday
7:30 AM – 5:00 PM
8:00 – Noon Facilitation Skills
1:00 PM – 5:00 PM Projects and Grants Sunday
8:00 – Noon Communications
All participants will be provided a PRLS binder and thumb drive
Rotarians from the three Simi Valley clubs joined together to prepare Camp Rotary to prepare for the Youth Empowerment Summit (YES!). The event will take place on Saturday November 8th and includes educational and motivational programs for youth.
To Present 8th Graders with a Copy of the Constitution
Copies will be distributed on September 19
Simi Valley, CA (September 12, 2012) – In celebration of the 225th anniversary of the signing of the Constitution, the Rotary Club of Simi Valley will be distributing pocket size copies of the Constitution to all eight grade classes in the three middle schools in Simi Valley. “We are thrilled to be teaming up with the Rancho Simi Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) and the Simi Valley Unified School District for this truly extraordinary project. As this is an election year, hopefully the students will be inspired to use this gift as a resource to help them better understand how our political process works,” said Tonie Valdez, president of the Rotary Club of Simi Valley.
Rotarians along with members of the DAR will be delivering the booklets on Wednesday, September 19 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. to Valley View, Sinaloa and Hillside middle schools. Every eighth grade student and their teachers will receive a copy of the Constitution. “What better way to promote patriotism and our American history than by educating our students about the supreme law of the land, our Constitution,” said Patty Schned, Regent, Rancho Simi Chapter of the National Society of the DAR.
During the presentation of the booklets, students will learn some fun facts about the Constitution, such as the number of times it has been changed, the first three words, date and year it was signed, and the names of some of the authors. “This is a very worthwhile project, one that we plan to repeat for years to come,” commented Valdez.
On Monday, September 10 the Simi Valley City Council declared the week of September 17-23 officially Constitution Week in the City of Simi Valley. The Rotary Club of Simi Valley, DAR and the Simi Valley Unified School District were all presented with resolutions in appreciation for their leadership in providing copies of the Constitution to the eight grade classes in Simi Valley.
The Rotary Club of Simi Valley meets every Tuesday at noon at the Cultural Arts in Simi Valley; and the club will celebrate its 50th anniversary on October 31 of this year. Rotary is an international service organization with 1.2 million members worldwide and is dedicated to eradicating polio, fighting poverty and serving the community – both globally and at home. In 2011, members of the Rotary Club of Simi Valley logged 8500 volunteer hours in the community. For more information about the Rotary Club of Simi Valley visit the Web site at www.simivalleyrotary.org.
Simi Valley Rotary Club member Anil Garg is one of ten Rotarians honored at the White House for his work on National Immunization Day, part of the Polio Plus effort.
We had a blast at our first Grill Master Grill-Off 2014-2015! Thanks to our Grill Masters Hal Ward, Mike McGuigan, and Gary Whitney with help from Becky McGuigan and Pam Whitney. Special thanks to Sharon Austel for graciously offered her home as a beautiful venue and to Barbara Frova, Michele Neff-Hernandez and committee for making this a great evening.
Thanks to our members Virginia Hayward, Tristian Rodriguez, and Naveen Sangwan for volunteering to build the Rotary float for the Rose Parade this year!
Great article in the VC Star about the Constitution Day. Thank you again Rosie Runion and Bob Huber for making this happen. The kids loved it and I think the Rotarians had fun too!
Fun day at our Polio Plus presentation last week. Indian food and Indian clothing to celebrate India declared Polio free! There is still much work to do in Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Nigeria- the three endemic countries. Click here to learn more and to make your contribution to END POLIO NOW! http://www.endpolio.org
What an incredible show! Here are a few e-mails from the community: “Thank you for a wonderful show!!” Jake, “Oh boy, what a fireworks show this July 4th!” Cheryl
“The fireworks show this year was absolutely amazing.” Alice
From the Rotary Club of Simi Valley---Thank you Darryl Nind and MaryAnn Lewis-Moldavon for Co-Chairing the 45th Annual Rotary Club of Simi Valley Fireworks Extravaganza!!!!
Our Community Chairperson, Lynne Kline, had a dream-- the dream was to provide a garden to the Knolls Elementary School in Simi Valley. She made it come true and with the help of some fellow Rotarians the students are now anticipating a crop of vegetables. Thank You to Hal Ward, Terry Marvin, Darryl Nind, and Becky Savell for shoveling, sweating, and digging! Oh, and there was some playtime too...
Fun and friendship was had by all at our Paul Harris Celebration. Our Guest Speaker, Brenda Cressey, Endowment/Major Gift Adviser at The Rotary Foundation, was wonderful and accompanied by her husband Dick.
Team Rotary Club of Simi Valley gave it their best and sacrificed hair, make-up, and manicures to run, walk, and roll in the mud with the token male Dr. Jonathon Kurohara-- all in the name of fun-draising for the Boys and Girls Club on Saturday, September 28, 2013.
The Pageant of the Masters tickets will be billed to your Rotary account or you can bring a check on Tuesday Jan 22.
The cost is $60.00 per ticket plus $3 processing payable now. The bus ride is $30.00 payable one month prior to the event.
Bus pick up will be 10am at the town center mall and returns around midnight on Saturday.
Please contact John Lindsey with any questions.
The Pageant of the Masters is an annual festival held by the Festival of Arts in Laguna Beach, California. The event is known for the "living pictures" wherein classical and contemporary works of art are recreated by real people posing in almost exact detail to the work of art they are portraying. The first festival started in 1932 and has since been held each summer.
The Rotary Foundation Gala is just around the corner. Don’t delay and register TODAY! Register for the Gala here.
This year there is a twist on the overall program in that we will not only recognize our generous donors to our Rotary Foundation, but will place a special emphasis on how the Rotary Foundation makes a difference in our own communities and to those recipients and beneficiaries of The Rotary Foundation monies.
In the spirit of annual lists typical during this time of year, here are our “Top 10 Reasons You Should Attend The Rotary Foundation Gala”:
1. You won’t want to miss hearing from Past RI Director Barry Rassin on the TRF Haiti Earthquake Relief, and other Foundation initiatives;
2. 2011-12 TRF donors and clubs will be recognized for their generous support by PDG Wade Nomura and Roxanne Nomura;
3. District TRF matching grants making a difference in our local communities and around the world will be summarized by PDG Anil Garg, District Rotary Foundation Chair;
4. Liz Werhane, Group Study Exchange Team Leader, will introduce the team, just one week before they leave on their exchange to Sri Lanka;
5. Claire Doran, our District-sponsored Rotary Peace Fellow, will share with us her plans for studying conflict resolution and multicultural mediation at the International Christian University in Tokyo, Japan;
6. Julius Achon, a Ugandan Olympic runner and beneficiary of TRF matching grant, will be introduced;
7. If you’ve already registered (thank you!), encourage others from your club to join you and your table of eight will enjoy two complimentary bottles of wine with dinner!
8. Help raise additional funds for TRF by making a contribution to the silent auction, and bid on terrific items when you arrive! Donations of gift baskets, gift certificates, wine, and more can be made by contacting Amy Clemens (805-364-2267 or amygraceclemens@gmail.com);
9. The food! Enjoy Grilled 12-oz. Ribeye, Scallops and Asparagus Linguini, or something special for vegetarians;
10. And, finally (the best for last), co-emcees PDG Luz Maria Ortiz, and Nick Frankle, will keep things lively and entertaining!
And, if those aren’t enough, here are two more reasons:
· STEPS (Steps To Eliminate Poverty Sustainably) will be held the next day at UCSB. Register for STEPS here.
· Goleta and nearby Santa Barbara and Carpinteria have numerous opportunities for shopping, dining, beaches, wine tasting, and cultural activities, so make it a weekend getaway!
If you have any questions regarding the Gala please contact PDG Brenda Cressey, Gala Chair, at rotarybrenda@gmail.com or (805) 238-4264, or myself at the contacts below.
We look forward to celebrating with you on January 25th!
Karen Y. Kawaguchi
2013 District 5240 The Rotary Foundation Gala Committee
SAVE THE DATE!
Saturday, January 26, 2013
UC Santa Barbara
You won't want to miss this event!
Keynote speakers, workshops, exhibits, demonstrations, club project displays and more!
This event is Free to Rotarians, Rotaractors, Interactors. $25 for Guests.
Breakfast included.
Our Interactors were called upon to help Santa at the tree lighting at the Simi Valley Town Center on Saturday November 17, 2012 and they showed up in style!
I'm sure by now you have heard or read about a Simi Valley High School student 17 year old Skyler Lembo who over Thanksgiving while on a camping trip family, crashed from his off road motorcycle and is now on life support paralyzed from the neck down with a broken vertebra in his neck and has now contacted pneumonia. Unfortunately doctors are still not sure if Skyler suffered permanent brain damage.
Moving forward, Skyler, a friend to many including my 17-year-old daughter, will need financial help. As Rotarians we foster to help others, as Simi Valley residence we support others in need.
Thank you to those who had helped out at yesterdays meeting. If you havn't helped out as of yet I urge you to pitch in with financial support of $1, $5, $10 or $20. This Simi Valley family will need it.
I can and will be taking collecting funds that will be donated directly to the established account below or you can go directly to any U.S. Bank for your donations to the Lembo family in the name of Skyler Lembo, account number 157500273139.
Prestigious honor in recognition of his commitment for a Polio-Free World
(Simi Valley, CA) October 9, 2012-- Anil Garg, amember of the Rotary Club of Simi Valleywas honored with the Rotary International Service Award for a Polio-Free World on September 30, 2012, during the Rotary District 5240 Conference. This award recognizes individuals for their outstanding contributions to Rotary’s efforts to eradicate the crippling disease polio. Rotary International gives out only ten of these prestigious awards each year.
“I’m honored to receive this recognition, but there is still tremendous work to be done. Although polio is 99% eliminated, the final 1% is the most difficult. We must continue our efforts so that all children are protected against this devastating disease,” said Anil Garg. “Our club is extremely proud of Anil and his commitment and dedication to eradicating polio. He truly represents what Rotary stands for,” said Tonie Valdez, president of the Rotary Club of Simi Valley.
Rotary made polio eradication its top priority in 1985 and in 1988 helped launch the Global Polio Eradication Initiative. As the original private sector contributor and volunteer arm of this global partnership, Rotary has contributed more than $1 billion and countless volunteer hours to the effort. A highly infectious disease, polio can cause paralysis and sometimes death. As there is no cure, the best protection is prevention. For as little as US .60 cents worth of vaccine, a child can be protected against polio for life. Garg has volunteered and lead a record 12 NID (National Immunization Day) trips to India and Nigeria.
Since the 1988 launch of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, the number of polio cases has been reduced from 350,000 annually, to fewer than 700 cases in 2011. Only Pakistan, Afghanistan and Nigeria remain polio-endemic, although other countries remain at risk for imported cases genetically traced to the endemic countries.
Rotary is an organization of business and professional leaders united worldwide to provide humanitarian service and help to build goodwill and peace in the world. It is comprised of 1.2 million members working in more than 33,000 clubs in more than 200 countries and geographic regions. Rotary members initiate community projects that address many of today’s most critical issues, such as violence, AIDS, hunger, the environment and clean water. Besides raising and contributing funds, Rotary’s 1.2 million volunteers have donated their time and personal resources. Members of the Rotary Club of Simi Valley logged 8500 volunteer hours over the last year.
The Rotary Club of Simi Valley meets every Tuesday at noon at the Cultural Arts Center. For more information visit the website at www.simivalleyrotary.org
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Anil Garg Receives Rotary International Service Award
You will not want to miss our upcoming speaker William Vietinghoff, an Aerospace Engineer and
retiree of the Boeing Company.
His degree is in Chemical Engineering. He is originally from Chicago, Illinois.
He moved here to Canoga Park with his wife in 1953 upon graduation from
Northwestern University. He worked for Rocketdyne for most of his career as
a development engineer on many major programs such as the Atlas missile and
Space Shuttle Main Engine, and for many years represented Rocketdyne on the
Canoga Park Chamber of Commerce. He currently volunteers as a member of the
Board of Directors of the Canoga Park Community Center and as the Treasurer.
He and his wife, Gladys, reside in Thousand Oaks.
Many people in the San Fernando Valley, Simi Valley, and neighboring areas know of the
presence of the Santa Susana Field Laboratory that was operated by
Rocketdyne for 58 years. But only a few are aware of the range of activities
in rocket engine development and space program achievements that were made
possible by the testing activities at that site. Many of the programs were
classified and never made public. That information is now available and will
be covered in this talk. Of great concern is the related issue of
contamination of the site as the result of rocket engine and energy
research. That topic will be addressed only briefly, but the speaker will
explain how more information can be obtained on that matter. The most
important message of the talk today is that we have a historic landmark at
our doorstep, unique in America, that may not be fully appreciated.
SANTA SUSANA FIELD LABORATORY- Upcoming Program Speaker- William Vietinghoff, Aerospace Engineer, Tuesday, October 9, 2012
Members of the Rotary Club of Simi Valley visited three middle school campuses Tuesday morning to give the eighth-graders a pocket-size copy of the U.S. Constitution.
The gesture celebrated the 225th anniversary this week of the signing of the Constitution.
The students in teacher Matt Kingsbury's history class were surprised when they received their gift even if they didn't completely understand its significance at the moment.
However, they were reminded by Kingsbury that they would be studying the Constitution in depth during the next month.
Simi Valley Mayor Bob Huber, a Rotary Club member, said the idea came about when he was hosting a town hall last year. A man at the meeting said students back East received copies of the Constitution to recognize Constitution Day, Sept. 17.
Huber talked about the idea with Rob Collins, a Simi Valley Unified School District board member.
The Rotary Club teamed with the Rancho Simi Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution and the school district for the project.
The Simi Valley City Council also recently declared Sept. 17-23 as Constitution Week in the city.
"As this is an election year, hopefully the students will be inspired to use this gift as a resource to help them better understand how our political process works," said Tonie Valdez, president of the Rotary Club.
Rotarians and members of the DAR delivered the booklets Wednesday to Valley View, Sinaloa and Hillside middle schools.
"What better way to promote patriotism and our American history than by educating our students about the supreme law of the land, our Constitution," said Patty Schned, the DAR regent.
Huber joined Rotarians Terry Marvin, Coleen McIntyre and Rosie Runion, as well as Hillside Middle School Principal Laura Wellington, to deliver the booklets to classes at the school.
Marvin asked the students in Chris Kuske's U.S. history class what the first three words of the Preamble to the Constitution are.
"Those three are so important because it shows that the power belongs to the people. The people established the Constitution. The people used the document to create a government to protect the rights of the people," Marvin said.
"Make sure to read the Constitution and run for office some day," Marvin added.
Kuske's class was taking a test on the Enlightenment when their booklets were delivered.
Kuske told his students not to lose the booklet because it would help them memorize the Preamble and a part of the Constitution they will be learning soon.
"Make sure to read it. And read it to your parents, too, because they probably need a refresher," McIntyre told the students.
Kingsbury said he appreciated that the Rotary Club and mayor came out to deliver the booklets.
His students Nyaabila Apambire and Mike Ramon, both 13, also appreciated the gift.
WELCOME ABOARD! At the District 5240 Conference September 28-30, 2012, you will journey back in time and enjoy the authentic and unique experience offered at the Queen Mary and the nearby attractions of Long Beach. Going back to the days where steamships were the quickest and most elegant way to travel, the Queen Mary was the first choice for the elite of high society. The majestic Queen Mary offers you the chance to step back in time aboard one of the most famous ocean liners in history.
Receive TWO FREE DRINK TICKETS by register by July 31, 2012.
Receive ONE FREE DRINK TICKET registering by August 31, 2012.
To Reserve Your Room ~ The Queen Mary
877/342-0742 and let them know your are a Rotarian from District 5240
(Group rate good through August 28, 2012; Room Rates from $119-$140 per night; Parking: $10 per day)
Optional Tours Available
(Please include with your payment)
Aquarium of the Pacific ~ $18.95 Adult; $16.95 Senior (60+); $10.95 Children (3-11)
Submarine Tour ~ Reserve on Queen Mary at check-in
Ghost Tour ~ Reserve on Queen Mary at check-in
By Mail to Registrar:
Barbara Frova, Rotary District 5240 Conference 2012
There is a new club in town or I guess I should say online. It's called eFlash_Rotary and you can do all kinds of interesting things including watch videos, chat, and get up to the minute info about Rotary. You can also make-up meetings online.
Welcome to
the Rotary Club of Simi Valley, where we Love Give and Serve.We are the oldest club in Simi Valley –
celebrating 49 years on October 31, 2011.As a club we are committed to serving local and international
communities; working on projects that make a difference to mankind; and we do
it while having fun.
We support
various local charities each year through fundraising efforts, such as our
Annual 4th of July Festival and Fireworks Extravaganza, Box City,
and Softball Tournament.In addition, we
collaborate with the two other Simi Valley clubs on projects, such as the
Dictionary and Holiday Bicycle Assembly projects.
Rotary is an organization of business and professional leaders united worldwide who provide humanitarian service, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations, and help build goodwill and peace in the world. In more than 160 countries worldwide, approximately 1.2 million Rotarians belong to more than 30,000 Rotary clubs.
Rotary club membership represents a cross-section of the community's business and professional men and women. The world's Rotary clubs meet weekly and are nonpolitical, nonreligious, and open to all cultures, races, and creeds.The main objective of Rotary is service — in the community, in the workplace, and throughout the world. Rotarians develop community service projects that address many of today's most critical issues, such as children at risk, poverty and hunger, the environment, illiteracy, and violence. They also support programs for youth, educational opportunities and international exchanges for students, teachers, and other professionals, and vocational and career development. The Rotary motto is Service Above Self.
Although Rotary clubs develop autonomous service programs, all Rotarians worldwide are united in a campaign for the global eradication of polio. In the 1980s, Rotarians raised US$240 million to immunize the children of the world; by 2005, Rotary's centenary year and the target date for the certification of a polio-free world, the PolioPlus program will have contributed US$500 million to this cause. In addition, Rotary has provided an army of volunteers to promote and assist at national immunization days in polio-endemic countries around the world.
Thank you for your interest in becoming a Rotarian. Rotary International is an association of individual clubs, with each club operating autonomously. Membership is extremely important to us, and we are always eager to hear from individuals interested in our mission and in joining a Rotary club. The Rotary International universal premise is that the membership of each club constitutes an accurate representation of the business and professional population within the community served.
Membership in a Rotary club requires available business or professional classification opportunities, as well as an invitation and sponsorship by a member of the club. Sometimes an individual cannot be invited or sponsored for membership.
Rotarians are business and professional leaders who take an active role in their communities while greatly enriching their personal and professional lives. A Rotary club contains a diverse group of professional leaders from the community that the club serves.
Membership in a Rotary club offers a number of benefits, including:
effecting change within the community
advancing business and professional contacts
developing leadership skills
gaining an understanding of — and having an impact on — international humanitarian issues
Through Rotary International's service programs, a Rotary club can have a significant effect on the quality of life in its community. Rotary Foundation programs offer opportunities to form international partnerships that help people in need worldwide. Some 1.2 million Rotarians in 30,000 clubs in more than 160 countries make significant contributions to the quality of life at home and around the globe.
To find out more about Rotary's rich history and the organization's mission and structure, please visitRotary International or contact one of our Directors or even better, join us for lunch on Tuesdays at noon!