ROTARY CLUB OF VENTURA EAST
Welcome to the website of the Rotary Club of Ventura East!!
Ventura East
We meet In Person
Thursdays at 12:00 PM
Poinsettia Pavilion
3451 Foothill Road
Ventura, CA 93003
United States of America
Welcome to the Rotary Club of Ventura-East
Welcome to the Rotary Club of Ventura-East. Our club was chartered on May 23, 1963; 55 years of service to our community and the world.  We are also the first club to be a 100% Paul Harris Fellow club in our district and we were the 54th club in the world to achieve this distinction, having donated $1,000 per member to the Rotary International Foundation to fund projects in the United States and all around the world.
 
Ventura-East Rotarians meet for lunch from 12:00 – 1:30 p.m. every Thursday at the Poinsettia Pavilion in Ventura, 3451 Foothill Road.   A delicious lunch, fellowship and networking, a short business session and usually an informative speaker who presents current and timely topics.
 
Rotarians practice our pledge of “Service Above Self” through our five Avenues of Service committees:  Club Service, Community Service, International Service, Vocational Service and Youth Service.  One of our most popular projects is the Push-em Pull-em Parade for youngsters and families on the 4th of July. We started this parade in 1976 and celebrated the 43rd anniversary of the Push-em Pull-em Parde this year (Click on this link to see photos PhotoAlbums/2017-push-em-pull-em-parade).  Operation Splash, partnered with the YMCA, teaches youngsters to swim and learn water safety.  We are, after all, a beach community!  We support The Ronald McDonald House at VCMC, Food Share and Autism Society Ventura County. This year in June we awarded $125,000 in scholarships to local High School Seniors with plans to attend colleges and universities.  This coming June we plan to also award scholarships to those students pursuing vocational programs.
 
Leadership training for our youth is an important part of what we do, sponsoring an “Interact” Club at Buena High School and sending High School Juniors to a program called RYLA, Rotary Youth Leadership Awards, a 4-day retreat for self-development and leadership experience. 
 
On an International basis, we are partnering with “The Mossy Foot Project” based in Ventura and providing medical and rehabilitation services through their project in Ethiopia.   
 
We have two major fundraisers each year to support our charitable work. In April, we host a jigsaw puzzle competition that benefits our club and Autism Society Ventura County and our club. Our second and most lucrative fundraiser is Poinsettia Sales for the holidays. Volunteer Rotarians deliver the cases of beautiful plants for each order to home or business.  For large business orders, we can drop ship the cases.  Ask us!  These fund-raising events allow us to continue our services to our local community and to the world.
 
If you have an interest in Rotary and doing good in our world, here locally and internationally, please contact us through our website or see us on Facebook. We welcome your inquiry and would welcome you to join us at lunch to investigate the opportunities of Rotary Membership.
 
Tim Hughes
President
2022-2023
Rotary Club of Ventura East
President's Message

Joe Strohman Jr.

member photo
We have already zipped through January 2023, which a series of good programs (Margarida Eidson – Portugal; Monica de La Hoya - Peace Corps in Yap Micronesia; Abbi Hanoch – Japan.  Our club social on January 19, 2023 was held at Capriccio Restaurant.
 
On to February!  On February 2, 2023 our club held an offsite meeting at the Ronald McDonald Family Room at the Ventura County Medical Center. Our new club member Jacquelyn Gargano, Director of the Ronald McDonald House Ventura, gave us a great presentation and view of the family room and facility. Our club is a longtime supporter of this project and it’s great to see the beautiful completed room and how it is helping children and their families. Our club presented Jacquelyn with a $1,000 check to support the Ronald McDonald Family Room.  Thank you to Margarida for organizing the lunch and thanks to Jacquelyn for the program and hard work on this great community project.
We will be continuing that support with our St. Patrick’s Day party on March 17, 2023 at Topa Topa (Colt Street), Ventura.  Bruce McGee and his party committee are finalizing the details. We will have beer, food and several Irish bands. Plan on coming and bringing your family and friends. Proceeds go to the Ronald McDonald Family Room.  Then on Sunday March 19, 2023 join the Ronald McDonald “Walk for Kids” to support this same great cause. Sign up!
 
At our club meeting on Feb. 9, 2023 our speaker Bryan Silvey will be educating us on the development process for modern drugs and medications. Our Feb. 16 meeting will be a night social at Peking Restaurant (Victoria & Telegraph, Ventura). Then on Feb. 23, 2023, DDA Mike Jump will present a program on the Ventura County Family Justice Center. Our club has been supporting the Justice Center through monetary donations, donations of new clothes (thank you Kathy McGee) and club members’ donations of essential items. Mike will bring us up to date on the Justice Center.
 
In March, mark March 9, 2023 for the visit by our District Governor Scott Phillips and again be there on March 17, 2023 for our St. Patrick’s Day Party at Topa Topa.
 
We have a great line up of speakers and the club is gaining members and helping our community.  Come and join us.
 
 
Co-President Joe Strohman
President 2022-23
Rotary Club Ventura – East
 
Club Duties
To see if you have signed up for Club Duties, please refer to the Events Calendar in the left column of the newsletter
NEWS FROM VENTURA EAST
Meeting March 23, 2023
Bruce McGee led us in the Salute to the Flag.
 
Bill Spellman introduced guests and visiting Rotarians.
Visiting us today was Cameron DeJong.
 
Community Service, Cal Magro passed around flyers for a beach cleanup with Surfriders on April 22nd.
May 16th there is a Rise Up Against Hunger event at Foothill High School for our local Interact Clubs.
 
Tim Hughes let us know that we have received 70 scholarship applications so far this year. The committee will be meeting to discuss awards soon.
We are also focusing on the Food Wine and Beer Festival for the Girl Scouts. We need sponsors for this event.
 
Joe Strohman let us know we will be awarding about $10,000 for Nursing Scholarships on May 11th.
 
Carin Kally announced that the incoming board retreat will be April 29th.
 
Ashley Pope announced that the “Closet” at Buena High School has opened. There will be a ribbon cutting on April 26th.
 
The Puzzle competition will be May 21st at the Ventura Family YMCA.
 
Bill Gray spoke a little bit about his recent trip to New Zealand. Fun fact the number on tree they grow is the Monterey Pine!
 
The Step Down will be at The Rum Fish on June 29th.
 
Happy $’s: Sharon Daly, Bruce McGee, Cal Magro, Tim Hughes, Harriet Clune, Margarida Eidson
 
The opportunity drawing was $25 to Royal Bakery and $25 to Sees Candy donated by Carin Kally.
 
Our speakers were from the DA’s office, Mike Jump and Melissa , to talk about the Ventura Family Justice Center.
President’s Joe Strohman, Margarida Eidson and Time Hughes presented a $1,000 check to the Family Justice Center.
 
Rich Stewart conducted the raffle and our lucky winner was our guest Cameron DeJong.
Meeting March 9, 2023
Joe Bova led us in the Salute to the Flag.
 
Vance Thompson introduced guests and visiting Rotarians.
Guest of Sharon Daly was Kevin Daly, guest of Jacquelyn Gargano was Alicia, Husam Hishmeh's guest was Raul Mercado. Visiting Rotarians were Marta Brown, D.G Scott Phillips & Jan Phllips.
 
Carin Kally donated our Opportunity Drawing which was a bucket of Irish themed items including a bottle of Irish Whiskey.
 
Jerry Dannenberg took attendance today, Rich Stewart was our greeter and Dave Anderson ran the front desk.
 
Husam Hishmeh gave our Inspirational Message.
 
President Joe thanked Margarida Eidson for the slideshow on the TV screens.
 
President Joe reminded everyone to review the bylaw changes to be voted on at the next in person meeting.
 
Next week we will be meeting at the St Patrick’s Day celebration at Topa Topa Brewery.
 
Happy $’s: Carin Kally, Kathy McGee
 
The next board meeting will be March 20th.
 
The St Patrick’s day parade is March 10th, be at Cabrillo Middle school about 9:00 am.
 
Sell tickets to the St Patrick’s Day event! Jacquelyn Gargano let us know that she had some color flyers and tickets available.
 
Bruce McGee and D.G. Scott Phillips inducted Nancy D’Atilio into the club.
 
Bruce McGee presented Jerry Dannenberg, Derek Eidson, Chuck Ferguson & Jacquelyn Gargano with their Blue Badges.
 
DG Scott Phillips & PEN Dawn Knowles managed to wear matching shoes!
 
District Chief of Staff Bruce McGee introduced Group 7 Rep Margarida Eidson to introduce District Governor Scott Phillips.
 
Rich Stewart conducted our raffle and the lucky winner was DGE Marta Brown.
Meeting February 2, 2023
Vance Thompson led us in the Flag Salute.
 
Jeff Hata introduced guests and visiting Rotarians.
Guest of the Club was Nancy D'Atillio
 
The Opportunity Drawing was a mixed box of Girl Scout Cookies donated by Tim Hughes.
 
President Joe thanked Margarida Eidson for staffing the Front Desk and Laura Shannon for taking attendance.
 
Harriet Clune gave our Inspirational Message.
 
Ashley Pope was presented a check to the Autism Society of Ventura-County.
 
President Joe read a note from Helene Rosenbaum thanking the club for the Poinsettia donations to Cypress Place.
 
President Joe announced that a revision to the club by-laws are on each table. Please review them, we will vote to ratify them in two weeks.
 
We will no longer do Zoom unless requested.
 
Meal cost will increase beginning March 1
$76.50/month - $92
Rule of 85 $18 – $20
 
Carin Kally is looking for volunteers to work the Front Desk at our meetings. Let Carin know if your interested.
 
Next week DG Scott Phillips will be making his annual visit. Please be sure to attend! Wear pink to the meeting.
 
Happy $’s: Sharon Daly, Emily Barany,
 
Our program was the St Patrick’s day event at Topa Topa Brewery.
 
Rich Stewart conducted the raffle and our lucky winner was Charles Ferguson
Operation Ventura
l-r Back row Amy Bailey, Executive Director Ventura Family YMCA, Rich Stewart, Harriet Clune, Joe Bova
Front row Carin Kally, Jeff Hata, Margarida Eidson
 
It was a cold and chilly night, but the Rotary Club of Ventura East was present at the Ventura Family YMCA's final report night for their 2023 annual campaign. The $6,000 donation from our club helped the YMCA raise over $250,000 in the month of February to support the YMCA's Open Doors program. The Open Doors program is meant to allow membership to everyone regardless of their ability to pay for a membership.
 
Started in 2010 as Operation Splash, the Rotary Club of Ventura East has made a donation between $5,000 & $6,000 to support a program to provide Learn to Swim Lessons to underpriviledged youth in our community the opportunity to learn to swim as well as gain socialization skills that they may not learn in their situations. Since 2010 the program has expanded from just swimming to other sports that the youth may be interested in participating in. 
Meeting February 23, 2023
Laura Shannon led us in the Flag Salute.
 
Joe Bova introduced guests and visiting Rotarians.
Guest of Jerry Dannenberg was Rohan Toor, visting Rotarian and guest of Carin Kally was Carie Smith from Carpenteria Morning and guest of the club was Nancy D'Attilo.
 
Abbi Hanoch gave our Inspirational Message.
 
Our opportunity today was $50 cash donated by Harriet Clune.
 
Dawn Knowles spoke about our FoodShare service project where our group boxed 43,600 pounds of food in 4 hours!
Service week for Rotary is coming in April.
 
Tim Hughes let us know that Rotaract President, Olivia Strohman, would like to attend the RI Convention in Autralia. The members made donations and we collected $1,000 for Olivia's trip!
Tim also let us know that scholarship applications are coming in and we need sponsors for the Wine Festival with the Girl Scouts.
 
Carin Kally encouraged everyone to sign up for the Walk for Kids coming on March 19th!
Carin also wished Laura Shannon a Happy Birthday!
 
Joe Bova let us know that we have 3 students registered for RYLA.
 
Bruce McGee filled us in on the St Patrick's Day celebration at Topa Topa Brewery on March 17th. $25 donation for a drink and food.
 
Derek Eidson and Jacquelyn Gargano gave their craft talks.
 
Happy $'s: Bruce McGee, Bill Spellman, Margarida Eidson & Harriet Clune.
 
Our program today was Dawn Knowles about Cruising Croatia.
 
Rich Stewart conducted our raffle drawing and our lucky winner was Abbi Hanoch.
 
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The Breeze
Birthdays & Anniversaries
Member Birthdays:
  • Laura Shannon-Prange
    March 1
  • Sharon Daly
    April 8
  • Tim Hughes
    April 9
  • Kathy McGee
    April 13
Anniversaries:
  • Charles Ferguson
    Lara Ferguson
    April 28
Join Date:
  • Jeff Hata
    March 1, 2004
    19 years
  • Monte L. Widders
    March 1, 1975
    48 years
  • William Gray
    March 4, 2008
    15 years
  • Cal Magro
    March 21, 2019
    4 years
  • Joe Strohman Jr.
    April 1, 1986
    37 years
  • Kathy McGee
    April 16, 2015
    8 years
Club Leadership
Co-President 1st Qtr
Jeff Burgh
President-Elect
Carin Kally
Past President
Cal Magro
Secretary
Jeff Hata
Treasurer
David Anderson
International Serv
Tim Hughes
Community Service
Dawn Knowles
Vocational Service
Joe Strohman Jr.
Youth Service
Joe Bova
Membership
Kathy McGee
Membership
Ashley Pope
Co-President 4th Qtr
Margarida Eidson
Co-President 3rd Qtr
Tim Hughes
Co-President 2nd Qtr
Joe Strohman Jr.
Rotaract Advisor
Ashley Pope
Interact/Youthact Advisor
Joe Bova
RYLA Coordinator
Joe Bova
The Rotary Foundation
Bruce McGee
Youth Exchange
Ashley Pope
Sgt-At-Arms
Rich Stewart
3rd Year Director
Laura Shannon-Prange
1st Year Director
Adonis Campillo
3rd Year Director
Carin Kally
2nd Year Director
Joe Bova
1st Year Director
Dawn Knowles
Members Only
 
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ROTARY CLUB OF VENTURA EAST
Welcome to the website of the Rotary Club of Ventura East!!
Ventura East
We meet In Person
Thursdays at 12:00 PM
Poinsettia Pavilion
3451 Foothill Road
Ventura, CA 93003
United States of America
Support our Buena High School Interact Club!
Spread the word!
You can scan the QR Code for tickets.
Click on the image for more information.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Membership Corner
 
If you are interested in becoming a member of the Rotary Club of Ventura-East, Please click this link.
Rotary Club of Ventura-East Avenues of Service Citation Recipients
Recognizing that the strength of the Rotary ideal is founded on the service carried out by club members worldwide, this citation program provides a means for Rotary clubs to personally recognize a member of the club for outstanding efforts in the five Avenues of Service. The citation commends the service carried out by an individual Rotarian in the club, thereby reinforcing the importance which Rotary places on the personal involvement of each club member in Rotary service activities.
 
Eric Nicolet - 1997-98
Devere 'Pete' Gallagher - 1998-99
Joseph Strohman - 1999-00
Sally Adelblue - 2000-01
Jan Lindsay - 2001-02
Richard Stewart - 2005-06
William Spellman - 2006-07
Husam Hishmeh - 2007-08
Deborah Roberts - 2010-11
Wendy Pazen - 2011-12
Jeff Hata - 2012-13
Poinsettia Delivery to Cypress Place Senior Living
SPEAKERS
March 2023
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AVENUES OF SERVICE

 
Photo Albums
2020 Rise Up Against Hunger
Ronald McDonald Family Room
Sip & See #3
2018 Make Me Smile Week
Sip & See: #RotaryEastRocks!!!
2018 Push-em Pull-em Parade
2018 Trees, Trees, Trees and some RAIN!!!
2017 Nightmare on the Hill
2017 Backpack Project
2017 Social @ Limonera
2017 Push-em Pull-em Parade
2017 Rotarian's at Work Day
2016 Nightmare on the Hill
2016 Ventura County Fair Parade
2016 Stepdown Dinner
2016 Push-em Pull-em Parade
2016 Scholarship Award Ceremony
4 New Members!!!
2016 Ronald L. Hertel 4 Way Test Essay Contest
City Center Project
2015 Christmas Party
2015 Push em Pull em Parade
2015 St. Patrick's Day Parade
2014 Moorpark Civil War Reenactment
FoodShare and the Salvation Army 2014
BBQ at Civil War Reenactment 2014
Ventura Chamber BBQ 2014
2014 Push N Pullem Parade
2011 Push N Pullem Parade
News from R.I.
Small Rotary club in Ecuador’s Andes delivers big on water project

High in the Andes, an indigenous community had been waiting more than a decade for clean drinking water.

First Rotaract RPIC talks about creativity, community, and hats

As World Rotaract Week (13-19 March) kicks off, Rotaractor and public image coordinator Philip Flindt shares his secrets for planning exciting events.