Latest Club News and Events
 
 
Jack Pollock, Rotary President-Elect Nominee, reported out on the 2021 Community Assessment.
 
Of the topics discussed, were areas of most need in the City and County of Ventura.  Attention was paid to rising trends of economic growth within the County, an underdeveloped nonprofit sector, rising levels of poverty, lack of preschool care for underprivileged families, an influx of non-native English speakers, and dramatic upticks in teen depression and suicide.
 
Jack also highlighted nonprofits in the area making sizeable progress in the community that the Rotary of Ventura South would like to support or partner with going forward, including, the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Ventura, the Arc of Ventura County, the Westside Community Council, and School on Wheels, to name a few.
 
Jack, a native of Ohio, attended Bowling Green State University, where he completed a degree in finance.  After school, he held various executive positions in several companies, most notably, General Electric, where he headed international operations. 
 
Jack spent the majority of his time in the midwest during his corporate tenure, but moved out to Ventura with his wife, Carol, to be closer to his family. 
 
Outside of Rotary Jack can be found serving as a flight instructor at Camarillo Airport or spending time with grandkids.  We are pleased to have him a part of our team and Rotary family.
 
Erik Nasarenko, District Attorney for the County of Ventura, joined us this week to give us an overview of his current role.
 
Erik who filled the vacancy of past District Attorney, Gret Totten, carries a new edge to the District Attorney's Office.  In this, he plans on implementing a bevy of new reforms to enhance efficiency and continuity, in concert with a new public-facing information strategy, designed to elevate the standing of his office in aiding the community policing movement.
 
Erik who oversees a staff of 102 prosecutors and 52 sworn law enforcement, plans on striking a balance of reform rehabilitation and traditional justice.  In his role, he plans to adopt sweeping new policies like "misdemeanor diversion" aimed at lessening recidivism among repeat offenders through intervention, support, and psychiatric care; thus lessening the strain on public resources.
 
In concert with this, his office has developed a strategy to build community trust through public information visits and partnerships, with organizations like the Boys & Girls Club, to form a greater level of education, transparency, and cooperation with local communities.  Blended with a newly reinforced anti-crime and narcotics unit, to empower communities to thrive and not be entrenched in gang violence. 
 
"When you take our office and bring it to the community, it builds trust in the community," Erik asserted.
 
Erik received a J.D. from UC Irvine through night school, while serving on the Los Angeles County School Board.  He is a current member of the Rotary Club of Ventura South and was also good friends with past Rotarian, Guy Frick.
 
Erik who prides himself on family, joined us after celebrating his mother's 82nd birthday the day before, and is married to his wife Joey, a former teacher, and is a father to two children.
 
 
Stacy Brown represented Mothers Against Drunk Drivers (MAAD) this past week.
 
MAAD focuses its resources on lobbying to support new legislation aimed to curb underage drinking and drunk driving fatalities, while also pushing initiatives aimed at educating parents and teens.
 
Stacy mentioned that the movement is not meant to prohibit alcohol consumption, but instead to encourage a more responsible approach to alcohol use.
 
Drunk driving is the number one driver of substance abuse fatalities in the U.S., accounting for over 4,300 deaths. 
 
Ms. Brown is a former attorney and also coaches screenwriting.  She rings a layered dynamic to the movement and aims to continue to help mothers within the U.S.
 
Todd Mitchell, Operations Manager for the Ventura Port District, gave an overview of current port dredging and capital projects. 
 
Todd oversees 274 acres of Harbour Village and master tenants and supervises the removal of debris and sentiment from the channel.  In his overview, he spoke to how the dredging process helps keep the channel clear and also replaces much-needed sand and habitat near Spinnaker beach.  He also works with the Naval Corps of Engineers and advocates with the district for adequate funding resources from the Federal Government to ensure projects continue.
 
In addition to dredging projects, he works to ensure harbor facilities continue to support one of the largest commercial fishing ports in the state.
 
Todd was born in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, and is married to his wife Heather.
 
Local business leader and innovator, N.K. Khumalo, and President-Elect for Rotary of Ventura South, spoke on his vision for 2021 after successfully completing PETS, Rotary's President-Elect Training Seminar.  N.K. plans to bring a fresh perspective and elevate Rotary South to the forefront of community engagement.
 
The PETS seminar which serves as a leadership training ground for new presidents took place on a virtual platform for two days.  Of the Clubs across the country, 455 individuals were in attendance.
 
N.K. also discussed his future roadmap for 2021, which included: building membership; creating an environment for more flexible meeting attendance; introducing hybrid meetings; engaging high-level speakers; accelerating collaboration between Clubs; expanding corporate partnerships; and increasing scholarship opportunities with local charities. 
 
We are excited to see his term come into effect this July.
Posted by Sandy Warren
Club Members Fill Backpacks
For Students in Need
 
On Saturday, August 9, Members from Rotary Ventura South participated in the annual Student Backpack Project, together with members from other area service clubs. The volunteers gathered outdoors at Neighborhood Car Care Center in Ventura to fill backpacks with schools supplies for students in need throughout Ventura.
 
Participants from Rotary Ventura South included Bob Braitman, Nkosi Khumalo (and his wife Hugette, son Siso, and daughter Mbali), Jack and Carol Pollock, Marilyn Scott, Melody Thurman, and Stacy and Linda Zaruka.
 
Check out the photo album here.
Construction Begins on Ronald McDonald
Family Room at Ventura County Medical Center
 
Rotary Ventura South, together with Rotary Clubs from around the County, has been helping to raise funds for the Ronald McDonald Family Room at Ventura County Medical Center. We have participated in the 2019 Walk-a-Thon and this year's virtual event in April.
 
Once constructed, the room will provide a space for family members to visit and interact with children who are undergoing treatment for a variety of illnesses at the facility.
 
According to Adam McCormack, Director of Development for the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southern California, construction has begin. "Even at this stage," said Adam, you can see how big and bright these Family Room spaces are going to be!
 
For additional views of the construction work, visit the Photo Album here.
 
Three Ventura South Club Members
Add to Their Paul Harris Fellowships
 
At our regular meeting on Monday, January 6, three members of Ventura Rotary South were recognized for adding to their Paul Harris Fellowships. Pictured above are (l to r) Don MacDonald, Bob Keating, and Diane Keay. Don and Bob each received pins for their second Paul Harris Fellowship, and Diane received a pin for her third.
 
The Paul Harris Fellow recognition acknowledges individuals who contribute, or have contributions made in their name, of $1,000 to The Rotary Foundation. The number of Paul Harris Fellows reached the one million mark in 2006.
 
Congratulations and thank you to Don, Bob, and Diane on your achievement!
 
Posted by Sandy Warren on Dec 14, 2019
Ventura Rotary South Members
Help Collect Donations for Salvation Army
 
Dressed in "I'm a Rotary Bell Ringer" aprons, members of Ventura Rotary South once again took up their holiday post outside the J C Penney store at the Pacific View Mall to collect donations in the familiar Salvation Army red kettle on Saturday, December 14. Pictured above are Jack Pollock (left) and Dante Honorico.
 
The event was organized by Community Service Committee co-chairs Ed Keay and Jack Pollock, who also worked a bell-ringing shift. Other Club members participating included Bob Braitman, Carol Chapman, Rosanna Colin, Dante Honorico, Bob Keating, Diane Keay, Karl Lassiter, Don MacDonald, John Mattina, Kendall Mattina, Marilyn Scott, Bon Wakam, Sandy Warren, John Zaruka, and Stacy Zaruka.
Posted by Sandy Warren on Dec 11, 2019
Club Members Tell the Rotary Story
At Ventura's Holiday Street Fair
 
Members of Rotary Ventura South turned out on a rainy Saturday, December 7, to set up and staff a booth at the Annual Holiday Street Fair on Main Street in Ventura. Working in 90-minute shifts, the Club members handed out literature about Rotary’s worldwide efforts to eradicate polio and build peace, and also invited those who stopped by to attend a Club meeting to learn more.
 
The Ventura South Rotarians also promoted the Club’s major fundraiser, the March 1, 2020 Mardi Gras event in support of Turning Point Foundation, and the April 5, 2020 Ronald McDonald Walk.
 
Pictured above are (l to r): Sandy Warren, Bob Braitman, Melody Thurman, Larry Matheney, Rosa Duran-Ramirez, and Dennis Longwill. Melody went the extra mile in her outreach efforts with a Rotary wheel on her cheek, courtesy of the face-painter in the neighboring booth!
 
Other Club members participating in the event included Rosanna Colin, Bob Davis, Dante Honorico, Diane Keay, John Mattina, Kendall Mattina, Don MacDonald, Diane Moss, Marty Moss, Marilyn Scott, and Stacy Zaruka. And a BIG thank you to Community Service Committee Co-Chairs Ed Keay and Jack Pollock for coordinating the event! 
 
Posted by Sandy Warren on Nov 11, 2019
 
31st Annual Trivia Challenge
A Rousing Success!
 
We held our 31st Annual Trivia Challenge fundraiser in support of Ventura County Library’s Adult Literacy Program on Wednesday, November 6. Twenty-three teams competed for plaques recognizing their prowess in answering questions in a broad range of categories including sports, history, geography, and popular culture, among others.
 
The bulk of the proceeds support the Ventura County Library’s READ Program, which provides free one-on-one tutoring for adults who want to learn to read. The program also provides free books, special programs for dyslexic adults, computer-assisted instruction, second language reading instruction, and family literacy activities. Since 1984, the program has helped thousands of Ventura County adults achieve personal literacy goals such as passing GED tests, achieving U.S. citizenship, and gaining employment. READ has been recognized as one of the top community-based literacy programs in California.
 
Click here to view a slideshow of photos from the event!
 
Posted by Sandy Warren on Oct 14, 2019
 
Medical Marijuana -
Separating Fact from Fiction
 
Max Simon, our speaker on Monday, October 14, wasted no time in coming to the point. "I hate to break it to you, but virtually all you may have believed about marijuana is categorically false." As founder and CEO of Green Flower, Max is committed to educating people about the benefits of a plant that, until quite recently, was considered by many people as a dangerous, mind-altering, and most definitely illegal drug.
 
Instead, Max is quick to point out the very real medical benefits to marijuana. "It is incredibly effective in treating insomnia, pain, and depression/anxiety," he said. And he pointed out that baby boomers constitute the largest market for medical cannabis. "It's really effective,' said Max.
 
He explained the difference between CBD and THC, the active ingredients in marijuana. They each have their individual benefits in properly applied doses. In some cases, just one of the two does the trick, such as THC for sleep. When pain is involved, the effectiveness is typically increased by combining THC with CBD.
 
OK, so you've decided to give it a try - how and where do you start. Max recommends going to a licensed dispensary to ensure quality control of the product you purchase. "The stuff you find in health food stores and convenience stores," he said, "has virtually no regulation as to how it is constituted or marketed. If you go to a dispensary or clinic, however, you run the risk of an impure, or falsely marketed  substance.
 
Max stressed that his role as head of Green  Flower is to educate. "We don't sell it, we don't grow it, but we do educate people about it. That is our mission. If you'd like more education about the potential benefits of marijuana, visit Green-Flower.com.
Posted by Sandy Warren on Sep 17, 2019
Past District Governor Nick Frankle
Discusses Peacebuilder Clubs
Among the various elements of Rotary's global activities, promoting peace stands as a vital component of the organization's mission. During his visit to our Club on Monday, September 16, Past District 5240 Governor Nick Frankle remarked that Rotarians "have always been peacebuilders." He then provided an overview of Rotary's peacebuilding efforts worldwide.
 
"Peace is more than no violence," Nick said. "It's addressing conditions in the world that can lead to conflict." As examples, he noted that 900 million people worldwide do not have enough food to be healthy, 14% of the world's population is illiterate, 8% of the world's population lives on less than $1.90 per day, and a child or woman is sold somewhere in the world every minute of every day. Rotary's efforts to address these problems are very real contributors to peace.
 
Beyond these day-to-day efforts, Rotary International maintains a formal peacebuilding program. There are Rotary Peace Centers at six universities around the world. Each year, Rotary selects up to 100 professionals to receive fellowships to study at those Peace Centers. Peace fellows who graduate are engaged in hundreds of peacebuilding projects around the world, many in high-risk areas.
 
Nick then turned his attention to the local level and an answer to the question, "What can one Rotarian do?" Quite a lot, actually. Nick summarized some major projects that had been initiated by individual Rotarians, and he also explained that every local project that addresses homelessness, supports free clinics, engages youth, or responds to disasters also contributes to peacebuilding.
 
Coming up on January 17-18, 2020 is the Rotary International Peace Conference in Ontario, California. More than 2,500 leaders from business, healthcare, academia, NGOs, faith-based organizations and mediation services will gather to share and discuss peacebuilding techniques and plans. More information is available here.
 
"The new peace symbol," said Nick, "is the Rotary logo."
Posted by Sandy Warren on Sep 09, 2019
Libraries Are More Popular
(and Needed) Than Ever Before
 
One might think that, in today's era of the Internet and the flood of electronic information to which we are all subjected daily, that a presentation about the state of public libraries might be a tad discouraging with potential reports of empty reading tables and low levels of books being borrowed. However, according to our speaker on Monday, September 9 (Ventura County Library Director Nancy Schram), nothing could be further from the truth.
 
"In 2016, there were 1.6 billion visits to public " said Nancy. "Our libraries are busier than ever." Such is certainly the case right here in Ventura County. Last year alone, there were 626,000 visits to County libraries, and patrons checked out over half a million items. Nancy noted that, for every dollar spent on libraries, Californians received an average of $3 to $6 in economic value.
 
Low literacy costs the United States at least $225 billion each year in non-productivity in the workforce, crime, and loss of tax revenue due to unemployment. Programs like Rotary Ventura South's annual Trivia Challenge (coming up on November 6) that support and improve adult literacy can make a real difference in addressing this issue. (Nancy noted that 126,000 people in Ventura County are reading below the third grade level.)
 
Nancy also discussed the mobile library that the County operates. She explained that it travels throughout the region, serving people who may not be able to get to one of the branch libraries. "We could use a fleet of these vans, if we had the money," she noted.
 
For those who think printed books may be a thing of the past (or at least on their way out) due to the prevalence of e-books and devices such as Kindles, Nancy is quick to point out that just as much money in her budget goes to purchasing printed books as to the electronic variety.
 
Clearly, libraries continue to play a vital role in American communities in general and in Ventura County specifically, and for that we can all be grateful!
Oxnard's RSVP Program Matches
Seniors to Volunteer Opportunities
Senior citizens in Oxnard who are looking to volunteer their time and talents to a worthy endeavor need look no further than the City's Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP). Our speaker on Monday, August 19, was Marisue Eastlake, RSVP Director (pictured above). Marisue coordinates more than 550 people, age 55 and older, whose volunteer endeavors range from tutoring students to providing tax preparation assistance to leading educational and exercise classes.
 
RSVP has 70 offices around the country. "Studies show that seniors who volunteer live longer, healthier, and more fulfilling lives," said Marisue, "and we're matchmakers for senior volunteers. There's truly something for everyone whop wants to give back."
 
 
Marisue noted that two of her most popular classes are Bone Builders and Tai Chi. Both of them are designed to help seniors improve their balance and reduce the chances of an injury-producing fall. Tai chi goes even further, reducing blood pressure, alleviating depression, and improving overall wellness. Joining Marisue on Monday were two of her volunteer tai chi instructors, Rosanne Falcone (left) and Maria Tuason Combs. They provided a fascinating overview of the history of the ancient martial art, followed by a graceful demonstration of the eight basic forms (movements) that they teach.
 
Additional information on the volunteer opportunities and offerings of RSVP is available here.
Posted by Sandy Warren on Aug 20, 2019
Rotary Ventura South Welcomes
New Member Mike Skrocki!
One of the most enjoyable and meaningful moments at any Rotary Club meeting is welcoming a new member. Ventura Rotary South enjoyed just such a moment on Monday, August 19, when Mike Skrocki was inducted as the newest Club member. Mike is pictured above, holding his plaque of the Rotary Four-Way Test, together with his sponsor, John Zaruka, and Club President Marilyn Scott. Mike is a resident of Camarillo and works as a Regional Director for Gannett/USA Today. Welcome to the Rotary family, Mike!
 
 
Mark Sandoval Discusses
Channel Islands Harbor
"Ventura County is a jewel," said Mark Sandoval, and he went on to describe and discuss one of the features that makes that jewel sparkle, the Channel Islands Harbor. Mark has been the Director of the Harbor for a little over a year, and on Monday, August 12, he spoke to members and guests of Ventura Rotary South and shared his passion and vision for his position.
 
The harbor had its beginnings in 1939 with the construction of Port Hueneme. Since then, it has become an enterprise operation, run like a business, featuring 2,100 boat slips, apartments/condominiums, hotels, and recreational opportunities. The Harbor Department is responsible for patrolling, maintenance, tenant lease management, marketing/events, regular dredging coordination, and development.
 
It's that last item that Mark concentrated on for the bulk of his presentation, detailing the $80 million in completed construction and the $100+ million planned in additional investment between now and 2026. Current projects underway include the Hyatt Hotel and a restaurant on the old Casa Sirena site, the Peninsula Yacht Marina, and the Bahia Marina. Those will be followed by work on:
  • A new Harbor Department Administration Building
  • Whale's Tale Restaurant
  • Fisherman's Wharf
  • Kiddie Beach Surge Wall
  • Santa Barbara Island Park
Development, of course, is not without its challenges, including entitlements and permits, financing, and the overall lengthy process it entails. With 20 years of experience managing the waterfront in Long Beach, Mark is up to the challenge, and he looks forward to making his vision for Channel Islands Harbor a reality. Thanks, Mark, for a fascinating presentation!
 
Rotary Ventura South Members
Fill Backpacks for Needy Students
On Saturday, August 10, members of Ventura Rotary South joined forces with Ventura Downtown Rotary and the Ventura Lions Club for the 17th Annual Student Backpack Project. The volunteers gathered at the Ventura School District office and filled 851 backpacks with notebooks, paper, folders, pens, pencils, scissors, calculators, and other school supplies for needy elementary, middle, and high school students throughout Ventura.
 
According to Ellyn Dembowski, project coordinator for Ventura Downtown Rotary, every school in the Ventura Unified School District was given sufficient backpacks to fulfill its individual requirements.
 
Rotary Ventura South members (and family members) participating in the event included Carol Chapman, Ed Keay, N.K. Khumalo (with daughter Mbali and son Siso), Jack and Carol Pollock, Marilyn Scott, Sandy Warren (and fiancee Marcy Belton), and Linda Zaruka.
 
Check out additional photos from the event here.
 
Posted by Marilyn Scott on Aug 06, 2019
Club Assembly Concentrates
On Building Club Strength
 
Rotary Ventura South conducted a Club Assembly on Monday, August 5. Following is an overview of the information and discussion as an effort to keep all Club members informed. A short PowerPoint presentation served as the basis for the discussion.  The theme is “building Club strength.”
 
Highlights:
  • One month into the year, the Club has supported two Community Service projects and the first fundraising efforts are in the planning/prep stage. A third Community Services project is this Saturday – we will help fill student backpacks with school supplies at the VUSD offices This Saturday at 9AM.
  • We will induct a new member next Monday and the year’s first Social is being planned.
  • The Club currently has 42 members.The idea is to make this a “building” year.We have two excellent prospective new members in process.The Club has been successful at making the Club more diverse in every category which adds to our strength.
  • The current financial condition of the Club is good. Basic financial information will be regularly shared with the Club members.
  • A major area of effort is now filling the President Elect and the President Elect Nominee positions.
  • Building Club leadership and strength can happen in a number of ways:
  • We are using Co-Chairs as a way of having two members who know that area of service. In some cases, one can mentor the other. Having Co-Chairs also allows one to cover for the other when needed and allow more members to be involved.
  • Building-connections-from-within means that when we have a Community Services project, Club Socials, or fundraisers, we also build in ways to promote the Club by wearing Club shirts and talking to non-member participants, have hand-out material available, find a way to share the different types of membership, etc.
  • We need to aim a little higher for a regular 75 -80% regular attendance.Just as we are to be reaching out to non-members, we need to do the same with our own members.
  • Having good weekly speakers has been one of the keys having good to building membership and regular attendance. We currently looking for three Club members to serve on the Programs Committee.Having more than one member serve allows for more diversity in program types and shares the workload.
  • Efforts have been underway to make the jobs on the Board easier by making the responsibilities more understandable. For example, if you become one of the new Membership Co-Chairs, you can pull up the Club’s website, under Members Only, and find written “how-to” materials. The same is true for Community Services, Treasurer, etc. We will be working this year to cover all areas.
  • Thanks to all who have taken on extra responsibility to support the Club. Keeping promises and timely follow-through are key to any group’s success. If you can’t, then find a replacement and let the President know.This is one of the best ways to build Club strength and leadership.
 
Discussion by Members – The following contributions were made:
 
  1. Move the notice for the upcoming weekly meetings to earlier in the week.
     
  2. Put final touches on the new member process.
     
  3. Bring back Craft Talks as one way to get to know other Club members.
     
  4. Continue to approach Club members one-on-one as a recruitment approach to fill positions.
     
  5. A small committee of Club members is being formed by the President to work on filling the PE and the PEN positions.
Posted by Sandy Warren on Jul 29, 2019
 
Workforce Development Board of Ventura County
Seeks to Pair Quality Workers with Quality Jobs
 
"Workforce development is economic development." So said Rebecca Evans, Executive Director of the Workforce Development Board of Ventura County. Rebecca was the speaker at Ventura Rotary South's regular meeting on Monday, June 29.
 
The primary goal of the Workforce Development Board, said Rebecca, is to provide oversight for the spending of federal dollars earmarked for job growth. The Board reports to the Ventura County Board of Supervisors, and partners strategically with the Welfare to Work Program, Career Services, and the Employment Development Department to serve the employment needs of Ventura County.
 
"The Board is responsible for insuring a quality workforce to support businesses in the County," said Rebecca. She noted the many resources available to both employers and job seekers. Workforce training is a key aspect of the Board's efforts. Rebecca explained that money is available for companies who are willing to train existing or new workers in enhanced job skills. She noted also that the Board's services are for workers of all age groups, including entry level through retiree.
 
Rebecca's advice to older workers trying to reenter the job market was to not hesitate in making their inquiries with the Workforce Development Board. "Ask early," she said.
 
For additional information on the Board's activities and opportunities, visit their website at workforceventuracounty.org.
 
Club Members Participate in 27th Annual
Ventura County Veterans Stand Down
 
On a warm Saturday afternoon, July 27, a team of members and guests from Rotary Ventura South prepared and served dinner for more than 50 homeless veterans at the 27th Annual Veterans Stand Down, a three-day event that provides a wide range of services to veterans from throughout the County, many of whom, for one reason or another, have found themselves without a permanent home. Services include medical screenings and evaluations; optometry examinations and distribution of prescription lenses; dental screenings and care; psychological counseling; legal counseling; employment counseling and referrals; veterans benefits; general relief information; access to showers, toiletries and clean clothing; hot meals; and a range of other government and social services.
 
On Saturday, the team from Ventura Rotary South helped prepare and serve tri-tip, salad, beans, garlic bread, and cake. Our club has participated in the event for a number of years and also donated $1,000 to purchase the food for the meal. The crew also assisted with the clean-up tasks.
 
Ed Keay, Community Service Committee Co-Chair for Ventura Rotary South, coordinated the Club's participation. Other members of the team on Saturday included Diane Keay, John and Kendall Mattina, Jack and Carol Pollock, Marilyn and Don Scott, Sandy Warren, Marcy Belton, and Peter McClintock. Click here to view a photo album of the event.
 
Posted by Sandy Warren on Jul 22, 2019
A New Level of Care
At Community Memorial Hospital
 
With the opening of the new Ocean Tower at Community Memorial Hospital, Ventura has enhanced is cardiac, neo-natal, emergency, and surgical care for patients. Megan O'Neill, Business Development Manager with Community Memorial Health System, spoke to members and guests of Ventura Rotary South on Monday, July 22, and provided a brief history of CMH and details on its newly expanded profile.
 
Megan noted that CMH is a leader in health care in Ventura County with more than 450,000 patient visits annually. It has the busiest surgical, heart/vascular, and birthing centers in the County. The new Ocean Tower was built in response to a California seismic mandate. It features 250 private rooms, a larger emergency room with state-of-the-art technology, and a dedicated maternal health floor.
 
Megan also explained some of the "softer" features of the new facility, including a healing garden, sleeper sofas in patient rooms so family members can stay with their loved ones, and more than 600 pieces of local artwork that were donated to the hospital (including art by children for the pediatric unit).
 
The older facility (designated the Mountain Tower) is still an integral part of the Community Memorial Health System, housing administrative offices, the graduate medical education/residency program, and the outpatient program.
 
With the expanded facility comes a greater need for volunteers to assist with everything from patient care to staffing the gift shop to providing general information to visitors at the main entrance. Applications for volunteer work can be obtained in the lobby of the new Ocean Tower.
Posted by Sandy Warren on Jun 25, 2019
Club Members Congratulate Melody Thurman
For Her Year of Leadership at Step-Down Event
On Monday evening, June 24, members and guests of Ventura Rotary South enjoyed the traditional Step-Down Dinner, an annual event that recognizes the leadership and achievements of the outgoing president (Melody Thurman, right), and welcomes the president-elect (Marilyn Scott, left). This year's event, held at the Tower Club in Oxnard, featured live jazz, an elegant dinner, and plenty of reminiscences of the Club's past year.
Among the speakers was Kendall Mattina, who recounted the many service projects and fundraisers that the Club undertook during Melody's term, including the Trivia Challenge (in support of adult literacy), Mardi Gras (Turning Point Foundation fundraiser), dictionary program, Ronald McDonald Walk, and so many others.
Photos from the evening can be viewed here. Congratulations, Melody!
Rotary Ventura South held its annual Bake Sale in support of the Interact Club at St. Bonaventure High School on Monday, June 3. Club member Dennis Longwill (left) handled the auctioneer duties as Interact Club members displayed and passed out the goodies. Bids for the delectable delicacies totaled $1,420, which will go toward helping the Interact Club with their service projects.
 
Contact Us
We would love to hear from you! You can reach us in several ways:
 
 
Mail: P.O. Box 6383, Ventura, CA 93006
 
Phone: (805) 208-9292

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Photo Albums
Club Executives & Directors
President
Marty Moss
President-Elect
Nkosi Khumalo
President Elect Nominee
Jack Pollock
Immediate Past President
Marilyn Scott
Secretary
Stacy Zaruka
Treasurer
Larry Matheney
Club Service
Stacy Zaruka
Community Service
Jack Pollock
International Serv
Dante Honorico
Vocational Service
Manpreet Batra
Youth Service
Stacy Zaruka
New Generations
Diane Moss
Interact/Youthact Advisor
Dennis Longwill
Rotaract Advisor
Dennis Longwill
RYLA Coordinator
Dennis Longwill
Awards Chair
Manpreet Batra
Membership Co-Chair
Bob Keating
Membership Co-Chair
Miriam Estrada
PRLS
Miriam Estrada
Program Chair
Bob Braitman
Public Relations Co-Chair
Peter McClintock
The Rotary Foundation
Dante Honorico
Web Master
Marty Moss
Family of Rotary Co-Chair
Bob Davis
Family of Rotary Co-Chair
Melody Thurman
Channel Islands Administrator
Diane Moss
Channel Islands Chair (Anacapa)
Bob Braitman
Channel Islands Chair (San Miguel)
Jack Pollock
Channel Islands Chair (Santa Cruz)
Dennis Longwill
Channel Islands Chair (Santa Rosa)
Melody Thurman
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