Peace is at the heart of Rotary’s mission. Through
service, dialogue, and understanding, Rotarians
help build stronger, more compassionate
communities. As we recognize these peace
initiatives, we’re reminded that each of us has
the power to create meaningful, lasting change.
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🎤 Craft Talk: Courtney O'Donoghue
Come hang out with us for a Craft Talk
as we get to knowCourtney.
It’s always fun to hear the stories behind
the name — what they do, what they love,
and what brought them to Rotary. These are
the moments that make our club feel a lot
more connected. Don’t miss it!
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Rotarian of the Month
This Wednesday we’re excited to celebrate
one of our outstanding members who embodies
the spirit of service and community. Stay tuned
as we honor their dedication, hard work, and the
impact they make every day. Who will it be this
month? You won’t want to miss it!
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Badge Presentation
Sylvia Lopez Ferrullo
A special moment took place last week as Sylvia was presented with her Playa Venice
Sunrise Rotary badge, making her
membership official.
We are excited to have Sylvia join our growing
circle of leaders and look forward to the many
ways she will engage, connect, and make
a difference through PVSR. Welcome aboard, Sylvia!
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PELS Event in Review
We appreciated the opportunity to have Governor-Elect Brady Connell share his insights
and key takeaways from the recent PELS
(President-Elect Leadership Seminar) held in
Los Angeles this February. The highly interactive
and informative event welcomed approximately 800 incoming Presidents from across
the Western states.
The two-day gathering brought together Past District Governors, Rotary International
dignitaries, and staff, providing invaluable
leadership training, inspiration, and
collaboration in preparation for the
year ahead.
The District Governor-Elect banner, proudly
displayed at the PELS District 5280 celebration
hosted by DGE Brady, was shared with the
membership at large—sparking excitement
and renewed enthusiasm for the year ahead.
As the home club of DGE Brady and host club
for his gubernatorial year, we look forward
with pride and anticipation to supporting
his leadership.
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District Governor Alex Parajon:
Inspiring Leadership Through Service
We were honored to have DG Alex Parajon
visit our club and give us a glimpse into
his Rotary journey.
Born in war-torn Nicaragua, Alex Parajon and
his family fled to the U.S., facing homelessness
while his mother worked tirelessly to provide for
them. Supported by the mental health community
and guided by his mother’s love and values, Alex overcame challenges, earned his MBA,
and built his own business.
Joining Rotary became his way to give back.
During his visit to PVSR, his story inspired our
members, offering a deeper understanding of
his governorship and his dedication to mental
health, homelessness, and organ donation.
District Awards During his visit, DG Alex presented four
District Superhero Awards to PVSR members,
recognizing their outstanding contributions
to our club’s success:
Heart of Service - Gail Goldstein
Guiding Star - Lisa Schwab
Rising Star - Dave Johnston
Superhero Award - Brady Connell
Each recipient is truly deserving for the
dedication and impact they continue to
bring to our community.
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PVSR: Supporting Camp Pendleton, Global Health & Humanitarian Efforts
Playa Venice Sunrise Rotary proudly made
a $1,000 donation to the Camp Pendleton
Warrior Family Warehouse in honor of
DG Alex, helping provide essential
support to military families.
We also presented DG Alex with a summary
of our club’s giving to District initiatives he
champions, including a $490 donation to
The Rotary Foundation (representing $10 per
member), $1,000 to the District Humanitarian
Trip to Costa Rica, and $1,000 to PolioPlus.
Through these contributions, PVSR continues
to make a tangible impact both locally and
globally, demonstrating the power of service
in action and supporting initiatives that
matter most to our District leadership.
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Protectors Appreciation Week
Fire Station 110 - Marina del Rey
In honor of Protectors’ Appreciation Week,
Playa Venice Sunrise Rotary stopped by Fire
Station 110 in Marina del Rey to show our
gratitude to the incredible firefighters who
serve our community.
The team presented a gift basket filled with
fruit, cheeses, crackers, and a variety of other
treats. The basket was graciously presented by
Rotarian Mary-Catherine Micka representing
the LAX Coastal Chamber of Commerce
alongside PVSR members Gwen and Janet.
The firefighters were truly appreciative of
the gesture. During the visit, we also learned
that Station 110 responds not only to calls on
land but in the marina as well — they are fully
equipped with a fire boat, ready to answer
emergencies on the water.
Marina del Rey Sheriff Station
Playa Venice Sunrise Rotary, in conjunction
with the LAX Coastal Chamber of Commerce,
honored the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s
Department Marina del Rey Station by delivering
lunch in continued recognition of Protectors’
Appreciation Week. An array of sandwiches were
served by PVS Rotarians Mary-Catherine, Jan,
Gwen, Martha, and Jason. We were grateful for
the opportunity to personally thank the men
and women who keep our community safe.
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LAPD Pacific Division
100 Year Celebration!
The LAPD Pacific Division proudly marked its 100th anniversary, celebrating a century of
dedicated service, protection, and partnership
within the coastal communities of Los Angeles.
LAPD proudly held its Formal Divisional inspection
with the Chief of Police Jim McDonnell and 300
officers in attendance to commemorate the
occasion. Participating in the Inspection was Honorary Member of Playa Venice Sunrise
Rotary, Officer Adrian Acosta.
The event gathered distinguished guests including Councilwoman Traci Park and members of
community organizations - Diane Barretti,
President LAPD Boosters, and Gwen Vuchsas,
Co-President PVSR — reflecting the strong
partnership between law enforcement
and the community.
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Rotarians Around Town
F1 Kickoff at the Frawley Home
The thrill of Formula 1 returns this Saturday, March 7th, all the way from Australia—and
you’re invited to join the excitement! Come
for an evening of food, fun, and fellowship
as we watch the race unfold and enjoy John’s legendary F1 commentary.
Here’s the plan:
• 6:30 PM:Gather and catch up
with fellow racing fans
• 7:00 PM:Dinner is served
• 8:00 PM:“Lights Out” – race time!
Let us know if you’d like to
join this fast-paced evening.
📩 RSVP or send questions to Gail or Rob -
we’d love to share the excitement
(and some laughs) with you!
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Events This Week
Happy Hour March 5th
📍 Kalaveras 13181 Mindanao Way
Marina Del Rey, CA
⏰ 5 PM - 7 PM
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Rotary 101:
Discover - Connect - Engage March 7th
📍 Westchester Townhouse
8501 Emerson Avenue
Los Angeles, CA
⏰ 8:30 AM - 12 PM
New to Rotary? Curious how Rotary really
works? Ready to get more involved? Join
Rotarians from across the District for an
interactive, in-person Rotary 101 Workshop
designed to inform, connect, and inspire
new members or any Rotarian wishing
to re-engage.
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Rock Roll & Run March 7th
📍 Loyola Marymount University
Lawton Plaza
⏰ 8 AM
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St. Anastasia Parish Ball March 7th
📍 Westin Los Angeles
5400 W. Century Blvd.
Los Angeles
⏰ 6 PM - 12 AM
Vickie Farmer, a valued member of our club
and a dedicated leader in our community, is
pleased to share this announcement in support
of their upcoming St. Anastasia Parish Ball.
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Events Coming Up
District Peace Committee March 9th
⏰ 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM
All PVSR members are strongly encouraged
to attend the Peace Education Program
facilitated by Dr. Vicki Radel and take part in
this meaningful opportunity to strengthen
understanding, dialogue, and peace within
our clubs, districts, and communities.
We are SOLD OUT!However, we still
need and are accepting auction items.
It's time for the 15th ANNUAL PVSR
"LUCK O' THE IRISH BINGOFEST"!
Dress up in your Fun and Fabulous St. Paddy's
Day attire and get ready to have a lot of fun
raising money while playing Bingo with your
friends and community!
A PVSR Charitable Rotary Project.
Come Join the Fun!
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District Breakfast March 21st
If you are interested in attending,
please let PVSR know as the club
will be sponsoring a table.
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Mar Vista Family Center
Luncheon & Silent Auction May 14th
📍 Skirball Cultural Center
2701 N Sepulveda Blvd.
Los Angeles
⏰ 11 AM
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WE’RE PROUD TO BE PLAYA
VENICE ROTARIANS
“LET’S GROW - LET’S GLOW!”
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PLAYA VENICE SUNRISE ROTARY Serving our Community since 2005
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