See You This Wednesday for
Another Exciting Meeting of PLAYA VENICE SUNRISE ROTARIANS IN ACTION
Join us for the Fun!
Service above Self Since 2005
Last Weeks Meeting Highlights
Last week was packed with fun!
We celebrated our August Birthdays with the Return of our OBF
(ORIGINAL BIRTHDAY FAIRY)
Bobbie Casalino-Lewis! Thank you Bobbie and Happy Birthday Rotarians!! ❤️ ❤️ ❤️
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We also congratulated our
Rotarian of the Month - Rob Bird!!
So well deserved - Thank you for all of your hard work, Rob! ❤️ ❤️ ❤️
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A special recognition honored two hard working Rotarians with the President’s Star Pin - Congratulations goes to Gail Goldstein and Gwen Vuchsas - these two ladies consistently go way over and above to organize, perform the heavy lifting when needed, and ensure that the many details of our Club are managed! We are truly grateful for your dedication and contributions to the success of our Rotary Club! ❤️ ❤️ ❤️
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We heard from Richard Shelton,
Director of International Service,
which focused on his passion for the work he has done to support the Jacaranda School in Malawi, Africa. We are grateful to participate in this important work and appreciate our partnership with Mr. Shelton and the Otis College of Art and Design!!
The most unexpected moment came when Richard shared that when he visits the Jacaranda School, he always buys a goat to provide a protein rich meal while he is there. The Club loved this idea and several members spontaneously pledged to sponsor a goat - so now Richard has been gifted 5 goats for the children in Malawi!! That’s what I call the Rotary Spirit!!
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Our Club has been a long time
supporter of WAM,
the Westchester Arts and Music Festival,
which will be held on Emerson Ave. (in front of the Emerson Community Garden) on September 21st.
Director of Community Service, Martha Jeffers and Foundation President, Gail Goldstein proudly presented our check to representatives from the Stephanie Younger Group, Courtney O’Donoghue and Geoff Taylor, who are producing the event this year.
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Members worked together to assemble 100 toiletry kits for the homeless teens at S.P.Y.(Safe Place for Youth)
kits contain a comb, shampoo, conditioner, soap, deodorant, toothbrush/toothpaste, lotion, lip balm and a nail file - all in a portable, clear pouch. We will drop these off along with our socks and underwear donation when we provide a delicious lunch served by Rotarians on September 27th!
See Chair, Jan Osgood, for more info.
Thank you all for being the Hearts and Hands of Rotary!
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Last week, while moving our Club storage, we found our original Charter for the Playa Sunrise Rotary Club, dated June 30, 2005.
Pictured are Charter Members and Past Presidents, Kathrine Russell, Gwen and Jim Vuchsas, and in memory of Tony Ciancimino, Judith Ciancimino.
We later merged with the Venice Rotary Club in 2010, becoming the Playa Venice Sunrise Rotary Club.
We look forward to celebrating our 20th year in 2025.
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We had a wonderful turnout at our monthly Happy Hour!
This month we met at Brizo in Marina Del Rey - great table with a wonderful view - delicious food and fabulous fellowship! Thank you to Becky Reilly for setting the stage for a beautiful evening spent with libations and loving friends!! There was even a special appearance by “Bomba” - Brady’s greyhound - such a sweet, beautiful soul!! Bomba is very fortunate to have been rescued by Brady’s wonderful family!
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This Wednesday is 9/11…Patriots Day.
In memory of the 2983 men,
women and children who lost their lives as well as those who risked their lives to save others, our Club has contributed to The Never Forget Fund and sent in a note of remembrance to be included in the digital
“Blue Sky Remembrance Wall”.
Our personal message of commemoration reads:
“On behalf of the Rotary Club of Playa Venice, we wish to thank the brave men and women who risked their lives to save others. We pray for the victims and their families and continue to work towards a more peaceful world.
God Bless America and may we never forget!”
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* Speaker This Week * Past District Governor,
Cozette Vergari
We welcome Past District Governor, Cozette Vergari, to share about the history of our area and the important work she has done to preserve and chronicle our local history through the
Westchester/Playa Historical Society.
Cozette grew up in Westchester, attended USC receiving her bachelor’s degree in dance, and continued on with her master’s course work, while obtaining a teaching credential for secondary education. She spent a decade performing in musical theatre. After 25 years in the field of dance, and motivated by the issues of domestic violence and
sex abuse crimes, Cozette chose to attend law school. She currently is of counsel to Vergari & Napolitano. She has been a member of the Rotary Club of Westchester since 1995, has served as Rotary International District Governor for the Los Angeles region, as Honorary Mayor of Westchester, and on the boards of the WPNC, LAX Coastal Chamber of Commerce, AMCS, Westchester Rotary Foundation, and Rotary District 5280 Charitable Foundation. Cozette resides happily in Westchester with husband Richard Moon. Together they share four children and five grandchildren.
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President Lisa's Rotary Jumble
Always having fun with President Lisa!
We Are BETTER TOGETHER! "Be the Reason Someone Smiles Today"
-- President Lisa
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We're Proud to be PVSR ROTARIANS! Wear Your
ROTARY PIN Pride Raffle!
Remember to wear your pins or logo clothing
to enter the special raffle hosted by
Foundation President, Gail Goldstein! You never know what that mystery raffle
prize will be!!
PLEASE NOTE:
Change of meeting location on September 25th!
We will be meeting for breakfast at LAX followed by a guided tour of the exciting changes happening at LAX by our own Charles Pannunzio! Please note we will NOT be meeting at
Whiskey Reds on September 25th!!
Thank you Charles for arranging thisprivate tour!!
Please see Charles ~ advance signup required.
* S.P.Y. "SAFE PLACE FOR YOUTH* Lunch & Donation Drop-off
We will be hosting lunch on September 27th at 12:00 noon. We are looking for a team of Rotarians who can help serve lunch, deliver our Box o’ Sox, toiletry kits and the proceeds from our change for change donation jar. Sign up with Jan Osgood!
Thank you Jan for your help with all of this!!
