Hi All ~ We've fixed some technical difficulties with this newsletter ~
So enjoy the restored Pictures from
our 2 major events that slipped through the cracks! LOL
For many, summer is the season of sea
breezes and sunshine—of concerts in the
park, watermelon slices, and sun-brewed
tea that tastes like pure nostalgia. It’s the
buzz of creating memories, whether close
to home or across the miles, through family
gatherings, girls’ trips, or golf outings.
Summer carries a sense of wonder—equal
parts childhood magic and the joy of new
connections—reminding us that the best
moments are often the simplest: laughter
under the stars, sticky fingers from sweet
desserts, and friendships that feel a little
warmer in the glow of the season.
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This Week's Guest Speaker:
🎤🎶 Kaleo Knight
We highly encourage you to join us on
Wednesday to meet and listen to Kaleo Knight.
She will amaze you and give you chills when
you hear her sing. She is a 16 year old from
our own Westchester, who sang at this year's 4th of July parade. She also competed on
American Idol. You can get a glimpse of this
incredibly talented young lady on Instagram.
Please join us on Wednesday to hear her story
live at our Rotary meeting.
🎂 Birthday Celebration
August Birthdays were celebrated with good
wishes going to John, Becky, Brady, Judith, Sean, LaVonne, Lindsay,and Birthday Fairy, Bobbie Casalino-Lewis.
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Reflections On A Remarkable Story Monika White, PhD & Gitta Morris
The talk given by Dr. Monika White and her
twin sister, Gitta Morris, was both touching
and inspirational. They spoke of their childhood
in the Hongkew District of Shanghai - later
known as the Shanghai Jewish Ghetto - sharing memories of fear, loss, hunger, and also the
precious moments of joy that sustained them.
They describe their arrival in the United States
at age eight and the impact life here had on
them. As Displaced Persons, as they were then
called, they went on to build strong families and
meaningful lives, eventually choosing to become
naturalized U.S. citizens.
What touched us most was their vitality,
their gratitude, and the joy they so clearly
take in each other’s company. Their story is
one of strength, love, and an unshakable
spirit- a morning we will not soon forget.
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District Picnic 🧺🎊
This year’s District Picnic was a great
gathering, with more than 300 people
enjoying food, friendship, sunshine, and
boat races. Our group found a prime spot
on the grass facing the walkway—a perfect
place to take in all the fun.
It didn’t take long to see why our table
was such a hit: a dessert spread that
kept drawing folks for “just one more bite.”
From lemon bars and eclairs to brownies,
cupcakes, a rainbow of cookies (including
gluten-free), and an array of pound cakes—
there was truly something sweet for everyone.
We had 11 members in attendance, and
together we added to the spirit of community
that made the picnic such a success.
Shout out to Lucy Wegner, for chairing such
a fun and well organized event, and to all who
participated: Brady, Gwen, Gail, Rob, Debbie
and husband Gene, Ramona, Matthew, Stephanie, LaVonne,and Lucy.
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Playa Venice Sunrise Rotary
Summer Social
What an afternoon to remember! The 2025
Summer Social, hosted at the lovely home of
Racquel Frawley was filled with groovy music, laughter, and summertime fun.
From start to finish, the afternoon was a
wonderful success. Special THANKS to Racquel
for being such an incredible and generous
host, to Gail and Rob for sponsoring the music
of Rising Sun Entertainment, and to everyone
who contributed to the spread of amazing
food that made the night complete.
