See You This Wednesday for
Another Exciting Meeting of the PLAYA VENICE SUNRISE ROTARIANS!
The Magic is HERE!
Join us for the Fun! District Governor Albert will be at
our Meeting this Week!
Service above Self Since 2005
❤️ Gratitude & Honor ❤️
Thank you to all who have been coming to our meetings - it is so wonderful to have such an exciting and positive energy in the room!
We are closing in on the first 90 days of our Rotary year and summer is nearly over - the official end of summer is September 22nd this year and as we transition into fall (my favorite time of year), I can’t help but reflect on 2024 so far…it has been full and complicated and at times, very stressful. But when I sit still and really consider the collective contributions we make, the friendships that have persevered and the heart of service we still share, I feel truly grateful. Thank you for your love and dedication to our Club - every one of you is valued and appreciated! ❤️
Last week, our meeting began with Board Secretary, Iris, leading us in the Pledge of Allegiance and sharing a beautiful poem followed by a prayer by Immediate Past President, Hilton, and a moving moment of silence - all to honor the victims and the heroes of September 11th.
I remember how I felt in the days that followed such a horrific moment in our history; I felt a true sense of solidarity and was deeply moved by the strength and sacrifice being made by so many to help those in need. It was an example of what it feels like to be a unified America - taking care of each other -
we were the United States,
and our pride was palpable.
I have vivid memories of driving through our neighborhoods and seeing flags on literally every house. People even had flags on their cars -
including me - and the warmth and love towards
our neighbors and our country was inspiring.
I would like to believe that a tragedy is not the only way to bring about that kind of pride, compassion and unity. I continue to pray we can somehow
heal the divisions we currently experience.
Rotary’s motto of Service Above Self stirs a unique sense of purpose within my heart. I have been a proud Rotarian for over 18 years and I am honored to work with other Rotarians within our Club and from all around the world, making a difference and helping those in need.
This coming Saturday, September 21st,
is the International Day of Peace -
We heard from Past District Governor, Cozette Vergari, who completely fascinated us with the origins and history of our local area and beyond…we will be welcoming Cozette back on November 20th for part two of her presentation. Thank you Cozette for your work with the Westchester/Playa Historical Society. If you haven’t had a chance to visit the Discovery Center, please do - it is located in the Westchester Triangle and is a wonderful collection that paints a remarkable story of the many pioneers and local heroes who came before us and who helped shape our communities.
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** Wednesday! **
District Governor, Albert Hernandez
Visits PVSR!
This week we will welcome our District Governor, Albert Hernandez
who will be joining us along with
other dignitaries from District 5280. PLEASE join us as we would like to show our gratitude for his much appreciated help and support!
Wear your Dodger jerseys or other gear
because he is a BIG FAN! GO BLUE!!
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* Special Guest This Week * Scott Culbertson
We will also hear from Scott Culbertson, the Executive Director of The Friends of Ballona Wetlands, who will give us a brief update on the restoration, current happenings, setbacks and progress of our wetlands. We are so grateful for their enduring stewardship and conservation of this precious environmental gem.
The Ballona Wetlands is a such a beautiful sanctuary, teaming with flora and fauna, butterflies and wild birds and much more of nature’s best! We will be presenting our check in support of the upcoming Moonlight on the Marsh event happening on October 5th at the Playa Vista Centerpointe Club and are so proud to sponsor this most amazing and important work.
** Congratulations to our Co-President, **
Past-President, and DGN Brady Connell
on his graduation from GNLS
(Governor Nominee Learning Seminar)!
We are So Very Proud to be on this journey with such an exceptional leader and we know our future
District Governor Brady Connell will do an amazing job in 2026-2027. Thank you for all you continue to do in support of our many beloved
service projects and programs. Playa Venice Loves You! ❤️ ❤️ ❤️
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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!!
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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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Quote of the Week
What good is the warmth of summer,
without the cold of winter to give it sweetness.
* WAM * Westchester Arts & Music Festival WAM Event is Saturday Sept. 21st https://wamblockparty.org
Coming up very soon is the Westchester Arts and Music Festival (WAM) on Sat. September 21st! We will have a booth at the event and are still
looking for a few volunteers to help.
This event is well attended, and we have some fun projects planned to entertain the kids. Get in on the Fun!
PLEASE NOTE:
Change of meeting location on September 25th! We will be meeting for breakfast at
FLIGHT PATH MUSEUM
6661 IMPERIAL HWY, Los Angeles, CA 90045
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 this private tour!!
Please see Charles ~ advance signup required.
* S.P.Y. "SAFE PLACE FOR YOUTH* Lunch & Donation Drop-off
Sept. 27th
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!!
