In the rush of ribbons, gatherings, and good
cheer, we sometimes get swept into the “doing”
of the season. Let this be our cozy reminder
that the brightest gift we give is who we are
when we choose to be love—steady, kind,
and present.
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🔔 St. Bernard Choir Holiday Concert 🎶
We’re excited to welcome the talented students of St. Bernard College Preparatory to our Wednesday meeting. With a unique schedule that lets Vikings
thrive in leadership, athletics, and the arts, their
well-rounded spirit shines through—especially in
their exceptional choir. You won’t want to miss
the holiday cheer they’ll bring as they light up
our morning with music.
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🎂 December Birthdays 🎂
It’s that time of the Rotary month to celebrate December birthdays. Come join us and the
Birthday Fairy on Wednesday as we sprinkle
some birthday cheer on our
December celebrants.
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Threads of Kindness,
Woven for Our Families
We were thrilled to receive the donated handmade quilts designed by Laurie Bird and her quilting
class. The quilts were beautifully wrapped in
holiday paper to be given to the five families in
our Adopt-A-Family program. Every child will
receive a handmade quilt, along with one for
the parents.
Laurie and Steve have been long-time supporters
of PVSR, and their generosity continues to shine.
Stay tuned for pictures as our Adopt-A-Family
teams deliver the joy of giving and reveal these
heartfelt gifts to each family.
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November's Rotarian of the Month:
✨ Dave Johnston ✨
It was wonderful to see Dave’ssurprise as he
received the Rotarian of the Month Award. He
was chosen for his consistent engagement
throughout November. He participated in
many events—from the District Foundation
Celebration to helping out at the Thanksgiving
Lunch for seniors, Fire Station #5 pancake
breakfast, and multiple fellowship gatherings. Dave’s presence lights up every room he
enters, carrying with him a true spirit of Service Above Self.
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Wreaths For Seniors
Supporting our community of senior citizens has
been a highlight of the past two months. Last
Wednesday, PVSR members put their creative
hats on to decorate 25 wreaths, which were
delivered to the Westchester Senior Center
that morning.
It is heartwarming to know that seniors
who are homebound or without family will
enjoy holiday wreaths made with such care,
love, and regard.
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📸 Wednesday Meeting Captures
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Holiday Cheers With Lauri & Brady
Happy Hour 🍷🎄
A warm and heartfelt thank you to Lauri and
Brady for opening their home for the club’s December Happy Hour. Their generosity,
welcoming spirit, delicious food, and festive
libations made the evening truly special. Twenty-three Rotarians joined in for fellowship
— a wonderful reflection of the friendships
and camaraderie that thrive within PVSR.
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First Saturday Stroll
Once again, PVSR came through in support of our
community by participating in the First Saturday
Stroll late afternoon event—featuring music, food,
crafts, and art. Our booth delighted holiday
families with homemade hot chocolate expertly
prepared by Gail and Rob, topped with whipped
cream, and paired with cookies, donuts, and
candy canes. A total of 293 cups of hot
chocolate were served!
A big thanks to everyone who made the event
such a success:
• Linda, for always adding her magical
balloon touch to our booths.
• Jan, Janet, Dave, Evan, LaVonne,
Matthew, Iris, Gwen, Lisa, and Martha,
for their teamwork and energy in making
the event so much fun and memorable.
And to top it off, many of our Friends of
Rotary soaked in the holiday spirit and
stopped by the PVSR booth for a hot
cup of hot chocolate.
Gwen and her family even had a sweet
moment with Santa, passing along their
Christmas wishes.
A Gift of Art: PSVR Co-Sponsors
Student Showcase
PVSR Co-President Gwen Vuchsas and Past
President Lisa Schwab were thrilled to present Lory Sarlo, board member of the LAX Coastal
Education Foundation, with a $500 check in
support of this year’s annual Student Art Show.
The creativity and talent of these young artists
brightens the Westchester Triangle, where their
work is proudly displayed for the entire
community to enjoy.
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Adopt-a-Family Teams Out Shopping
The Reindeer Rotarians took to the shops with
holiday spirit! Rob was happily worn out, and the
rest of the Reindeer—Gail, Jan, Matthew, and Rich—were brimming with merriment and a dash
of mischief as they picked out gifts for
their family.
🛍️ 🎄 🛍️ 🎁 🛍️ 🎄 🛍️
Santa’s Helpers Squad hit the stores with holiday
spirit! The five Venice Interactors teamed up to
shop for the two children in their adopted family,
while Marsha and Martha had a wonderful time selecting gifts for the four adults. Unfortunately,
the team was having so much fun that they
forgot to take pictures.
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Rotarians Around Town
LMU Tree Lighting
It was a perfect winter’s evening to attend the LMU Christmas tree lighting event. Enjoying the
Holiday Spirit were Gwen, Courtney, and Jared.
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Bridging Generations Through
Art & Storytelling
Each semester, Otis College students present beautifully crafted biographical books and public presentations honoring local senior citizens at
the Wende Museum in Culver City. After spending
months documenting and researching their lives,
the students showcase heartfelt stories that
celebrate wisdom and legacy.
This year’s event was especially well attended
by our Rotarians—Rob, Gale, Janet, Ramona,
Bobbie, Rich, and Kathrine—all showing support
for this meaningful intergenerational program.
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Events This Week
Jackets of Excellence December 11th
📍Venice High School
⏰ 4 PM - 6 PM
On December 11 we will be attending Venice High
School’s annual presentation of the Jackets of
Excellence. PVSR was proud to have contributed
toward the purchase of the academic letterman jackets. The “Jackets of Excellence” award honors
Venice students who exemplify academic excellence
and the finest qualities of a true Gondo.
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Holiday & Gift Wrapping Party December 12th
📍Visitation School Auditorium
⏰ 6 PM - 9 PM
Let’s come together to celebrate the season as we
wrap gifts for our Adopt-A-Families and share in the
joy of giving. We will enjoy delicious food, festive
music, and warm fellowship as we prepare these
gifts that will brighten the holidays for the families
we support.
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Winter Fest December 13th
📍Westchester Park
⏰ 9 AM - 1 PM
Pancake breakfast, snow, arts & crafts,
music and more! 🥞🎨🎶
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Events Coming Up
Santa Tour December 15th
⏰ 5 PM - 8 PM
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2026 Rotary Rose Parade Float
The 2026 Rotary Rose Parade Float is one of
the largest and most ambitious Rotary has ever created and decorators are needed to help bring
this float to life. This is an incredible hands on
experience you will never forget.
To sign up to decorate - Go to: www.rotaryfloat.org/decorator-signups/
Imagine sharing with friends and family which
flower you placed on our anticipated
award-winning float!
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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
