PLAYA VENICE SUNRISE 2025 - 26 Newsletter Vol 35 (Feb. 23, 2026)

Rhythm of Generosity

Foundation President Gail was pleased to
presented Evan Hart a djembe which was
generously donated by Co-President Martha.
As a music teacher, Evan has added this vibrant
instrument to his percussion collection, further
enriching his students’ learning experience
and supporting his music group.

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February Birthday Celebration

Courtney and Racquel were welcomed in
sparkling style as the Birthday Fairy Bobbie
made a dazzling appearance, leading the club
in song and festive wishes to celebrate
our February birthdays! 🎉✨

🎂🎉 Happy Birthday, Courtney and Racquel!
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Making it Official

Our newest member, Dawn Everard, received
her Rotary name badge at last week’s meeting,
officially becoming one of us.

It was a simple yet meaningful moment,
symbolizing Dawn’s commitment to Service
Above Self. We’re excited to welcome Dawn
into the Playa Venice Sunrise Rotary family.

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7th Annual Protectors'
Appreciation Week

Playa Venice Sunrise Rotary proudly
presented a $500 check to Mary-Catherine
Micka representing the LAX Coastal Chamber
of Commerce in support of the Chamber’s
7th Annual Protectors’ Appreciation Week.
We are honored to sponsor this important
event recognizing the dedicated men and
women who keep our communities safe.

Our club participated in a basket delivery to the
Los Angeles County Fire Station 110 in Marina
del Rey. We will be serving lunch to the Los
Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Marina
del Rey Station on Wednesday from
11:00 am - 1:00 pm as we continue to
show our appreciation for our heroes.

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Rock, Roll & Run - Racing for a Reason!

Each year, we look forward to the Rock, Roll & Run
event presented by the LAX Coastal Education
Foundation. As a proud sponsor, PVSR donated
$3,500 in support of this wonderful community
fundraiser, with the check presentation to
Co-President Traci Cox on behalf of
the Foundation.

Rock, Roll & Run is a high-energy community
fun run bringing together students and adults
from 25 local schools. Participants lace up not
only for fitness and fun, but also to raise funds
for their schools through pledges—making every
step count toward supporting education.

Playa Venice Sunrise Rotary is proud to sponsor
this exciting event and continue our tradition of
service by hosting a free Pancake Breakfast for
all attendees. It’s a morning of movement, music,
and community spirit—topped off with pancakes
and plenty of smiles!
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Leadership & Local Challenges

Alex Villanueva recently addressed our club,
sharing insights from his time serving as Los
Angeles County Sheriff. He spoke about the
challenges of leading one of the nation’s largest
sheriff’s departments, the importance of public
safety, and the evolving relationship between law
enforcement and the communities they serve.

His remarks offered a candid look at leadership
under pressure and the complex challenges
facing Los Angeles, particularly homeless housing, mental health care, and rehabilitation services.
He emphasized the importance of open dialogue
and the vital role civic engagement plays in
developing effective, compassionate solutions.

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📸 Wednesday Captures 📸

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🌊 District 5280 Waves of Fellowship

District Governor Elect Brady Connell
hosted a festive President Elect Leadership
Seminar gathering for Rotary District 5280
President-Elects, along with District
and Rotary International guests.

With a beach-themed backdrop reflecting
Brady’s coastal roots, PVSR held a reception
filled with great food, refreshing libations,
music, and wonderful fellowship. His home
club, Playa Venice Sunrise Rotary, with support
from Latinos Unidos Rotary, proudly hosted
the event, bringing the seaside spirit to life.

A heartfelt thank you to all our members who
volunteered their time and talents to make the
evening a success — we made DGE Brady proud!
In particular to Lisa for coordinating the catering
and decor; to Gwen, Linda, Lucy, Debbie,
Stephanie, David, Evan, Matthew, Mary-Catherine,
Courtney, Gabe, Jan and Martha. And to our
amazing DJ, Addy!

Congratulations to the District Governors and
future governors - from left to right - Past District
Governor Albert Hernández; District Governor
Elect Brady; District Governor Alex Parajon;
District Governor Nominee Janice Lowers; and
District Governor Nominee Designate Leon Dixon.

Our President Elect Gail Goldstein attended the
three-day President Elect Leadership Seminar
(PELS) event. After participating in dynamic
sessions, connecting with fellow leaders, and immersing herself in the spirit and vision of
Rotary, she returned energized and inspired.

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Events This Week

Protectors' Appreciation Week
February 23rd - 27th

Every year the LAX Coastal Chamber plans an
event to celebrate the men and women who
protect our community day after day. This year
Protectors Appreciation Week is February 23 – February 27. PVSR is proud to sponsor and participate with the Chamber on this
special event!

🔗 laxcoastal.com/event/protectors-appreciation/

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LAPD Pacific Division
100 Year Celebration
February 26th

📍 12312 Culver Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA

⏰ 8 AM

Playa Venice Sunrise Rotary is honored to be a
proud sponsor of the 100-Year Celebration of the
LAPD Pacific Division—a century of dedicated
service, courage, and commitment to keeping
our coastal communities safe.

Here’s to celebrating 100 years of partnership,
protection, and community pride!
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Interact Youth Conference
February 28th

📍 Inglewood High School
10500 Yukon Ave S. Inglewood

⏰ 9 AM - 2 PM

High school Interactors will enjoy a full day
focused on leadership and personal growth,
featuring interactive workshops, guest speakers,
a hands-on service project, and sessions on
college admissions, resumes, financial literacy,
and life after Interact.

Playa Venice Sunrise Rotary is excited to
sponsor two students from Venice High
School attending this Conference.

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Beyond Today: Planning
for the Future
February 28th

📍 Covenant Presbyterian Church
6323 W. 80th St. Westchester

⏰ 9:30 AM - 2 PM

In support of our friends at the Westside
Pacific Villages, we are pleased to share this
important upcoming community event.

To RSVP and purchase tickets, contact
rsvp@thewpv.org or (310) 695-7030.
We hope to see you there!
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Events Coming Up

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 PM

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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🍀 BINGOFEST 🍀
March 14th

📍 Visitation School Westchester
8740 Emerson Ave.

⏰ 5:30 PM - 10 PM

RSVP by March 7th

It's time for the 15th ANNUAL PVSR
"LUCK O' THE IRISH BINGOFEST"!

Admission includes:
- Dinner - Entertainment (Live Irish music) -
Cash Door Prizes - 10 Bingo Games with Final
card $500 blackout

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!

*REGISTER EARLY, this is a POPULAR EVENT*
🔗 https://playavenice.org/event/bingofest-7/

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District Breakfast
March 21st

Early Bird tickets are available until
February 28.

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