Happy Leap Day 2024! I’m so happy that we have an EXTRA day to be together as Rotarians! This week we welcome Gabriele Vignone from the organization: House Farm Workers. It will be great to hear more about what is being done to address this ongoing issue in our agriculturally based county.
Last week we heard from Cameron DeJong, football (soccer) player and Villanova coach who has started a non-profit to help talented players realize their full potential. Ventura Football Network is hosting its first Showcase event where players will be seen by scouts around the world, on March 30th at Buena High School (Live streamed). He is looking for sponsors as well as volunteers to help with checking in players, and generally helping where needed. A great chance to see some primo football/soccer. We will have a sign-up sheet circulating this week. Check out more info on: venturafootballnetwork.com.
Next week we will have the coordinator of the March 23rd YES! (Youth Empowerment Summit) Our program scheduled for last week, Sonny Horses 4 Kids, has rescheduled for March 14th.
Ventura South is having their annual Mardi Gras party on March 10th. If you are interested in tickets, let me know. This popular event is held at The Tower Club in Oxnard.
Our 2nd annual St. Patrick’s Day Party and fundraiser at Topa Topa Brewing is coming right up, Sunday March 17th. Tickets for Irish Stew and a brew are $25. The live entertainment lineup includes the Firefighters Pipe Band, Claddagh Dancers and live Irish tunes. Proceeds will benefit the Walk for Kids and Ronald McDonald Family Room at VCMC.
Preparations for the 3rd annual Butterfly Wine, Beer, Food Festival fundraiser, June 8th at Camp Arnaz, in partnership with the Girl Scouts is in motion and looking for sponsors. If you have a favorite wine tasting room, brewery, or restaurant, consider asking if they would like to participate in the event. Business sponsorships for $500 and up are also most welcome. Flyers are on the tables at each meeting and available on our club website. Also, consider getting certified as a food/beverage server. See Cal for more information.
The Calendar:
Feb 29 –House Farm Workers - Gabriele Vignone
Mar 7 – Ventura YES program - Mary Lingua
Mar 12 – Board meeting 5:30
Mar 14 – Sonny Horses 4 Kids, Equestrian Therapy
Mar 17 – St. Patrick’s Day celebration/fundraiser at Topa Topa Brewing on Colt St.
Mar 21 – Social TBA
Mar 28 – Girl Scouts
In recognition that this is an election year and that there is divisiveness in our country and the world, I remind you that Rotary is a neutral zone. Thank you for respecting and enjoying the a-political aspect of our organization.
