A Rotary Club project that was originally designed by Rotarian Rhonda Brady just for members as a way to give back this past holiday season grew by leaps and bounds into a food project that included people from all over the greater Tehachapi area. There were donations of cash from local individuals and bigger donations from Terra-Gen and BHE Renewables LLC that allowed Rotarians to shop for food to fill the nearly 200 boxes. Many individuals in our community put together the boxes of food, many with extra Christmas surprises.
Since the Regional Stay at Home order went into effect in early December, local hotels and restaurants have had to layoff many of their employees once again. Over 100 families in Cambria and neighboring San Simeon, affected by layoffs, find themselves struggling to feed their families and to provide every day necessities. While both the San Luis Obispo Food Bank and Cambria Vineyard Church have regular bi-weekly food distributions and the Cambria Lions Club is providing a hot meal each week, families are still in need. So, Cambria Rotary has once again jumped in to help by providing gift certificates for our local market to the 100+ families identified as being in need. It was determined that providing gift certificates rather than groceries gives people the opportunity to purchase items that may not have been included in the various food pantries such as paper goods, over the counter medications and perishable items. The plan is to continue to provide gift certificates every other week until the stay at home order is lifted and people are able to get back to work.
The KernYES! Board of Directors met during the Holiday break and decided that in an abundance of caution to not hold the upcoming February 2021 event. The first priority is the safety of our students and volunteers and student education. As the pandemic rages on with students still not meeting in person, we felt it was not safe or prudent. We also took into consideration the burdens on teachers and counselors coupled with the difficulties they face even after they return to in-person learning; we could not add the challenge of coordinating KernYES! registration, it would be too difficult and a near impossible task. We will be meeting mid-August 2021 to plan our February 26, 2022 KernYES! event and very much look forward to continued collaboration in support of our youth.
On behalf of the KernYES! Board of Directors, we thank you for your support!
Li Gibbs
Executive Director, KernYES!
On behalf of the KernYES! Board of Directors, we thank you for your support!
Li Gibbs
Executive Director, KernYES!
There’s room for everyone on the nice list when you are a volunteer with Rotary of Westlake Village. Their enthusiastic member Erin Culbertson, took the challenged to create a COVID safe event and she did it. On December 12, a simple Drive-In Movie Elf night idea turned into a sold-out EVENT. The Club's members all pitched in to help with every detail. Lynn Jacobsen created a colorful Candy House Village and Christina Ortega took it one step further to build an amazing Tunnel of Light. Mike Dutra dressed up as Buddy the Elf and Ventura County Sheriff Ayub was a jolly Santa. The local businesses, Home Helpers In-Home Caregivers, Reed Capital Management, PEDEGO, and The Arledge Group helped to offer this special event to the Conejo Valley Community. All the proceeds went to the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Conejo Valley.
The Rotary Club of Santa Barbara Sunrise had Team Rotary volunteers pack up 200 bags of groceries donated by Albertsons to be distributed to United Boys and Girls Clubs of Santa Barbara families at Christmastime. Big thanks to Tina for her tireless work for UBGC and to all Sunrise Rotarians for lending a hand to help families during this holiday season.
Happy New Year Rotary Members! Thank you for all you did to serve your communities in 2020 during one of the most challenging years in recent memory. I know you and your clubs will make 2021 an even more memorable year, in a good way, with the help of the COVID-19 vaccine!
Vocational Service Month:
January is Vocational Service Month in Rotary, which marks the intersection of your professional life with your Rotary one. Our members represent a wide range of professions and skills and Rotary opens opportunities for business networking and mentoring of others. To help inspire ideas for Vocational Service Month (or anytime), click here to see the Rotary Vocational Service in Action Handbook. Also, check out our District Rotarian Business Network webpage where you can list your business for other members to find: https://www.rotary5240.biz
January is Vocational Service Month in Rotary, which marks the intersection of your professional life with your Rotary one. Our members represent a wide range of professions and skills and Rotary opens opportunities for business networking and mentoring of others. To help inspire ideas for Vocational Service Month (or anytime), click here to see the Rotary Vocational Service in Action Handbook. Also, check out our District Rotarian Business Network webpage where you can list your business for other members to find: https://www.rotary5240.biz
Rotary DEI Webinar Series
Throughout 2020-2021, Rotary International is hosting a webinar series called Accountability + Inclusion to explore diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in Rotary. Here is a link to the webinar schedule and the recordings of the webinars that have already been held. This is an excellent opportunity to learn how your club and members can create welcoming and inclusive Rotary clubs and projects: http://msgfocus.rotary.org/files/amf_highroad_solution/project_188/DEIWebinar-Sept2020-Description.pdf
Throughout 2020-2021, Rotary International is hosting a webinar series called Accountability + Inclusion to explore diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in Rotary. Here is a link to the webinar schedule and the recordings of the webinars that have already been held. This is an excellent opportunity to learn how your club and members can create welcoming and inclusive Rotary clubs and projects: http://msgfocus.rotary.org/files/amf_highroad_solution/project_188/DEIWebinar-Sept2020-Description.pdf
Rotary and COVID:
I have received some questions about Rotary’s role in the COVID education and vaccination program. Here is an official statement from RI staff regarding RI’s involvement in the COVID response:
Rotary and its partners in the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) have built a global health infrastructure that has brought polio to the brink of eradication and is now also being used to help protect communities from COVID-19.
Given promising new developments on effective COVID-19 vaccine candidates, many Rotary members are wondering whether Rotary and its partners can play a role in the eventual distribution of a COVID-19 vaccine, utilizing the polio eradication infrastructure--including the polio vaccine cold chain. While there are conversations ongoing within Rotary and between the GPEI and other organizations involved in the pandemic response, a strategy to use the polio eradication infrastructure to distribute a future COVID-19 vaccine has not yet been decided. We will keep members updated with any developments as possibilities are explored.
When we hear more from RI, I will notify all members in the District.
New Year Message:
Finally, here is a special New Year message from your DG Line – Deb, Savi, Dana, Scott, and Marta: https://www.jibjab.com/view/make/countdown/fab73ac1-441e-4d3f-8e9a-0c413d07d9be
Finally, here is a special New Year message from your DG Line – Deb, Savi, Dana, Scott, and Marta: https://www.jibjab.com/view/make/countdown/fab73ac1-441e-4d3f-8e9a-0c413d07d9be
During Covid 19 Pandemic, members from Rotary Clubs in Simi Valley got together to help out at the Simi Valley Senior Center. The clubs help in getting food and supplies to our seniors who have been impacted by this terrible virus. The Senior Food Share Program has been in existence for over 18 years feeding seniors in the Simi area who are financially unable to provide for themselves. There are about 70 folks who use this program. But when Covid-19 hit, the program doubled and the volunteers at the Senior Center were needing help from other volunteers. That’s when the Simi Clubs went into action. They are working every Sunday and Monday collecting food from three different stores. Every other Monday afternoon, they drive their trucks up to the Oxnard Food Share Warehouse and load their trucks up with all kinds of food which is donated by the big stores. On Tuesday, the group separates all of the food onto tables and load up approximately 140 shopping bags of food. There is usually extra eggs, milk, bread and desserts that are added in addition with the bags. At 8:30am, the distribution starts, the seniors drive their cars through a line and the bags are then loaded up into the trunks or back seats of the senior’s cars. All this work is being done utilizing Covid-19 PPE’s and procedures.
In recognition of Rotary Gratefulness Week, the Pismo Beach-5 Cities Rotary Club honored several essential workers at their November 17th meeting. This was a wonderful meeting that the club enjoyed because they were able to personally thank some very special people for the great work they do on a daily basis.
The workers recognized were representatives of their profession and their colleagues. Each was given a plaque to commemorate their recognition and all but one received a $100 gift card to an area restaurant. One honoree, California Fresh Market, received a check for $100, which they matched, to be used for a pizza party for all their employees before the start of the holiday rush. The honored essential workers are listed below with a picture of them receiving their plaque from club President Shannon Bowdey.
We’ve all learned during these times that we need to not only carry on, but also learn how to “reimagine” carrying on our events. It was with great enthusiasm that the Rotary Club of Ojai’s 2019/2020 “Rising Star” and Taste of Ojai Chair Tara Saylor did just that and more!
Along with a stellar committee effort led by Tara, the club’s annual fundraising event went both live at Ojai’s Topa Mountain Winery and online via Zoom, with a well-choreographed and beautifully filmed event highlighting local restaurants, ranches, wineries and breweries for the entire community to enjoy.
Along with a stellar committee effort led by Tara, the club’s annual fundraising event went both live at Ojai’s Topa Mountain Winery and online via Zoom, with a well-choreographed and beautifully filmed event highlighting local restaurants, ranches, wineries and breweries for the entire community to enjoy.
December in the Rotary world marks Disease Prevention and Treatment Month, a truly relevant focus since we have all been impacted by COVID-19 in some way. Today also marks Giving Tuesday, a global movement for good that began in 2012 on the first Tuesday following Thanksgiving. As I’m writing this message in the warmth and comfort of my home, I’m reminded how fortunate my family and I are compared with so many people in this world, and how blessed we are to be able to help others through Rotary. Today’s newsletter includes some ways you can Do Good on this Giving Tuesday and beyond.
Rotary and Giving Tuesday:
The Rotary Foundation supports communities all over the world through local projects and global efforts such as Polio Plus. Here is a short video from Rotary in honor of Giving Tuesday: https://vimeo.com/474720383/b16d6743b7.
The Rotary Foundation supports communities all over the world through local projects and global efforts such as Polio Plus. Here is a short video from Rotary in honor of Giving Tuesday: https://vimeo.com/474720383/b16d6743b7.
Honduras Relief Fund:
Over the past few weeks, Honduras has been hit by two major hurricanes - Eta (Category 4) and Iota (Category 5) - causing widespread devastation. Buildings have been destroyed, bridges washed-away, and infrastructures obliterated. Many people have been left homeless or are simply missing. The 33 Rotary Clubs in Honduras have come together to start the Rotary Honduras Hurricane Relief Fund, in partnership with Florida-based Make It Count Foundation, to help provide food, clothing, and shelter to those in need. Many clubs in our District have done projects in Honduras and our District participates in an Inter-Country Committee (ICC) with Honduras. Here is a link to the Relief Fund should your club or members wish to make a donation: https://rotary.themakeitcountfoundation.org
Over the past few weeks, Honduras has been hit by two major hurricanes - Eta (Category 4) and Iota (Category 5) - causing widespread devastation. Buildings have been destroyed, bridges washed-away, and infrastructures obliterated. Many people have been left homeless or are simply missing. The 33 Rotary Clubs in Honduras have come together to start the Rotary Honduras Hurricane Relief Fund, in partnership with Florida-based Make It Count Foundation, to help provide food, clothing, and shelter to those in need. Many clubs in our District have done projects in Honduras and our District participates in an Inter-Country Committee (ICC) with Honduras. Here is a link to the Relief Fund should your club or members wish to make a donation: https://rotary.themakeitcountfoundation.org
PolioPlus Fundraising – Thank You!
As you know, our District participated in the Step Up for Polio project from August through October to raise funds for Rotary’s polio eradication efforts. We also raised funds for Polio during our Party for Polio kick off to the Virtual District Conference. I am thrilled to announce that our members and clubs raised $17,861 through the Step Up Campaign, and the Party for Polio donations and club pledges raised another $14,382, for a total of $32,243 raised/pledged for Polio! The even better news is that the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is matching our donations $2-to-$1, which means our money will be tripled! Thank you all so much for your strong continued support of our PolioPlus fund. Our goal this year is 100% club participation in PolioPlus giving, so if your club/members have not participated, it is not too late. Here is the link to donate: https://www.endpolio.org/donate
As you know, our District participated in the Step Up for Polio project from August through October to raise funds for Rotary’s polio eradication efforts. We also raised funds for Polio during our Party for Polio kick off to the Virtual District Conference. I am thrilled to announce that our members and clubs raised $17,861 through the Step Up Campaign, and the Party for Polio donations and club pledges raised another $14,382, for a total of $32,243 raised/pledged for Polio! The even better news is that the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is matching our donations $2-to-$1, which means our money will be tripled! Thank you all so much for your strong continued support of our PolioPlus fund. Our goal this year is 100% club participation in PolioPlus giving, so if your club/members have not participated, it is not too late. Here is the link to donate: https://www.endpolio.org/donate
$52.40 Annual Fund Challenge:
Only one month left for clubs and members to meet the $52.40 Annual Fund Challenge! Help your club meet this challenge with a donation of at least $52.40 to the TRF Annual Fund. The Annual Fund makes our local and international grant projects possible! Click HERE for more information about the $52.40 Challenge.
Only one month left for clubs and members to meet the $52.40 Annual Fund Challenge! Help your club meet this challenge with a donation of at least $52.40 to the TRF Annual Fund. The Annual Fund makes our local and international grant projects possible! Click HERE for more information about the $52.40 Challenge.
Rotary Partnership with Toastmasters:
Rotary International has formed an alliance with Toastmasters International to offer additional benefits to our members. As part of this alliance, Rotary is offering a series of leadership and communication courses to Rotary and Rotaract members. The first two courses, now available in the Learning Center, discuss fundamental leadership skills like motivation, integrity, and team inclusiveness. You will also discover how ethics, decision making, goal setting, and delegating help you develop the skills necessary to lead a team effectively. Watch this video to learn how to find the courses in the Learning Center and how to get the most out of them.
Rotary International has formed an alliance with Toastmasters International to offer additional benefits to our members. As part of this alliance, Rotary is offering a series of leadership and communication courses to Rotary and Rotaract members. The first two courses, now available in the Learning Center, discuss fundamental leadership skills like motivation, integrity, and team inclusiveness. You will also discover how ethics, decision making, goal setting, and delegating help you develop the skills necessary to lead a team effectively. Watch this video to learn how to find the courses in the Learning Center and how to get the most out of them.
Meet our 2023-2024 District Governor!
Marta Golding Brown from the Rotary Club of Oxnard has been selected as our District 5240 Governor for 2023-2024. Marta has been a member of Rotary for 15 years and served twice as President of the Rotary Club of Lancaster Sunrise. She has served in various positions in two Districts (5240 and 5300), including Education and Training Director, PRLS Director, Assistant Governor, Executive Assistant Governor, Group Study Exchange Area Coordinator and Director, and PETS Trainer. Marta participated in a 30-day Group Study Exchange to Brazil in 2005.
Marta Golding Brown from the Rotary Club of Oxnard has been selected as our District 5240 Governor for 2023-2024. Marta has been a member of Rotary for 15 years and served twice as President of the Rotary Club of Lancaster Sunrise. She has served in various positions in two Districts (5240 and 5300), including Education and Training Director, PRLS Director, Assistant Governor, Executive Assistant Governor, Group Study Exchange Area Coordinator and Director, and PETS Trainer. Marta participated in a 30-day Group Study Exchange to Brazil in 2005.
Professionally, Marta is the Government Affairs Director for the Ventura County Coastal Association of REALTORS. She is married to her husband Forrest Brown and they have one grown daughter MacKenzie and a Queensland Heeler named Cairo. In her spare time (and pre-COVID), Marta loves to travel. Marta is a strong supporter of The Rotary Foundation and is a Major Donor Level 1, Benefactor, member of the Bequest Society, and member of the Paul Harris Society. Congratulations Marta!
Rotary District 5240 encourages clubs within the District to submit short articles, "Club Stories," to be published on the District Website and in the District Newsletter. Take advantage of this FREE opportunity to showcase your club's accomplishments. Here are the guidelines and the "how-to" for submitting your stories.
WHAT qualifies as a Club Story?
Club Stories are highlights of District 5240 Club-specific activities. The following examples illustrate activities that qualify as District 5240 Club Stories (upcoming or after the fact):
- Community Service Projects
- Youth Service Projects
- Vocational Service Projects
- International Service Projects
- Club Service Projects
- New Membership Highlights
- Club Fundraising Events
- Member Award Recognitions
HOW do I submit my Club Story?
After you make sure the story qualifies as a "Club Story," you may submit it by emailing ALL of the following items to stories@district5240.org:
- A short summary of the activity, minimum 50 words and maximum 250 words. Please submit as a Word doc and proofread prior to sending. If the content is copywrited/re-used from another source, permission must be granted and please reference the source.
- Include 2-3 of the best photographs taken from the activity. If there are individuals included in the photo, please include names and Club titles of each Rotarian. (If there is a YouTube video link taken from the event, please include as well).
- Include the contact information of the most appropriate Rotarian that others may reach out to regarding the featured story.
WHERE will my Club Story be posted?
The three most recently published Club Stories will be highlighted on the homepage of www.rotarydistrict5240.org, while an archive of previous Club Stories will be included and available to view under the menu tab, District -> Archived District Stories.
Your story may also be selected for the District Newsletter which goes out to our nearly 3300 active members.
WHEN will my Club Story be posted after I submit?
Depending on the amount of Club Stories in the cue, your article could take as short as 24 hours or up to 2 weeks to be published after all necessary information is received.
We hope that you take advantage of this promotional opportunity for your Club!
Questions about Club Stories? Please email stories@district5240.org for assistance.
Questions about the website? Please email website@district5240.org for assistance.
