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What a fun night was had by all when the District Governor Albert Hernandez came to visit. Along with DG Albert came DGE Alex Parajon, PDG Guity Javid, AG for WVRC Shirin Mosavi-Nejad and AG for Rancho Park, Redy B. Thompson! Lots of Rotarian Dignitaries in the room!
President Benjamin of Westwood and President Ben of Rancho Park opened the meeting by welcoming everyone and recognizing the Dignitaries. PPx2 Diane Good led the pledge to a gigantic flag/baseball motif on the wall. President Ben gave the thought for the day and the meeting was underway. PP Mark Rogo recited the 4-Way test starting with a Jewish 4-way test only to realize it was not the one we were waiting to hear. He corrected himself quickly. PP Ed Gauld led the crowd in singing “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” as the meeting was baseball themed with the majority wearing Dodger shirts.
President Benjamin, President Ben and, the UCLA Rotaractor President Coline Luo each gave presentations on all the wonderful programs the three Clubs have sponsored or participated in the first six months of this Rotary year. Very impressive accomplishments by all three!! Congratulations! Also honored tonight, Lynn Rogo, Nanci Cohen, Janet Schwartz, Aaron Donahue, John O’Keefe, and Michael Newman with Paul Harris Awards.
Prez Benjamin then took to the microphone and introduced DG Albert Hernandez as our speaker for this event. DG Albert had a lot to tell us and accomplished a lot in his first six months. Amazing when you consider the man works full time, is a DG full time and, is a husband and a full-time father to a school aged daughter. I wonder when the man sleeps!
DG Albert talked about the Humanitarian trip to Maui and, the one coming up to Barbados. He introduced us to District 5280’s new Podcast every Saturday called Rotary Buzz which is assessable through District5280.0rg. He also talked about District5280’s YouTube channel. There are several training videos on YouTube District5280 that you can go in and listen to. The DG next encouraged all Rotarians to register under Rotary Direct on the District website and register to make a monthly donation to Rotary International to fund programs around the world.
DG Albert then discussed the upcoming District Breakfast on January 25th at 9:30 in North Hollywood. He encouraged everyone to sign up now as seating is limited. Also coming up is the second Rotary Means Business social hour. Did you know there is a directory on the district website and on club runner where you can register your business and or, find a Rotarian in business that can help you with a “honey do” issue such as painting a bathroom. He also spoke to the many social media websites the district is on including Facebook & Instagram where a current Club President is featured each week.
The DG finished by acknowledging all the wonderful programs/projects the district has done the first six months of this Rotary year from feeding people around the world, to helping Veterans, to bringing all our Youth Clubs (Interactors & Rotaractors) to life and providing scholarships to those in need.
DG Albert was once helped by Rotary when his family situation required assistance. As a result of that assistance, he developed a huge belief in Rotary and their mission, and a commitment to Service Above Self. He understands first-hand the wonderful impact of Rotary.
It was a very inspirational and informative presentation only topped by the gifts the Clubs gave to him of a Los Angeles Dodgers 2024 World Series jacket plus money for the projects to take place in Barbados. The best though was the cake celebrating the DG’s visit which had a picture of the DG.
Congratulations also to WVRC member Carol Rosenstein on a successful Holiday Concert last Saturday the 7that the Brentwood Presbyterian Church. It was a fun event full of sing along and dancing in the aisles as the 5th Demetia Band played their instruments. Well done, Carol!
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