NEWS TODAY

WESTWOOD VILLAGE ROTARY CLUB

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Once again, the WVRC was entertained by the Renowned Band of Investment Advisors led by PP Steve Scherer. This is an annual event cherished by the members and like all the previous meetings, this one did not disappoint.  Prior to beginning PP Michael Newman gave the “Thought of the Day” explaining why Financial Advisors follow the Four Way Test (wink, wink) (recited excellently by Teya McCockran) and even quoted PP Leo Tseng something about selecting a stock based upon a dart board!

PP Steve Scherer began the presentation by reminding us of the cost of free advice (you get what you pay for) and showing us how well that free advice did versus the Club members last year.  It seems the Financial Advisors in 2023 predicted (guested) the Dow, S&P 500 and, 10-year Treasury a tiny bit better than the Club members. They also pointed out (bragged) that had we invested $50K in the 5 suggested stocks in 2023, we would have made a whopping $1K by the end of the year.  Hey, up is up!!

Before starting on 2024 predictions we were reminded of some things to think about in this new year such as: who will be President?; will AI (Artificial Intelligence) help the economy?; Will we be in a recession?; will the Wars resolve (I hope so)?; and, Will life return to normal as we all once knew it to be?   So, moving forward, for 2024 WVR Club Members predict the Dow to be up by 12.5%; S& P up by 12.5%; Nasdaq by 15%; interest rates to be 75 points lower and, 10-year Treasury to be 75% lower. Fingers crossed!!

As far as investments to consider in 2024, floating mutual funds, the Aerospace Defense Fund, Wacom, and Deere & Company were discussed. As always, PP Steve Scherer reminded us to buy low and sell high and PP Chris Gaynor reminded us that when in doubt, spread it out!!

A big thank you to Jim Crane, PP Nancy McCready, and John O’Keefe for joining PP Steve in making this another fun, entertaining and informative day on investing. Always one of my favorite presentations and by the attendance obviously several other members as well.

Big shout out to PE Benjamin Fisher for leading the pledge (before heading out to PETS), PP Ed Gauld for leading us in singing “Happy Days are Here Again” while wearing a bowler’s hat and, PP Michael Newman for his Thought of the Day.

Thank you to Jerry Bergstein (LA5) and Sam Weisberg (former WVRC member) for joining us today.

• Next week's meeting on February 8th is our first book exchange. Please bring a book that has special meaning to you. The "cost" of the exchange is $10 for the Rotarian giving the book and $10 for the Rotarian receiving the book. All funds raised will go to the Westwood Village Rotary Club Foundation.

• March 16th - a membership training will be held at the Collins-Katz YMCA beginning at 10am. Everyone is welcome to attend.

• February 16th - 7pm District 5280 Peace meeting with District 3192 in India. PP Marsha Hunt to host.

• February 17th - WVRC cleanup in Westwood. Plan to meet at Westwood Transitional Village at 8:30 to volunteer.

• February 24th - final District Breakfast of the year at Da Vinci High School. Registration is on the district website.

• February 28th - Enjoy a social evening at Hillcrest CC hosted by PP Mark Rogo.

• March 21st - Pageant of the Arts competition at Uni High School begins at 4pm. Judges are needed. Contract PP Diane Good if you want to be a Judge for the day!

• April 27th - District 5280's and Rotary International's DAY OF SERVICE. Save the Date, more information to follow.

• May 3rd to 5th - District 5280 Conference, downtown at the famous Biltmore Hotel.

• May 3rd - Dodger Baseball game with the district. You can obtain tickets on the District website.

• Monday, May 13th - RI President Gordon McInally will be visiting the District 5280 with a luncheon at the Beverly Hills Hotel. More information will be forthcoming.

• June 22nd - Demotion Party - bye bye President Steve!!

FEBRUARY MEETINGS



• February 8th at Hillel: Leo Francis Grillo Jr. Founder of the largest care for life sanctuary of its type in the world.

• February 15th at Hillel: Margaret Vinic, Manager of earthquake programs at the Caltech Seismological lab.



• February 22nd on ZOOM: Kenneth R. Timmerman, bestselling author speaking on the "dark side of national security"

WVRC 2023/2024 Leadership Team