NEWS TODAY

WESTWOOD VILLAGE ROTARY CLUB

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Well into the social hour, a sleepy-eyed President Steve Day once again appeared on the Zoom call just back from his trip with the

family to London and Paris. He gave a quick summary of the gastronomical experience (good,

but so-so) and the highlights of tourist spots visited.

After the usual beginning with a reciting of the 4-Way Test (Roen), Pledge of Allegiance (Crane) and a Thought of the Day (Bradford)

with a salute from the complex Anthony Bourdain, the American chef and author, Steve recognized Sarah Huong and Rickie Jaminez

from the UCLA Rotaracts.

Then it was time for our Speaker of the Day.

Steve introduced Mary Michlovich, the Executive Director of OPICA. (What is an OPICA?)

Well, it stands for Optimistic People in a Caring Atmosphere. Its mission: To improve lives of

adults challenged by memory loss. As Steve pointed out, although OPICA has been in existence since 1984, Mary joined the

organization some 17 years ago and operates from Steiner Park in Santa Monica.

Aided by PowerPoint, Mary summarized the very meaningful objectives of OPICA.

•  Provide meaningful and stimulative adult day programs for those suffering from various forms of memory loss. They also assist the caregivers for these qualified adults.

• Provide a Counseling Center (both individual and support groups) which furnishes counseling programs for high functioning clients.

• Community Connection services in education, resources, and professional training.

For those qualifying for Respite Comparative programs, services such as socialization, engagement, meds management, spiritual programs and family support are offered to individuals. These programs run from on-line services, private caregivers to assisted living and skilled nursing care.

Mary delved into greater detail with respect to the benefits of OPICA’s programs. The adult day care stresses the engagement and socialization benefit of memory loss clients. The exercise program aspects help overcome depression, wandering, balance and coordination and cognitive improvements. The art program is highly successful which features brain stimulation, sense of achievement, physical strength and enhances mood normality. The music program improves behavior, communication, mood, and memory stimulation.

Mary reviewed the Adult Day Program and its benefits once again. However, this program has collaborated with UCLA and the State Department of Aging, thus expanding the various positive aspects of its experience and techniques for adult memory loss. Mary emphasized the upcoming Art Show on October 14th from 1 to 5 p.m. There will be live music, and features art from OPICA artists. The art will be for sale. In response to a question, Mary also pointed out the Steve Lopez of the LA Times came for an hour’s visit and spent the day. He featured OPICA in his column.

• This week's meeting will be at the Hillel beginning with social hour at noon. The speaker will be our very own Fiona Ma, California's 34th State Treasurer.

• October 14th - next Westwood Village Rotary Club clean-up. However, this will NOT be a cleanup of a homeless encampment. We will be partnering with Gina Greblo and Nextdoor, transforming her personal mission and concern for the environment into a citywide movement. Dave Stover described the program and encouraged those who had similar concerns to come out and assist in the effort.

• October 14th - Wine, Sip and Sea at the home of Rose and Chris Gaynor in the Palisades. Always a fun party. Remember, if your last name beings with a letter from A to M, bring an appetizer, from N to Z, bring a dessert. Also, bring a bottle of your favorite wine! The party will start at 4:30 (not a.m).

• October 28th - The Rotary PEACE walk sponsored by our favorite Peace Rotarian, PP Marsha Hunt!! This will be at Holman Church Parking Lot on West Adams beginning at 9:00am. Registration is $15.00 pp and includes a t-shirt and refreshments. Let's all get out and support Rotary's Action for Peach and, PP Marsha Hunt!!

• November 5th - Spouse Event at the home of Shirley & Peter More. Please be sure to RSVP.

• November 18th - Rise Against Hunger volunteer opportunity sponsored by the South Bay Rotary. Plan to carpool with other WVRC Rotarians to Volunteer and help feed the hungry.



• November 19th - Foundation Celebration in Marina Del Rey which has sold out but if interested, let President Steve know to put you on the wait list. Opportunity tickets are now available. Go online to the District 5280 website to purchase your tickets or, talk to PP Gordon Fell and ask for a book. It is a $100 donation with the chance to win $5000!! WIN BIG ROTARIANS!!



• April 2-12th Humanitarian Trip to Ecuador is now opened for registration. Sign up now District 5280 Website.

OCTOBER MEETINGS

• October 12th, 2023, at Hillel: Come hear Gina Greblo and Jill Mather talk about the non-profit, Volunteers Cleaning Communities and how they garner a sense of family one community at a time.

• October 19th, 2023, at Hillel: Michael Goldstein, Esq. will talk to us about current trends in the Legal Community.

• October 26th, 2023, on ZOOM with Steve Cotton's very sweet, sweet potato farmer from Northern California who will talk to us about growing this popular vegetable.

WVRC 2023/2024 Leadership Team