John Tolson received the Hats Off Award this morning for all the work he has done behind the scenes for YES! and the recently held Thanksgiving dinner.

Mary Paseta said that her daughter has been invited to go to India to visit the Piyali Learning Center, just outside Calcutta. She will be bringing a suitcase filled with donated items for women, students, and teachers.  These are some of the items that are needed: Students: stickers, hair clips, coloring books, pens, markers, stuffed animals, dolls, books, etc; Women: Tote bags, coin purses, body spray, lipsticks, nail clippers, combs, etc; Teachers: USB pen drive, books, board games, etc.; Misc: shawls, scarves, hygiene items, clothing.

Family: Husband, Craig. Daughter, Heather (28). Son, Michael (25)

Why I'm in Rotary:
During my years as a member of the Rotary Club of Simi Sunrise, I've had more "Rotary moments" than I can describe! Rotary has provided me with the opportunity to meet incredible people, experience different cultures, participate in worthwhile projects, and in a small way, help make a positive difference in our world. For that, I am very grateful to Rotary and for the dear friendships I've made along the way.

What people don't know about me:
When in Israel in 2014, I had my bat mitzvah ceremony at the Western Wall in Jerusalem. It was an amazing experience that I will always remember.

Strange, but true:
I've lived in Simi Valley since I was 2 years old...strange, but true!

Passions, hobbies, interests:
I love spending time with my family, traveling, watching the Dodgers, going to movies, reading, attending concerts and plays, golfing, exploring new restaurants and enjoying spa days
with friends!

What I'm really good at:
I strive to be a really good mom! I guess you'd have to ask my kids to know if I am!!

One goal I’d like to accomplish:
Write a book about the magnificence of being the mother of a daughter with disabilities.

Favorite place to vacation/visit:
Anywhere I haven't been to before.
 
On my bucket list:
Participate in a Rotary International "National Immunization Day".

Most embarrassing moment:
Too many to narrow it down! I've learned the importance of being able to laugh at myself!!

Family: I am married and have two children; Jacob who is 11 years old and Miranda who is 8 years old.

Why I'm in Rotary:
I have always been a person who seeks out ways to give back to my community. Although I give to the community through my service in law enforcement, I enjoy volunteering my time energy and efforts in a more personal way that lets me get outside of law enforcement and allows others to see me for who I really am. Rotary gives me the opportunity to give to others in a unique and compassionate way. These experiences allow all Rotarians to share in the experience all while each of us savors the moment in our own unique way. 

What people don’t know about me that they should:
I would want people to know that am an extremely compassionate and humble person. I have been involved in several unique volunteer and donation situations that very few people are aware of and these same moments have brought me the most joy in my life. Forme it is not about getting credit or recognition for the moment as much as it is about the personal experience I get for simply being a part of it.  

Strange, but true:
I am self-diagnosed with OCD. I admit it, I am a neat freak! Neat in that everything has a place versus, I’m scrubbing the floors with atooth brush neat. Let’s not get too weird.   

Passions, hobbies, interests:
I love professional baseball. If there is a game in the area that I am visiting, I will go. I also love gardening and BBQing because it lets me relax all while making something. Couple all of that with a microbrewery or a bottle of wine and I am in heaven!

What I'm really good at:
I use my OCD to my advantage because it helps me to be very organized and manage multiple things at once.

One goal I’d like to accomplish during my lifetime:
I think my greatest challenge is being a good parent and therefore my greatest accomplishment in my life would be to raise my children to be passionate about life, successful in life and respectful of all people. I know, corny, but true!

Favorite place to vacation/visit:
Kauai Island is the place that I like to vacation most because it allows me to truly relax and get away from the stresses of life and work.

On my bucket list:
I want to go to a baseball game at every major league baseball field in the U.S. My family and I go to a new Opening Day every year so I have a few more to go.

Most embarrassing moment:
Well, if it was embarrassing, I sure don’t want to embarrass myself againnow do I.