We had a shortened meeting agenda so Stephanie quickly brought the meeting to order. Following are her comments:
This morning we are celebrating and honoring a family who is special to all of us in a variety of ways and who has dedicated themselves to the City of Simi Valley and this club and our success over the years.
Throughout our lives we learn about and sometimes get to meet ordinary people who do extraordinary things. And what typically sets them apart from others is that they don’t think that what they are doing is extraordinary and if asked, they would probably tell you something along the lines of “I was just doing what I thought was right” or “I am an ordinary person who had the opportunity to help and do the right thing.” We are going to take the time today to recognize some ordinary people who do extraordinary things and to avoid us from delaying us from getting to that part of this meeting…
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Dan Gesell lead this morning's Invocation with a wonderful prayer
Chas Wilson lead the Flag Salute.
Mary Paseta welcomed our Guests this morning. They included:
Mr. Jim Lowry (past Club President)
Ms. Willow Borovay, Larry's beautiful daughter
Mr. James Winstanley, Special Guest
Ms. Whitney Owens
Ms. Beverly McCormick (Dave's Towing)
Mr. Kevin Koch (Dave's Towing)
Jim, looking dapper as usual
Willow and the old man, Larry
James Winstanley
Dorina, left, with Whitney Owens
Dave McCormick between Beverly McCormick and Kevin Koch
Eric Little was our Greeter this morning
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President Kathryn Scroggin
President Kathryn welcomed all of our Zoom participants, too many to list.
Kathryn's theme today had to do with everyday people working together to accomplish extraordinary things. Everyday people just making the world a better place because of them. Perfect examples of that are our Guests of Honor this morning, Dave and Beverly McCormick and their son-in-law Kevin Koch. Janice Koch, Kevin's wife and the McCormick's daughter was unable to attend. These two families, Kathryn said, have done so much for the community by living the Four Way Test and setting examples for all to follow. See below for more on this acknowledgement.
Kathryn ended by saying that everyday people are actually exceptional people - people who - without asking for thanks or recognition - do the right thing time after time to help and support others.
She then quoted singer Jordin Sparks, "My heroes are just everyday people who work hard, are honest and have integrity." It is her honor, Kathryn said, to be in a room full of people who do just that.
Kathryn ended with a challenge this week to be the kind of everyday people who demonstrate honesty, integrity and who can't be beat because their commitment to serve others through Rotary does not let them and they never give up.
To quote Babe Ruth, "You just can't beat the person who never gives up."
With Dave's Towing Service closing shop our Club honored the McCormick and Koch families for the extraordinary amount of community support they have provided over the many years in both time and resources. Kathryn and several other members shared some memories they have of Dave's Towing.
Kathryn started by listing some of Dave's accomplishments and contributions including being a 40 year Rotarian, first as a Noontime Club member and then being a charter member of our Club and instrumental in many of our community events; 1994 Simi Business of the Year; 2006 Strathearn Lifetime Achievement Award; allowing the Simi Police and Fire Departments to use his yard for training purposes; donating the vehicle used in the Every 15 Minutes program to name just a few.
Kevin and Janice bought Dave's Towing and picked up where Dave and Beverly left off. Kevin and Janice were our Club's first Corporate Member. Kathryn said that the families have given so much more to the community than could ever be given back. We are a better place because of them.
Stephanie Shannon said her first connection with Dave was through the calls she dealt with as a police officer that required his tow service. Lots of stories she said. She then worked with Dave through his Friends of Canines program (now the Simi Police Foundation) he started 29 years ago. Stephanie's dog was purchased by Friends of Canines and the training took place at Dave's yard as well.
Leigh Seaton said he met Dave when Leigh was 18. First of all, Leigh has never been 18 but we let him continue. Leigh spoke of an incident where he was called to the scene of an accident as an ambulance driver. Leigh was unable to get to the driver who was pinned in the overturned car. Not waiting for the fire department, Dave attached a hook to the car and was able to move it so that Leigh was able to get to and save the person. Leigh said that if they had waited for the Fire Department, the person most probably would have died.
And everyone spoke of the families involvement with the Cajun Festival. Beverly's amazing notes kept on the kid's play area and moving the storage trailer to and from the Festival site. And, finally, assisting us in selling and moving that storage trailer. As a small token, our Club presented the families with a Certificate of Appreciation.
Left to right, Vince Dulcich, Dave McCormick, Beverly McCormick, Kevin Koch, Leigh Seaton and Kathryn Scroggin
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Bill Klepper wanted everyone to know about the upcoming Golf Tournament in support of the Simi Police Foundation. See Bill for details.
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Leigh Seaton coordinated the last of this year's Community Events. This project involved cleaning the backyard of a neighbor of Leigh's who had suffered a stroke. And, Leigh not only helped a neighbor in need, he was able to throw some work at a couple of ne'er do wells who were grateful for the extra cash earned.
Some Before (left) and After (right) photos of the backyard. This is what Rotary is all about and Thank You Leigh for making this happen and Thank You Bob Whalen and John Bagnall for exemplifying what a Rotarian truly is. Hope you guys put the money to good use.
Another one of Leigh Seaton's end of the year Community Events was the clean up of Camp Rotary in Corriganville last week. See the results below...
The Motley Crew
Not sure where Leigh finds the time for this hobby but Steve P. wanted to share this photo.
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The following three people have been proposed as members:
Mr. Eric Bordo, Mortgage Loan Services (second notice)
Mr. Eric Kaufman, Biotech/Healthcare (second notice)
Mr. James Winstanley, Corporate (first notice)
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John Tolson would like to know if anyone has interest in being on the Membership Committee starting July 1st. If so, please let John know.
A previous Guest, Leila Thayer-Malone, announced a Walk to End Alzheimers coming up in October and left us a flyer below. See Martha Macker if this is of interest to you.
Please remember Jake Finch's requests for Gift Cards. Her two requests had to do with, one, helping out the Simi Valley Unified School District students that are in need of assistance. School District resources have been stressed to the limit and help is needed to replenish those resources. That help can come to the District in the form of Gift Card donations for gas, groceries, etc. at places like Target and Walmart. $25 and $50 Gift Cards work best.
Jake's second request was more directed. Jake said that the District had just enrolled their first students, 8 and 14 year old girls, who have fled Ukraine with their mother. The family came here with basically the clothes on their back so are in need of everything. Gift cards to Kohls and Target would be very helpful. As an update, Jake said that an account has been set up and help has been coming in. But more is needed as more refugees from Ukraine have arrived here in Simi with school age children.
If you can help out, please reach out to Jake.
Also, a big shout out to Jesus Torres, who is providing legal services for these refugees pro bono. Providing a great example to us all!
Jake Finch
Carolyn Boucher said that she received inquiries from several potential donors at a recent Texas Tract garage sale where she had a table. The search continues full throttle.
And, as Carolyn had previously said, it doesn't take any effort or money to place the Team Ginny car magnet on your car. Please see Carolyn if you'd like to get one.
Tim gray reminded everyone to get any and all receipts into him ASAP if you want to get reimbursed. And Tim said that he'd have announcements at next week's meeting in regard to Festival results.
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No Guest Speaker today due to the Board meeting.
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No Birthdays this week
Actually, 17 years and not 24
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Congrats on your Club Anniversary Cindy!
Congrats on your Club Anniversary Steve!
This is the same person that Security escorted out last week, seen here caught in the act of "borrowing" some food. He was allowed to keep the food but he had to give back the plate.
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Our meeting next week, June 23rd, will be held in person at the Best Western. See you there!
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Please remember to bring a friend or an acquaintance to our next meeting. This is a GREAT way to grow our membership! And the guest's breakfast is taken care of.
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Rotary Club Finder Need to find a club to do a makeup? Or find out where Rotary clubs meet while you are traveling? Click here to access the Club Finder page on the RI website.
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