Happy May! It’s hard to believe how quickly this Rotary year has flown by. As we move into these final two months, I just want to take a moment to reflect on how much we’ve accomplished, and how much heart this club continues to show in everything we do.
April was filled with meaningful service and connection. One of the highlights was our Mother’s Day Pop-Up at the San Fernando Valley Rescue Mission, where we had the opportunity to celebrate and honor some truly deserving moms. It was such a beautiful reminder of why we do what we do, creating moments of joy, dignity, and care for others.
We also had an incredible experience at Foster the Love. It was a true multi-club effort where we came together to design sweet bags, build bikes, skateboards, and furniture for kids transitioning out of foster care. The energy, teamwork, and heart behind this project were inspiring, and the impact on those youth is something we can all be proud of.
Whether it was these events, our ongoing projects, or simply showing up for one another, you continue to remind me what makes this club so special. The impact we are making for children and families in our community, and beyond, is something we can all be incredibly proud of.
As we head into May, we have so much to look forward to. Our service efforts continue, and 
there are plenty of opportunities to get involved. If you haven’t joined us at one of our evening meetings yet, I encourage you to come. It’s been such a fun and relaxed way to connect and learn more about each other.
A special thank you to everyone who continues to give their time, energy, and generosity. Whether you’re leading a project, volunteering behind the scenes, or simply showing up with a smile, you are what makes this club thrive.
Let’s finish this Rotary year strong, continue to lift each other up, and most importantly, keep serving with the same passion and purpose that defines who we are.
Clyde Porter wasn’t just a Rotarian—he was a builder of the Valley’s cultural identity. The Past President of the Woodland Hills Rotary Club was honored at the April 15 meeting. He donated over $100,000 to the club’s charitable foundation while living the Rotary motto: “Service Above Self.” Porter was instrumental in countless community projects since the 1960s: co-founded the Valley Cultural Center and helped launch Concerts in the Park; funded the bandshell at Warner Center Park (in 2022 it was named after former Valley Cultural Center CEO Nora Ross); created the Clyde Porter West Valley Playhouse, still used for Rotary events today; supported organizations like Pierce College, local symphonies, and theaters; Porter was recognized with the prestigious Fernando Award in 1994 for community service. The “Clyde Porter Humanitarian Award” was later established in his honor. He died in 2006 at age 79.
Former Interactor and Los Angeles City Council candidate Barri Worth Girvan spoke to the club April 8 about city engagement. She recently served as the director of community affairs for Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath, leading community outreach and constituent engagement for over two million residents. Click on her photo to hear some of her speech.
