As my year as President comes to a close, I find myself reflecting on just how special this journey has been. I wanted to take a moment to say thank you from the bottom of my heart.
This year has been filled with service, laughter, friendship, growth, and so many meaningful moments together. From community projects and fundraisers to humanitarian work, club socials, and simply showing up for one another, each of you helped make this year unforgettable.
I am incredibly proud of what our club has accomplished. Together, we served children, families, foster youth, our local community, and people across the world. We gave our time, our hearts, and our compassion freely, and that is what Rotary is truly about.
Thank you for your support, encouragement, patience, and trust throughout this year. Serving as your President has been one of the greatest honors of my life. I have learned so much from each of you and will always treasure the friendships and memories we created together.
A special thank you to our board, committee chairs, volunteers, and every member who stepped up whenever help was needed. Our club shines because of all of you.
As we pass the torch to new leadership, I know our club will continue to grow, inspire, and make a difference. The future of Rotary in Woodland Hills is bright because of the incredible people who make up this family.
Thank you for allowing me to lead, laugh, serve, and dream alongside you this year.
Rotary District 5280 took to the water for the District Conference which completed three humanitarian projects in Ensenada, Mexico: an orphanage, Operation Smiles and the Prosthetic Surgery Center. On the conference's second day there was a NAMI Walk (The National Alliance on Mental Illness) on the 15th deck. Haresh L. Ramchandani, PDG of 7020 Caribbean Islands, the Rotary International president's representative at the conference, spoke to the participants.
Dedicated volunteers made a meaningful impact throughout the community. They served meals to individuals experiencing food insecurity at the Khalsa Foundation, participated in Rotary's Pageant of the Arts, and staffed a booth at the successful Asian Pacific Festival at Pierce College. Club members also delivered Mother's Day gifts to residents of Haven Hills, decorated apartments for aged-out foster youth, completed anti-graffiti projects along the LA River, finalized scholarships for more than 30 students, and supported Mayor Bass's Shine LA initiatives in Sherman Oaks. These efforts reflect the club's ongoing commitment to service, community engagement, and improving the lives of others.
Los Angeles Jewish Health recently sent a special thank you note to the club for our contribution toward the future Home Again LA Access Center. Our donation will help create a dedicated room for children participating in the shelter program while their parents attend case management sessions. Supporting children and families throughout the region remains one of the club's priorities. This investment will help provide a safe, welcoming, and comforting space for children experiencing homelessness during a challenging time in their lives. We are honored to play a role in this important project and look forward to the positive impact it will have on families in our community.
The ROTARY UTILITY BOX located at Ventura Blvd. and Woodley Ave. in Encino has been beautifully transformed by talented artist Tricia O’Connell through the Let's Paint Sherman Oaks program.
This vibrant public art project celebrates Rotary International and Rotary District 5280 by highlighting Rotary's Seven Areas of Focus:
Peacebuilding and Conflict Prevention
Disease Prevention and Treatment
Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH)
Maternal and Child Health
Basic Education and Literacy
Community Economic Development
Supporting the Environment
The project was made possible through the support of our club and Senior Resources, Inc., creating a lasting visual reminder of Rotary’s commitment to improving lives both locally and around the world. Be sure to stop by and see this inspiring work of art that showcases the values and impact of Rotary service.
There was an incredible day of volunteering with A Sense of Home. For many young people aging out of foster care, walking into an empty apartment can feel overwhelming. Watching that space transformed into a warm, welcoming home showed how much dignity, stability, and hope a caring community can provide.
In the summer of 1910, while visiting his cousin in Chicago, P.A.C. McIntyre, a businessman from Winnipeg, heard about a club where people of different trades and professions gathered weekly to share friendship and perform community service. Since members of the club rotated their meetings at one another’s offices, they settled on “Rotary” as a fitting name. Keenly interested, McIntyre met with Paul Harris, the young Chicago lawyer who had founded the first Rotary club there five years earlier.
Have you ever dreamed of walking alongside or even riding on the 2027 Rotary Rose Float in the world-famous Rose Parade? The Rotary Rose Parade Float Committeeis offering an Early Bird Discount for those ready to be part of this unforgettable experience! This is more than just a parade, it’s a life-changing opportunity to share the story and impact of Rotary with millions of people around the world. Many Past District Governors from District 5280 have had the incredible privilege of participating and showcasing the power of Service Above Self through the Rotary Rose Float. Don’t miss the Early Bird opportunity! Deadline is June 30th. For more information email AlbertRotary5280@gmail.com
23527 Calabasas Rd, Calabasas, CA 91302
Suite 1250
Calabasas, CA 9130391302 United States
NOTE MEETING DETAILS: We will meet on the 2nd & 4th Wednesdays of each month live, in-person at SAGEBRUSH CANTINA for a lunch meeting; it will also be on ZOOM. Meetings on the 1st & 3rd Wednesdays of each month will be on ZOOM only.
I am incredibly proud of what our club has accomplished. Together, we served children, families, foster youth, our local community, and people across the world. We gave our time, our hearts, and our compassion freely, and that is what Rotary is truly about.
A special thank you to our board, committee chairs, volunteers, and every member who stepped up whenever help was needed. Our club shines because of all of you.
What a remarkable turnout at Shine LA Day of Service!
