The Rotary Club of
Woodland Hills
 
Chartered 1956
August 2025
 
Christy's Chronicle

What a Fantastic First Month!
 
Wow, what a wonderful kickoff to the 2025/2026 Rotary year! I’m always inspired by the kindness our club shows, both to the community and to each other.
 
Before diving into the highlights, I want to acknowledge that a few of our fellow Rotarians are going through health challenges right now. Please keep them in your thoughts and send lots of love, prayers, and positive vibes their way.
 
Now, let’s talk about celebrations! In just one week, we had four birthdays: Paulinda, Anna, Bryna, and Elegance! And we can’t forget Michael T. and Paul L., bringing us to a total of six birthday stars this month!
 
When DG Alex Parajon (right in the photo) put out a call to support District 5840 Disaster Relief for the Texas Floods, our club didn’t hesitate. Thanks to unanimous approval from both our Club Board and Foundation Board, we proudly donated $5,000 to help those affected. That’s what People of Action look like!
Big news, we were selected for the Rotary Superhero Spotlight – Everyday Heroes! How cool is that? Our dinner service night at the San Fernando Valley Rescue Mission was a hit! Chef Marko (Mark Stewart) led the charge, grilling 100 burgers. New member Fidel Martinez brought his wife, business partner, and friends, while Jake and Andy returned for another round. Michelle G. handled the shopping like a pro, and Robin led the fruit & veggie-cutting dream team. We had great food, therapy dogs, and even passed out trading cards. What a night!
 
We also stayed busy with Khalsa Food Pantry, dropping off Baby essentials and packing food alongside Pami’s team of volunteers.  Bingo night at the Jewish Home is always a treat!  President Elect, Bryna Hornstein called bingo for the first time.
 
A huge shoutout to Sandy Rosenholz for receiving the Sean McCarthy Beautification Award from the West Valley Warner Center Chamber of Commerce!  It was a beautiful evening celebrating someone who gives so much to Woodland Hills. Congrats, Sandy!
 
Our Youth Committee launched their first Kindness Project, a “Rainbow of Kindness” art activity at the Boys & Girls Club. Big thanks to Giovanny Ragsdale for hosting and to Rotary Club of Simi Sunrise for joining in (with a child therapist, no less)!
 
We’re proud to host the LAPD Awards Ceremony honoring Q1 & Q2 officers. It’s a special chance to show our appreciation to those who help keep our community safe.
 
To each and every one of you, thank you. Thank you for showing up, stepping up, and making our club what it is. I’m proud to be a member of the Rotary Club of Woodland Hills, and I invite you to Unite for Good.
 
With gratitude and excitement,
Christy Pinto
 
Stories
Topanga Officers of the 1st & 2nd Quarters
Officers of the 1st & 2nd Quarters from the Topanga Station were recognized with the Protectors Awards, celebrating the outstanding individuals who go above and beyond to serve, protect and keep our community safe each and every day.
Student Scholarships Presented
The Rickey & Robbi Gelb Charitable Foundation, Inc. partnered with the club to present student scholarships. When the community works together, we will always increase the impact of all programs.
Backpacks for Children in Need
A backpack full of supplies is more than just school gear — it's a boost of confidence, dignity, and hope. For children in care or facing hardship, it’s a symbol of a fresh start. The club came together to assemble. Back-to-School Backpacks filled with essential supplies for the Department of Child and Family Services. Photo: Rotarians, Tom Kurschner and Paulinda Schimmel
Rainbow of Feelings
The Rotary Clubs of Woodland Hills and Simi Valley collaborated to host a painting event with the fifth and six graders from the Boys and Girls Club. A speaker discussed the concept of a kindness bucket, explaining how we can fill our own and others' buckets with kindness. The children also completed an art project where they expressed their feelings about their rainbows. To top it off, we gave each child a pair of kindness socks! It was an absolute delight for us all!
Donations for Military Famlies
Our club gathered donations for military families, joining fellow District 5280 clubs in support of those who serve.
Read more...
Peace Reads - Book Club
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Sandy's Last Hurrah
Beautification Award
The West Valley Warner Center Chamber of Commerce honored Immediate Past President Sandy Holz with the Sean Mc Carthy Beautification Award at the fun White Lotus 2025 Installation Gala.
Baby Essentials: Khalsa Care Foundation
Led by new President Christy Pinto and President-elect Bryna Hornstein, our club handed out food supplies to those in need along with baby essentials, including handmade knitted hats to the Khalsa Care Foundation. Pami Kaur and her Temple then provided lunch the volunteers.
B4 I19 N34 G49 O64
Bingo at Los Angeles Jewish Health.
Catch a Smile
Catch A Smile for 160+ kids at camp thanks to Garry Marshall Family and Harvey Keenan for making everyone smile.
Hollywood Bowl Trek
Members joined the Calabasas Rotary Club at their annual trip to the Hollywood Bowl. Rotarians enjoyed Earth Wind Fire, the LA Philharmonic and fireworks.
District Breakfast
Fellowship by the Bay
Join your fellow Rotarians for a summer social! The evening includes a cruise on the Marina and dinner at the waterfront La Marina Trattoria. 
This is a non-hosted event, so please pay onsite for yourself:
  • Water bus: $1.00 each stop (cash only)
  • Parking: $8.00
  • Dinner and drinks: Pay for yourself
District Picnic
Birthday Wishes
  
Gladys EisingerAugust 15
Pami  Kaur                      August 17
Gautam KumarAugust 18
Welcome to Our Club
In-Person/Hybrid and Zoom Meeting Information:
 
Wednesdays at 11:45 AM
PINSTRIPES Topanga
21851 W. Victory Blvd.
Canoga Park, CA 91303
United States of America
NOTE MEETING DETAILS: We will meet on the 2nd & 4th Wednesdays of each month live, in-person at PINSTRIPES Topanga for a lunch meeting; it will also be on ZOOM. Meetings on the 1st & 3rd Wednesdays of each month will be on ZOOM only.
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Upcoming Events
Board Meeting
Zoom Meeting
Aug 05, 2025 5:55 PM
 
Zoom Meeting: Trish Steele
Zoom Meeting
Aug 06, 2025
11:50 AM – 1:15 PM
 
Lunch Meeting: Matt Schaaf
Westfield Topanga
Aug 13, 2025
11:50 AM – 1:15 PM
 
Youth Service Committee
Zoom Meeting
Aug 18, 2025 5:30 PM
 
San Fernando Mission Cooking
San Fernando Valley Rescue Mission
Aug 19, 2025 4:30 PM
 
Zoom Meeting: Ashantha Rubera
Zoom Meeting
Aug 20, 2025
11:50 AM – 1:15 PM
 
Lunch Meeting: Alex Parajon
Pinstripes
Aug 27, 2025
11:50 AM – 1:15 PM
 
Community Service Committee
Zoom Meeting
Aug 28, 2025 5:30 PM
 
Board Meeting
Zoom Meeting
Sep 02, 2025 5:55 PM
 
Youth Service Committee
Zoom Meeting
Sep 15, 2025 5:30 PM
 
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Family of Rotary
 
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Community Service
 
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Youth Services
 
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Welcome/Check-in
 
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Human Trafficking Awareness
 
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Foundation Treasurer
 
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