Westwood Village Rotary Club

Stephen A. Privett, S.J., was our speaker. Fr. Privett is the President of Verbum Dei High School in Watts. Having spoken to the WVRC previously, he gave us an update on the success of the "Verb" students during the pandemic.

Greg Fischer returned as a WVRC speaker. Greg gave us an additional historical perspective of the development of Westwood.

Sam Yebri was the speaker. Topic was “From Refugees to Leaders: The Past, Present, and Future of Tehrangeles.” Sam is founder of ‘30 Years After,’ a non-profit with the mission of promoting the participation of the Iranian American community in Westwood, focusing on the Iranian-American Jewish people in civic, political and Jewish life.

Dr. McCreary is a retired psychologist. His presentation was on Mindfulness and Meditation and the benefits that are provided from the regular practice of same.

Goeff Forgione is Associate General Counsel for the Southern California Regional Rail Authority (Metrolink). Wedged between Amtrak (longer trips with fewer stops - a vacation line) and Los Angeles Metro (subway), Metrolink compliments these other rail services.

Today's program featured William Bridge, Chairman of Green Cross and CEO of Global Green, discussing challenges to the environment and how to meet those challenges.

Dr. Stover gave his craft talk today. Dave is President of Nammi Therapeutics, Inc. He earned his Ph.D. in Biochemistry at the University of Washington and holds a B.S. in Zoology from Duke University. Dr. Stover has over 25 years of experience in both small molecule and biologics drug discovery and development. In addition to his craft talk, Dave spoke about cancer research being done by Nammi Therapeutics, Inc.

Our speaker today was Janet Marinaccio, President & CEO of MEND (Meet Each Need With Dignity). For 50 years, MEND has opened its doors to the most vulnerable members of our community and over the years it has become one of the most comprehensive and empowering poverty relief agencies in Los Angeles County.

Dr. Paul O'Reilly, the incoming President of Thomas Aquinas College, spoke to us about the College, as a Great Books School in Santa Paula, CA.

Our guest speaker was Barbara Turman, Director of gift planning for the Academy of Motion Pictures. Ms. Turman gave us a virtual tour of the new Academy Museum of Motion Pictures at Fairfax and Wilshire (the old May Company Building and new Sphere).

Our own, Carol Rosenstein, the internationally acclaimed subject for a Rotary magazine cover story, spoke about "Melodies and Memories," how melodies can be medicine for memory loss.

Duane Muller, UCLA Gov't and Community Relations, and Dave Karwaski, Director Mobility Planning and Traffic Systems, discussed the Sepulveda Transit Corridor and the STC4All, a coalition which advocates an accessible Sepulveda Transit Corridor to UCLA and to the Purple Line Westwood Village Station.

When people come out to Scott Klittich's nursery in Fillmore, Calif. (Otto & Sons), it's like entering into a paradise with more than 800 varieties of roses, a 15-acre Valencia orange orchard and more than 120,000 plants ranging in size from 5 gallons to 15 gallons. "People come here (and) it's like therapy," Klittich said. Klittich said his customers and the way their faces light up at the sight of his roses are what makes it worthwhile coming to work. He and his wife Cindy have run the nursery for 20 years. "I really like the customer, and the customer reaction is just great. People are so friendly and they're enthusiastic about getting beautiful flowers," Klittich said.

Gail Smith gives her craft talk.

President Chris recalls his trips to Singapore and Vietnam.

Our speaker today was best-selling author Kenneth R. Timmerman who has spent his career investigating the dark side of national security. Over the past four decades he has interviewed dissidents behind the Iron Curtain, covered numerous Middle East wars, interviewed suicide bombers, debriefed defectors from Iranian intelligence organizations, and covered the plight of Christians persecuted for their faith.

Our first "hybrid meeting," with PP Tom Barron hosting trivia, fun facts, famous quotes, and more.

Steve Cooley was the Los Angeles County District Attorney from 2000 to 2012. At his 2000 swearing-in ceremony, he charged his over 1,000 prosecutors - including more than 300 District Attorney investigators and 600 clerical, technical and support staff - to "show no fear in pursuing the criminal element, but also be fearless in the pursuit of justice." In 2010, Cooley won the Republican nomination for California Attorney General but lost that election in a close race to the Democratic nominee, San Francisco District Attorney Kamala Harris.

PP Diane Good, just back from the Paris Marathon, shared with us her experience. Rotaractor Angel Fuentes also recapped his adventure - the District 5280 Humanitarian trip to Ecuador.

Speakers were Jenna Rosen, Shane Simon, and Priyanka Bhakta, who spoke about the UCLA Relay (for the American Cancer Society).

Our speaker was retired UCLA volleyball coach, Al Scates. Al has won a record setting 19 NCAA volleyball championships. This is the most championships of any men's NCAA sports programs. His winning record percentage of .812 is one of the best ever in collegiate history. He was the only coach to guide his teams to three successive titles three times, including four straight from 1981-84. He was named coach of the year 5 times. This was a truly special program where Al was interviewed by a former player, Tom Stillwell.

Actor and Producer Matt McCoy, who is a Board Member of St. James Inn, spoke to us about the mission of the organization, a host home for families of patients and for outpatients of UCLA Reagan Hospital: its founding, history, and its ability to maintain and expand on its mission for over 30 years.

Thoughts about Bill Goodwyn. Our speaker today, Vin DiBona, was the creator of the longest running network TV show, The World's Funniest Home Videos.

Lieutenant Colonel Don D. Sheppard has served as the Professor of Military Science at UCLA since July 2023. He was born and raised in Alexandria, Louisiana. His awards and decorations include the following over a 17-year career: Bronze Star Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (2OLC), Army Commendation Award (2OLC), Army Achievement Medal (2OLC), Valorous Unit Award, Meritorious Unit Commendation, National Defense Services Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal (2 stars), Iraqi Campaign Medal (1 star), Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, NATO Medal, Combat Action Badge, and the German Armed Proficiency Badge (Gold).