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

As we give thanks for our families, each other’s friendship, and all that we are able to do for our community, I want to express my deep gratitude to all of you. The tremendous amount of good we put into the world is overwhelming at times. I have never felt so blessed to be surrounded by people who truly live “Service Above Self.” I am grateful every day that I get to ride alongside this club and participate in the events and causes we care about so deeply.
 
This month, we proudly sponsored a new Interact Club in Panorama City. When we met with them, I encouraged them to dream big, and I meant it. I truly believe we do the same. Ideas come up, and before I knew it, we were meeting, planning, and bringing those dreams to life. My heart is genuinely full seeing what we can accomplish together.
 
As the holidays approach, our support becomes even more essential. This season reminds us how important it is to show up for those who need us most, and I am proud knowing our club is always ready to give, serve, and shine a little extra light in our community.
 
We have one month left before we toast the New Year, celebrate our club’s 70th birthday in February, and continue to make a meaningful impact.
 
2026 is our year to spread kindness, fight bullying, and keep following our dreams. Thank you for being the heart of this incredible journey.
 
With gratitude and pride,

Christy Pinto
President, '25 - '26

Stories
December Festive Holidays
Sweet Dreams & Cozy Nights
Amazing time at the Sweet Dreams & Cozy Nights Campaign. Rotary Clubs of Hollywood, Woodland Hills, and Wilshire along with the Interact Club of Fairfax High School came together to make no-sew blankets and collect new toys.
A Mother's Love Endures
A mother's love endures; keeping Robin's story alive and pushing for a cure for the ovarian cancer that took Paulinda's daughter's life. The club donated $2,500 to support the Ovarian Cancer Circle.
Rescue Mission: 600 Meals 
Rotary fun that lasts! Dancing, crafting, Pizza Hut, therapy dogs, and 600 meals prepped! We are proud of the 67 projects completed in Rotary year 25-26! Let’s Go! Click on photo to see the crew in action.
Spirit of Giving
The Peace Committee of the Rotary Clubs of Woodland Hills and Calabasas, hosted a much-needed Spirit of Giving Community event, providing food and clothing to those in need. Homeless, sheltered, and struggling indivduals attended and received essentials for the holiday season and for keeping warm. Congratulations to Natasha and Penny for a fantastic event.
Food Pantry: A Vital Community Resource
At the November 12 Lunch Meeting, Harry Sherman and Executive Director Debbie Decker, spoke about the West Valley Food Pantry's growth and the difference it continues to make in the community. The most needed items are peanut butter, and canned tuna, soup, fruit, and vegetables. Photo - l - r: President Christy Pinto, Past President Lois Koch, Sherman and Decker, and President-elect Bryna Hornstein.
Sip & Stuff

"Sip & Stuff", an adult only Build-A-Bear Extravaganza to benefit a worthy cause will be held on December 14 from 1 to 4 p.m. Guests will enjoy wine, food, giveaways, games, and live entertainment at one of Downtown LA’s most exclusive private clubs! Guests will visit the Build-A-Bear station to select a furry friend. An onsite Build-A-Bear associate will guide guests through a heart ceremony and adding attributes to their furry friendsa giveback element attribute! The tailored heart ceremony will include rubbing the heart on your back so the furry friend will always have the recipients back in times of need. We have included the choice to sponsor furry friends for your Rotary Club or any philanthropic cause you wish. Be ready to take delivery of furry friends on the day of the event. The event will be held at Los Angeles Athletic Club, 431 West 7th Street, Los Angeles.

Host An Exchange Student
Host a Rotary Youth Exchange student for 3–5 months and turn your home into a bridge between cultures. You’ll share your family’s rhythm and local traditions—and gain a new language, perspective, and a lifelong friend. Rotary supports you every step of the way with certified, youth-protection-focused guidance and a dedicated Youth Exchange officer. Exchanges welcome students ages 15–19 and include both long-term (academic year, multiple host families) and short-term options. Ready to open your home and heart? Contact Meg Barron (D5280 Youth Exchange Officer) yeobarron5280@gmail.com
Costa Rica Trip Orientation
December 2: Giving Tuesday
Giving Tuesday is a global day of generosity when we come together to make a collective impact. This year, consider making a special gift to The Rotary Foundation. Your support helps fund sustainable projects that create positive change in communities around the world. Together, we can continue Doing Good in the World.
Dedicate a Rose for Rotary's Rose Parade Float
Help Rotary build the Rose Parade float by dedicating a rose in your loved one or friend's name. Click on the photo to dedicate a rose.
RI Exceeds Endowment Goal

After nearly 10 years of vision and dedication from donors like you, Rotary International exceeded its goal of securing US$2.025 billion to the Endowment by 30 June 2025! Yet this is so much more than a number. A strong Endowment ensures that future Rotary and Rotaract members have the financial resources to make lives better at home and around the world. This achievement reflects your commitment to a brighter tomorrow. As we celebrate, let’s focus on the future and the good we can do by helping communities gain access to clean water, education, and health care, while working relentlessly to build environments of peace. Together, we will continue to create lasting change.

The Secret to a Flourishing Club
Successful clubs set goals effectively. When club leaders plan for the future, they give the club a sense of direction. Whether you aim to welcome more members, complete more service projects, improve the experience that your club offers, or setting goals to motivate members to work toward a common purpose.

Rotary Club Central makes it easy for Rotary and Rotaract clubs to set their goals and track their progress. Club leaders can set yearly goals for up to three years and record the club’s accomplishment, and all members can view the club’s progress. Plus, new club leaders can use previous goals to make informed decisions about the club’s direction. It’s never too late to start planning for your club’s future. To get inspired, read this Rotary magazine story about clubs that benefited from using Rotary Club Central to set goals
Birthday Wishes
  
Tom KurschnerDecember 7
Lonnie MintzDecember 22
Ramona SpectorDecember 30
Years as Member
Eva Hainer14 years 
Linda Tapper 14 years
Welcome to Our Club
In-Person/Hybrid and Zoom Meeting Information:
 
Wednesdays at 11:30 AM
SAGEBRUSH CANTINA
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.
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Upcoming Events
Board Meeting
Zoom Meeting
Dec 02, 2025 5:15 PM
 
Zoom Meeting: George Poulakos
Dec 03, 2025
11:50 AM – 1:15 PM
 
Lunch Meeting: Haley Haggerstone
Sagebrush Cantina
Dec 10, 2025
11:50 AM – 1:15 PM
 
Youth Service Committee
Zoom Meeting
Dec 15, 2025 5:30 PM
 
San Fernando Mission Cooking
San Fernando Valley Rescue Mission
Dec 16, 2025 4:30 PM
 
Zoom Meeting: Sivana Waller
Dec 17, 2025
11:50 AM – 1:15 PM
 
There will be no Meeting on December 24
Dec 24, 2025
11:50 AM – 1:15 PM
 
Community Service Committee
Zoom Meeting
Dec 25, 2025 5:30 PM
 
There will be no Meeting on December 31
Dec 31, 2025
11:50 AM – 1:15 PM
 
Board Meeting
Zoom Meeting
Jan 06, 2026 5:15 PM
 
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