We are now officially in the "BER" months, though the weather doesn't really reflect that. That doesn't stop us from our mission of giving back to the community, strengthening our bond of friendship, or planning for the future. Our club is really onto something special here: the majority of our membership base balances family, work, school, and other MAJOR life commitments, and we still find ways to participate. It's been such an honor to facilitate these instances, all the while showing people how unique our club is.
This year's theme is "Rooted in Purpose". It gets to the root of our club, and how everything we do serves a purpose. I truly believe that asking "Why?" is fundamentally important. Equally so, having a thoughtful and honest response to being asked "Why?" really helps to keep things in perspective.
Our September theme was "Caring for the Forest" with a focus on the environment.
The ever popular and well attended annual Creek Clean Up was a great success and partnering with the City of Agoura Hills is always a blast. We always play a cheeky mini game called "Who can find the most odd thing?". Madison, our resident Trust & Estates Attorney, won this year by stumbling upon an entire, unopened, COLD six-pack of beer.
We also had some members attend the Back-to-School Night at Conejo Valley High School, where we have our Interact Club. NextGen was in charge of manning the voter registration booth, which very much fits in our value set of having a voice and using it! REMINDER to all: go out and VOTE!
We fly into October like a witch on a broom with a fully packed month. Our annual Crawl-o-Ween Fundraiser is happening in Downtown Ventura on Sunday October 25th and tickets are on sale NOW! Show up, dress up, and day drink for charity! We are also premiering a new curriculum at the Youth Empowerment Summit (YES!) on Saturday October 17th. If you know any high schoolers who are interested in a free and enriching one-day program, sign them up! We have been toiling over this updated (and we feel more relevant than ever) program for over a year and cannot wait to share it with the youth of Conejo Valley and beyond.
How Next Gen celebrates the end of a great Rotary Year!
A note from your club secretary
Hi Next Gen!
Here's where to be and what we need from you this month.
Volunteer opportunities - Connect with Patrick:
Boys & Girls Club Gala — Saturday, October 10, 4:00–10:00 PM. Check-in and silent auction support needed; dinner's them as a thank-you
Thousand Oaks Street Fair — Sunday, October 18, 7:00 AM–7:00 PM. TO Rotary needs shifts throughout the day — heaviest need is 7–9 AM and 4–6 PM for vendor load-in/out. Send Patrick your availability. Every NextGen volunteer shift earns the club a $100 donation from the Street Fair, which funds our Senior Sweatshirts for Conejo Valley High and our Food Share contribution
YES – Youth Empowerment Summit — Saturday, October 17, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM. Free one-day program for local high schoolers. Know a student who'd benefit? Reach out to Patrick to get them signed up, or let us know if you're available for any amount of time that day to help support us as we lead the curriculum this year!
Meetings & fundraiser - Connect with me:
Virtual Club Meeting — Tuesday, October 6, 7:00–8:00 PM via Zoom
Diego with MiniNature Reserve, a Gen Z–led Oxnard nonprofit that's planted 21 native-plant reserves across our area.
In-Person Meeting — Tuesday, October 20, 5:30–7:00 PM, Tarantula Hill Brewery (back patio)
Directors Steve and Jennifer with Musicians On A Mission California, a volunteer-run Thousand Oaks nonprofit that's been putting instruments in kids' hands since 2011.
Fundraising - Connect with Bryan:
Crawl-O-Ween 2026 — Sunday, October 25, 11:00 AM–3:00 PM, Downtown Ventura. Tickets are live now. Venues: KJ's Neighborhood, Victorian Tavern, The Saloon, Rocks & Drams, The Livery @ Rumfish y Vino
The link to purchase tickets is at the top of this email, share with your friends and family!
Housekeeping:
WhatsApp is where real-time updates happen — check it often, let me know if you need help there
Not sure where you fit this year, or want to get more involved? Reach out to any board member
— Tim Joyce, 2025-2027 Club Secretary
October Club Meetings
Virtual:
Most people mow their lawns. MiniNature Reserve tears them out. Deigo will be joining us to talk about this Gen Z–led, volunteer-powered Oxnard nonprofit. They've planted 21 native-plant reserves across our area, bringing pollinators, wildlife, and Chumash heritage back into city neighborhoods. Bring your questions and maybe a little backyard guilt. mininature.org
Date: Tuesday, September 6th Time: 7:00 PM Location: Zoom
Since 2011, MOAMCA has been putting instruments into the hands of kids and community members who'd otherwise never get to play. This Thousand Oaks nonprofit is run entirely by volunteers. They give away instruments, run school workshops and perform at assisted living facilities. Steve and Jennifer will share how a garage full of donated guitars turns into a lifelong love of music.
Date: Tuesday, October 20th Time: 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM Location: Tarantula Hill Brewing Co.
