Hello Rotary Family!

I’d like to recognize those that worked extremely hard during The Westlake 5K/10K Run/Walk for Global Clean Water.  Before I run through the names, let me underline the support of the following organizations:

Warner Pacific for their continued support of Rotary’s work.  And the opportunity to work hand-in-hand with their organization.  We also enjoyed their campaign that brought close to 50 runners.

City of Westlake Village for working hand in hand with us to present an active lifestyle family event to our Rotary Club’s hometown.

Alcoa Fasteners for making us part of their “Alcoans in Motion” program and bringing 60+ runners.

Waste Management, MATECH, Las Virgenes Water District and Ventura County Star and Lister for understanding the good that our club engage in and for supporting us.

Now for the dedicated Rotarians that worked and stretched themselves to represent our club to the active community.

Deann Justesen, she always comes through for her area of responsibility.  This year her golden crew were, Harry Schad, Fred Raio,  Dolores Randell, Margie Price, Audrey Olin, Stepahanie Bell-Harbourne.  No challenge could ever make these ladies (and gentleman) never flinched.  The YMCA Crew lead by Ronnie Stone filled in the gap(S) when called upon.  Ronnie, sorry I could not remember their names.  Please extend my fists and high fives to them.  At the T-shirts, Milt Towle kept those runners dressed nicely. Carol Ostwald for her managing to bring-in tons of bagels and energy bars for our volunteers and runners. 

Bill and Debbie Hang for making sure that the runners’ needs on the course are met. Jack Dwyer and Co. for safely leading the runners through the course.  Fred Lindberg for coordinating Emergency Medical Team.  Special mention goes to Civil Air Patrol Cadets and their senior officers led by Bob Siteman.  They are seasoned part of this event.  Westminster Free Clinic for sending a crew of volunteers to fill in gaps during the registration process.

Bill Nothoff for keeping the mail-in registration in order.  Steve Kerrigan and Jeannie Archer for coordinating the sound system. Jim Campbell was the problem solver of the morning.  Steve Ricklin for bringing the Interact kids. Grant Wilkins for handling the permit requirements, not an easy thing to do.  Karen Quigley for helping in the Awarding and a great moral support for our Run Crew. And of course for being there, Lynn MacKenzie, to give me a boost of energy that morning.

To my beautiful wife Cristina that kept me straight on things and for coordinating “The Water Buckets” for the Fun Run Kids.  My kids(not so little), Merielle and friend Adrew, Conner & Davis for sparing Dad’s back by taking over those “young tasks”.

Thank you all for giving my family and I another opportunity to work shoulder-to-shoulder with some of the finest Rotarians.

If I missed anyone, forgive me.  Sunday was such a blur.  It has truly deserved to be called – FRM (Fastest Rotary Morning).

Can’t wait for next year’s The Westlake 5K/10K Run/Walk for Global Clean Water!

Cheers!

Edwin A. Velarde

President RY2012-2013

Rotary Club of Westlake Village

Rotary District 5240