Priya Trachtenberg @ Rotary Haunted House of Friendship, October 30, 2025
There’s a beauty to the word peace. It sounds tranquil, almost decorative, the sort of word that you see printed on candles or bumper stickers. Yet real peace is deliberate and earned. It’s the accumulation of small acts of responsibility and the work of citizens who refuse to let indifference win.
November opens the season of giving: that gentle turn of the year when gratitude takes on form and generosity becomes a verb. It’s fitting that this is also Rotary Foundation Month, when we celebrate the quiet force that turns goodwill into real change. Or as I like to say, Pax per servitium — peace through service.
What truly sets Rotary apart from other civic organizations is The Rotary Foundation, the heart of our movement. Since 1917, it has empowered Rotarians to take action locally and globally, connecting volunteers with a worldwide network of expertise, funding, and partnerships that magnify the impact of every act of service.
The Foundation supports projects in seven key areas: peacebuilding and conflict prevention, disease prevention and treatment, clean water and sanitation, maternal and child health, basic education and literacy, community and economic development, and protecting the environment. Recognized among the world’s most trusted charities, it consistently earns Charity Navigator’s highest four-star rating for transparency and stewardship. From eradicating polio by 99.9 percent to training over 1,700 peace fellows now serving in 140 countries, the Foundation turns compassion into structure and structure into hope. Here in South Pasadena, that same energy fuels our own season of giving, especially through Joy in the Streets, our annual outreach bringing warmth, breakfast, and dignity to our unhoused neighbors. The Foundation gives our work deeper meaning: it allows us to offer grants to families in need, build homes in Mexico, and support youth and peace initiatives that connect us to the world.
Peace, Rotary has proven, happens when people serve. Each project reflects one truth: service creates stability, opportunity, and hope - the building blocks of peace. As the holidays approach, let’s remember: the most meaningful gifts don’t come wrapped. They arrive in time, presence, and the steady work of helping others stand a little taller.
— Betty Bui
President, Rotary Club of South Pasadena (RY 2025 – 2026)
Grace Yang from San Marino Rotary @ Rotary Haunted House of Friendship, October 30, 2025
🐾 BOO-BASH 2025: Rotary & Interact Team Up
for
Pawsitive Change!
This Halloween, the Rotary Club of South Pasadena and the South Pasadena High School Interact Club brought heart—and paws—to the city’s annual Boo-Bash celebration on October 24 at Orange Grove Park! Instead of only candy and tricks, our booth offered something even sweeter: a chance to meet and adopt rescue Puppies in partnership with Pawsitive Beginnings, a local nonprofit dedicated to giving abandoned puppies & thit Mothers a second chance at life.
Families flocked to the Rotary-Interact booth to learn about pet adoption and fostering opportunities, interact with the animals, and take home information about responsible pet care. The collaboration perfectly embodied Rotary’s “Service Above Self” motto, engaging youth and community members alike in a mission of compassion and kindness.
A huge thank-you to Pawsitive Beginnings for their partnership, and to our dedicated Interact students for leading outreach and volunteer efforts throughout the day. Together, we made Halloween not just festive—but meaningful, too. 🎃🐶🐱
George Vieth III & Mei Vieth won second prize for the pet costume competition @ Boo-Bash 2025
Welner Trujillo & Rotarian at work Lauriane Deriu @ Boo-Bash 2025
OCTOBER CLUB LUNCHEON HIGHLIGHTS
Celebrating Leadership, Education & Youth Service
Our October luncheon celebrated leadership, education, and youth service in South Pasadena. Guest speaker Mark Mariscal from the Altadena Rotary Club shared a powerful story of loss and resilience following the Eaton Fire, reminding us of Rotary’s strength in rebuilding lives and communities. South Pasadena High School Principal John Eldred received the Rotary Vocational Service Award for helping make internships possible at Priority One Credit Union, opening new opportunities for SPHS students in financial literacy and career readiness. Ishan Trachtenberg, past president of the SPHS Interact Club (RY 2023–2024) and current treasurer, was honored with the Rotary Youth Leadership Award for his continued commitment to service and exemplary leadership among his peers. The program also featured remarks from Superintendent Dr. Angela Elizondo Baxter, who, as South Pasadena’s new superintendent, shared her vision for the district and the current state of education in our schools. It was an uplifting afternoon that perfectly captured our theme, “Peace – Unite for Good.”
Superintendent Dr. Angela Baxter
Principal John Eldred, South Pasadena High School
Interactor Ishan Trachtenberg & Youth Services Chair Sara Munshin
Mark Mariscal, Altadena Rotarian and President of the Altadena Library Foundation BOD
Fireside Chat: Welcoming New Friends into Rotary
On October 15, in true Rotary spirit, members gathered for an intimate Fireside Chat. It was an evening of fellowship & storytelling. Hosted by Treasurer Carl von Bibra, the conversation gave prospective and new members a warm introduction to Rotary’s mission, values, and community impact. Around yummy appetizers and good company, members shared what drew them to Rotary and how service has shaped their lives. The evening reminded everyone that Rotary is a circle of friendship, purpose, and shared action.
As one guest put it, “It felt like coming home to a family that’s changing the world.”
🎃 ROTARY CLUB MIXER: ROTARY HAUNTED HOUSE OF FRIENDSHIP
To kick off the holiday season, the Rotary Clubs of South Pasadena, Pasadena, San Marino, and Alhambra/Monterey Park came together for a lively Rotary Club Mixer — an evening filled with fellowship, laughter, and new friendships.
Hosted at the beautiful (and slightly spooky!) Blinn House in Pasadena, the event brought together Rotarians from across the area to celebrate the bonds that make Rotary so special. Conversations flowed easily, new connections were made, and the sense of community reminded us that when clubs come together, Rotary’s magic multiplies.
Special thanks to all who attended, helped organize, and represented the South Pasadena Rotary Club so warmly. Events like this remind us that fellowship is the heart of Rotary - and that service begins with friendship.
Rudy Hayek, Licensed Psychotherapist, Glendora Rotary Club
District 5300 Mental Health & Wellness Chair.
Rudy Hayek, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist & Relationship Coach
Immediate Past President, Rotary Club of Glendora
Area 4 Governor & Co-Chair, District 5300 Mental Health & Wellness Committee
Rudy Hayek is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Relationship Coach with decades of Rotary service, including leadership roles in Glendora and Sierra Madre, and the founding of the Rotary Club of Azusa. He’ll share insights from Rotary International’s global mental health initiative launched under Past RI President Gordon McInally, focusing on destigmatization, awareness, and access to support. Rudy’s talk will highlight practical ways our club can strengthen connection, communication, and cohesiveness caring for one another as we serve our community. And he will introduce the D5300 Mental Health & Wellness Committee.
Steve Tucker
This November, we have a second speaker!!!
We’re thrilled to welcome Steve Tucker, Founder of The Institute on AI, as our November second guest speaker. A dynamic force in the world of artificial intelligence, Steve began his AI journey in 2018 at Georgia Tech, where he first explored the transformative potential of AI. By 2020, he had earned a coveted place in OpenAI’s beta development program and began educating clients in New York City on AI agent development.
Steve’s background bridges technology, business, and leadership. He holds advanced certificates from Stanford, UC Berkeley Law, and Harvard, as well as a Cum Laude MBA from UNC-Charlotte and a B.S. from Clemson University. His professional experience includes leadership roles at Apple, ATARI, AT&T, SONY, Honeywell, and Deloitte, as well as several global startups.
At our meeting, Steve will share insights into how artificial intelligence is reshaping industries, decision-making, and human potential and how Rotary’s spirit of service can adapt and thrive in this evolving landscape.
🍎 Why There’s a Growing Food Shortage for Low-Income Families in SoCal
Many families across Southern California are struggling to put food on the table this month because SNAP (food stamp) benefits have been delayed or reduced following a federal funding lapse. SNAP is the nation’s largest food assistance program, helping millions of low-income households buy groceries each month. With benefits on hold or cut in half, food banks and community pantries from Los Angeles to San Bernardino and Riverside Counties are seeing record demand - and they simply can’t keep up. Rising grocery prices and housing costs make the problem worse, especially for seniors, single parents, and families already living paycheck to paycheck. Food insecurity is growing fastest in urban and suburban areas where the cost of living is highest, including right here in our region. As government aid stalls, local charities, faith groups, and service organizations like Rotary are stepping up to fill the gap with food drives, meal programs, and direct community support. This is a reminder that hunger isn’t a distant issue. It’s right here in our own neighborhoods. Even small acts of service, like stocking a pantry or sponsoring a breakfast for those in need, can make a real difference while federal assistance catches up.
🕊️ Uniting for Good
Rotary x Woman’s Club of South Pasadena
This month, we’re truly “uniting for good” as our club joins forces with our friends at the Woman’s Club of South Pasadena for an evening of service, learning, and community connection.
When: Tuesday, November 18th
Drinks & Appetizers: 6:30 PM
Program: 7:00 - 8:30 PM
Location: Woman’s Club of South Pasadena, 1424 Fremont Avenue, South Pasadena
Their evening speaker will be from the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank, sharing timely insights on food insecurity and the growing need across our region. Rotarians are warmly invited to attend (MEN AS WELL) and to bring nonperishable food items or dry goods to help support local families in need. There will be a collection box at the reception table.
Together, we’ll strengthen our partnership, share fellowship, and continue our mission to bring “Peace – Unite for Good” to life in our community.
JOY IN THE STREETS 2025 The Interact Club of South Pasadena High School, Monterey Hills Elementary, and PTA are teaming up with us for this year’s Winter Essentials Drive! Posters have gone out to all local PTAs, the Woman’s Club of South Pasadena, and the DUDES — because when South Pasadena unites, amazing things happen.
Let’s Unite for Good and show up strong for this service project! Together, we can bring warmth, dignity, and joy to our unhoused neighbors this holiday season.
How You Can Help:
• Drop off donations at David Morales’s office
• Order items from our Joy in the Streets Amazon Wishlist - link below
• Send a Venmo donation using the link below
• Write a check to Elizabeth Dever, our Service Projects Chair
Every contribution, big or small, helps make someone’s holiday a little brighter. ❤️
2025 marks the 114th year that South Pasadena has proudly presented a float in the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Parade - making it the longest continuously self-built float entry in the entire parade!!!
SOUTH PASADENA FLOAT DECORATION
It’s that wonderful time of year again, time to help decorate our South Pasadena Rose Parade float! 🌹 It would be great fun to go as a group, but everyone is welcome to organize their own times.
Did you know Rotary also has its very own float in the Rose Parade? We’re proud to share the 2026 Rotary Float – Unite for Good, inspired by this year’s Rotary theme, Unite for Good, and the Rose Parade theme, The Magic of Teamwork.
This year’s float bursts with color and life, featuring towering giraffes, playful zebras, and a proud tiger with her cubs - all symbols of strength, unity, and care beneath vibrant floral canopies. Just as wildlife thrives together, Rotarians unite across borders to create lasting change — showing that wherever we work together, there truly is magic in teamwork. ✨
Want to get involved behind the scenes of the Rose Parade?
Our Rotary Rose Parade Committee is looking for enthusiastic clubs and individuals to serve as Ambassadors for this year’s float!
The Interact Awards celebrate clubs worldwide that demonstrate the power of service and peacebuilding through creativity and action.
For 2025, the theme “Unite for Good” invites Interactors to show how they bring people together to build peace and create positive change.
Clubs are encouraged to submit a vertical video (9:16), up to two minutes long, highlighting their impact and story.
Winning submissions earn international recognition and funding to advance future service projects.
🗓 Important Date: Submission Deadline: December 1, 2025 – 11:59 p.m. (UTC-6, Chicago time)
RYLA 2025
Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA)
This year, our club proudly sponsors 4 South Pasadena High School Interact Club students and 2 Wilson High School students to attend RYLA, a three-day leadership camp hosted by District 5300 at Camp Cedar Crest in Running Springs. RYLA is an immersive experience that shapes future leaders. Through team challenges, outdoor activities, and powerful workshops, students learn collaboration, confidence, and the true meaning of Service Above Self. Many return inspired to take on new responsibilities in Interact, school, and community life and often become lifelong Rotarians in the making. This year’s camp will be held December 5 - 7, 2025, and our club’s sponsorship continues to open doors for youth who will carry Rotary’s values forward for generations to come.
The SPHS selected Interactors are:
1- Lorenzo Jones
2- Amelie Fiss
3- Jaiya Zafra
4- Alison Chan
The Wilson HIgh School students will be selected by Friday, November 14th.
SERVICE CALENDAR – NOVEMBER & DECEMBER
November marks Rotary Foundation Month and the true start of the season of giving. From serving breakfast downtown to packing care kits for Joy in the Streets, every act of service brings our theme “Peace – Unite for Good” to life.
⸻
Breakfast Ministry – Downtown Los Angeles
Serve breakfast and kindness to our unhoused neighbors in DTLA
Sundays: November 9, 16, 23, 30 & December 7
7:45 – 9:00 AM
1020 S. Flower Street, Los Angeles (corner of Flower & Olympic)
Join fellow Rotarians and volunteers in preparing and serving warm breakfasts to our unhoused neighbors at the Los Angeles First United Methodist Church.
Annual Veterans Luncheon – South Pasadena Senior Center
Each November, our club proudly supports the Senior Center’s Veterans Luncheon honoring those who served.
This year, as it coincides with our regular club meeting, we’ll contribute in spirit by donating homemade desserts to sweeten the celebration.
📸 Photos and highlights will appear in next month’s issue!
LA Food Bank × Woman’s Club
An evening of service and community partnership.
Tuesday, November 18
6:30 – 8:30 PM
1424 Fremont Avenue, South Pasadena
Join us as we partner with the South Pasadena Woman’s Club to support the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank.
Please bring non-perishable items such as canned goods, rice, pasta, cereal, or peanut butter — or make a monetary donation to help the Food Bank purchase fresh produce, dairy, and protein in bulk at lower cost.
Joy in the Streets: Packing Party
Help us prepare care packages for our annual holiday outreach in DTLA.
Wednesday, November 19
6:30 – 8:00 PM
Canoe House – 805 Fair Oaks Avenue, South Pasadena
Join friends and fellow volunteers as we assemble care packages filled with winter essentials, snacks, hygiene items, and messages of hope ahead of JOY IN THE STREETS
Joy in the Streets – Annual Holiday Outreach
Our signature service event returns for its third year!
Join us as we deliver warmth, breakfast, and care to our unhoused neighbors in Los Angeles.
Sunday, December 14
9:30 - 11:30 AM
1020 S. Flower Street (Corner of Olympic & Flower)
Together, we’ll bring compassion, conversation, and connection to those who need it most - the perfect close to a season devoted to giving.
ROTARIAN(S) OF THE MONTH
Marchelle Sellers & Kathy Selders, our unstoppable “KARCHELLE” team, for completing an outstanding Eaton Fire Grants season!
Member Milestones
November Birthdays
Let’s celebrate our amazing Rotarians this month!
• Nov 13: Rod Gregson
• Nov 23: Carl von Bibra
• Nov 25: Ines Kuperschmit
• Nov 27: Kathy Selders
Wishing each of you a wonderful year ahead filled with joy, health, and Rotary fellowship!
✈️ A Rotarian in Uzbekistan
Since going to Europe at age 16 with my parents and spending a year in France (and Tunisia) on a Rotary International Scholarship in 1980, I have always loved to travel and immerse myself in diverse cultures. I have long considered myself a citizen of the world and been interested in intercultural exchanges and sharing of goodwill, knowledge, and ideas. For these reasons, for over 10 years I’ve been a proud Rotarian.
Over the years I’ve learned that visiting some parts of the world can offer a multicultural experience in one burst. Such a place is Bukhara, Uzbekistan, where I am currently residing for six months annually and where (before I retired from the travel business) I brought American travelers for over 20 years. This fact speaks to how extremely friendly and hospitable the Uzbek people are.
Bukhara is an ancient seat of civilization for over 3,000 years and a city located along the famed Silk Road(s), which linked China and the Middle East to Europe. It is useful to think of the ancient Silk Road as an original “Information Highway.” It reached its height of activity (in what is modern-day Uzbekistan) in the 16th century, although Tamerlane seized leadership in 1370. Along this highway, information and ideas about silk and textile production, science, medicine, architecture, language, religion, metallurgy, crafts, and all other aspects of human culture traversed.
Bukhara of today is a modern city of 300,000 inhabitants, yet there are buildings in the old part of the city which served sequentially as Zoroastrian temples, Jewish synagogues, Islamic mosques, and which are now serving as museums. Multiculturalism in Bukhara is omnipresent, and most locals speak three languages interchangeably throughout the day, including Uzbek, Tajik, and Russian. Young people now speak English, and a working knowledge of it is required for admission into the university.
Zoroastrians, Hindus, Buddhists, Jews, Muslims, Christians, atheists, and agnostics have long lived here in peace. Having been a part of the former Soviet Union for over 67 years left its mark here, yet the ancient cultural and familial traditional foundations were never weakened.
All of this multicultural background made Bukhara the perfect host location for its first International Biennale, which runs from September 5–November 20, 2025. A city which has a local population made up of dozens of nationalities and which always has an abundance of international visitors is currently even more brimming with tourists, all enjoying the contemporary art of the 60+ installations of the Biennale. The streets are filled with groups of visitors speaking a Tower of Babel symphony of world languages. In keeping with the multicultural core of the city’s soul, all the installations are international collaborations with local artists. Collaborating artists come from myriad diverse countries such as Brazil, Mongolia, Senegal, and the Bahamas.
The theme of the Bukhara Biennale is “Recipes for Broken Hearts.” The first Biennale was held in 1895 in Venice, Italy, and has since taken place in over 270 world cities. Annually, several dozen Biennales are held all over the world.
Such a homogeneous amalgam of diversity makes me think of Rotary International and its noble Four-Way Test and common goals of mankind helping each other.
- Christine Robison
Rotary Club of South Pasadena
I think it’s so important to stay inspired. That’s how we keep the spirit of “Peace – Unite for Good“ alive. I hope this newsletter brought you joy and a sense of connection to our Rotary family. Thank you for walking this path of service and peace with me.
With love and in Rotary Service,
Betty
Betty Bui
PO BOX 362 South Pasadena, CA 91031, United States
