February is Rotary’s Peacebuilding and Conflict Resolution Month. Peace is not abstract. It is built through everyday actions, service, and how we show up for one another.
One powerful way to bring this message into the heart of South Pasadena would be by creating a shared symbol of unity. A Rotary Peace Pole in South Pasadena would become a visible reminder of our shared values. Displaying “May Peace Prevail on Earth” in multiple languages, it would serve as a gathering point for reflection, school visits, youth programs, and community events - encouraging dialogue, empathy, and unity across generations and cultures.
By creating this landmark, we would affirm that South Pasadena chooses connection over division and cooperation over conflict. Let’s make peace visible.
Let’s Unite for Good With Heart and Purpose.
From Youth Programs to community partnerships, our club has already created meaningful momentum this year. Every project, big or small, strengthens our presence and impact in South Pasadena.
Four-Way Test Speech Contest
Hensel Ethics Essay Contest
Dan Stover Music Contest
Business Competition
RYLA
TLC
LA STRONG PARTNERSHIP
JOY IN THE STREETS
SENIOR CENTER
February kicks off our major youth competitions: the Four Way-Test Speech Contest, Ethics Essay Contest, Dan Stover Music Competition, and Business Plan Challenge. Supporting young leaders is one of the most powerful ways we invest in peace.
President-Elect Tom Camarda and Ines Kuperschmit volunteering at the Power Up Altadena Peace Concert on January 17th.
Peacebuilding begins with people, with neighbors helping neighbors, students discovering leadership, and communities coming together in service. Here in South Pasadena, Rotary brings this spirit to life every day through mentorship, fellowship, and projects that strengthen our local community.
As Noam Chomsky reminds us, “Real change comes from the engagement and participation of people working together to shape a better future.” When we unite for good, our local impact becomes part of a powerful global movement.
Since January, Rotarians worldwide have continued advancing peace in meaningful ways — including the opening of Rotary’s newest Peace Center in Pune, India, expanding global training for future peacebuilders. At the same time, Rotary clubs are supporting environmental sustainability projects, inclusive adaptive sports programs, and youth innovation initiatives such as those empowering students in Serbia.
From South Pasadena to communities across the world, Rotary is proving that peace is built through action. Thank you for being part of this shared mission and for leading with service, heart, and purpose.
Basketball is super popular in the Balkans And a Rotary Club in Bosnia and Herzegovina wanted people with disabilities to get in on the action. The club members upgraded a court for wheelchair basketball and sitting volleyball, then hosted a tournament. See more at the link below:
RAIN GARDENS: They are a low-tech, highly effective way to protect coastal waters from chemical runoff. They even help prevent flooding. Rotary members in Texas, USA are planting rain gardens to clean up a key fishing and wildlife area., Baffin Bay. Find out how rain gardens work and what’s special about Baffin Bay:
Symbiosis International University in Pune, India Is the site of Rotary’s newest peace center! Rotary leaders and university heads celebrated the launch of the center this week. Offering 40 fellowships every year, it will help foster a new generation of peacemakers.
The Interact Club at South Pasadena High School (SPHS) continues to thrive as a powerful pipeline of youth leadership and service. This year, we are also laying the groundwork to launch a new Interact Club at South Pasadena Middle School (SPMS), expanding Rotary’s impact to even younger changemakers. Through our leadership pathway, students from SPHS and Woodrow Wilson Middle School will attend Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA), while SPMS students will participate in Teen Leadership Camp (TLC), ensuring age-appropriate leadership development at every stage. Our collaborations with local schools, nonprofits, and service partners continue to grow - and together, we are creating visible, meaningful change right here in South Pasadena.
From left to right, top to bottom: Fig. 1. Mayor Pro Tem Omari Ferguson at Boo Bash, October 2025. Fig. 2. President-Elect Tom Camarda and a District 5280 Rotarian at Ponies to End Polio, January 2026.Fig. 3. District Membership and Public Image Chair Gino Reyes with President Betty Bui at Ponies to End Polio, January 2026. Fig. 4. Immediate Past President David Morales with newly inducted member Steve Sanko.
Fig. 5. President Betty Bui at the South Pasadena Senior Center New Year Luncheon, January 2026. Fig. 6. Patty and Past President Sara Munshin at the club holiday dinner, Arroyo Chop House, December 2026. Fig. 7. District Governor-Elect Dennis Franklin and Past President Charles Wiggington Sr. at Joy in the Streets, December 2025, Downtown Los Angeles.
February Community Impact Summit Luncheon
In honor of Rotary’s Peacebuilding and Conflict Prevention Month, the Rotary Club of South Pasadena hosted a powerful Community Impact Summit during our February luncheon. This was not just a meeting — it was a curated cross-sector conversation bringing together leaders in sustainability (Athens Services, youth empowerment (Global Girls Glow) education (Beyond the Classroom) , and community service (Kindness is Free, Inkwell). Each speaker shared practical insight on how intentional collaboration strengthens our city and creates measurable impact.
The Summit reinforced a simple but profound truth: peace is built locally. It grows through partnership, civic responsibility, youth leadership, and everyday acts of kindness.
By convening voices from across sectors, our Club continues to position itself not only as a service organization, but as a catalyst for meaningful dialogue and action in South Pasadena.
Together, we unite for good — and we lead with purpose.
District events, youth competition finals, hands-on service projects, and community celebrations are right around the corner. While this is not yet a complete spring calendar, our club continues to develop additional hands-on service opportunities and community events - so there is even more to look forward to as we bring our Peace – Unite for Good theme to life together.
ROTARY PEACE STAGE @ SOUTH PASADENA ECLECTIC MUSIC FESTIVAL/ ARTS CRAWL
April 25, 2026
Be part of Rotary’s vibrant presence at one of South Pasadena’s biggest community celebrations. Help us promote peace through music, art, and community connection while engaging the wider community in Rotary’s mission.
📩 Contact Elizabeth Dever: elizmariedever@gmail.com
or T Kurera: tkurera75@gmail.com
CORAZÓN MEXICO HOUSE SUPERBUILD (DISTRICT 5300 COLLABORATION)
May 2, 2026
Join Rotarians from across District 5300 for one of the most energizing, meaningful, and fun service experiences of the year. In just one day, we will come together to build a home for a family - creating lasting impact, cross-club friendships, and unforgettable memories.
📩 Contact Elizabeth Dever or District 5300 Corazón Co-Chair & Club Member George Vieth III: georgevieth3@gmail.com
TASTE OF SOUTH PASADENA (TOSP)
May 19, 2026
Taste of South Pasadena is our city’s signature food, wine and community festival - bringing together local restaurants, wineries, neighbors, businesses, and Rotarians for an evening of great flavors, live energy, and hometown pride. It is one of our club’s most anticipated events and cornerstone fundraiser that supports our Rotary service projects locally and globally.
Join the TOSP Committee or volunteer on event day to help make this community celebration a success.
📩 Contact Elizabeth Dever: elizmariedever@gmail.com
Join us for our February Club Social!
Wednesday, March 4th
6:00 – 8:30 PM
Visionarium Rooftop
1020 Mission Street, South Pasadena
An evening of connection, conversation, and community under the stars - we can’t wait to see you there. ✨
please rsvp: bettyrotary5300@gmail.com
MEMBERS MILESTONES
Birthdays
February 9: Tom Lake
Rotary Anniversaries
February 12: Dan Evans
Important Dates & Events
February 17: Lunar New Year - Year of the Horse
February 18: Ash Wednesday
February 20-22: PELS (Southwest Presidents Elect Training)
February 26 - 29: Frieze LA, Barker Hanger Santa Monica
MEMBER’S CORNER
by Elizabeth Dever - Service Projects Chair
Making progress in the fight against childhood cancer
At our January Club Social on Wednesday, January 28, we had the pleasure of welcoming James Amatruda, MD, PhD, Director of the Cancer and Blood Disease Institute at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles and Professor at USC Keck School of Medicine. We gathered at the always-welcoming Lost Parrot Café for an evening that was both educational and inspiring.
Dr. Amatruda spoke about how far childhood cancer treatment has come over the years, sharing hopeful news that a pediatric cancer diagnosis today is no longer the automatic death sentence it once was. He also explained why some childhood cancer survivors experience shorter lifespans, helping us better understand the long-term challenges these patients face. One of the most fascinating parts of the evening was learning about the innovative research happening in his lab. Dr. Amatruda shared how his team uses zebrafish models to study genetic subtypes of pediatric solid tumors, allowing researchers to develop more targeted and effective therapies. These breakthroughs are already benefiting patients at CHLA and improving outcomes around the world.
Our members asked thoughtful questions and engaged in great discussion about the future of childhood cancer research. While recent government funding cuts present challenges, it was encouraging to hear about the exciting innovations still on the horizon.
Of course, no Rotary social is complete without good food and fellowship and the drinks and taco bar from the wonderful team at Lost Parrot Café made the evening even more enjoyable.
Valentine's Day Cards and Treats Service Project
On February 13, in anticipation of Valentine’s Day, the Rotary Club of South Pasadena delivered 155 handmade Valentine’s Day cards to the South Pasadena Care Center Nursing Home on Mission Street. The Club also donated two baskets of treats for the staff with cards that said, “We appreciate your efforts.” These Valentine’s Day treat baskets were filled with healthy, sweet and savory treats including tangerines, Hershey Kisses, Skittles and Starburst candies, and chips and popcorn. The cards were created at our February Rotary Meeting and Patsy, Elizabeth, Loriane and Valentina also made cards outside of the meeting. Thanks to all who participated in this meaningful service project!
Last weekend, the Rotary Club of South Pasadena proudly sent our new incoming President-Elect Tom Camarda to the 2026 Southwest President-Elect Learning Seminar (SW PELS), the largest multi-district presidents-elect training program in the world.
Future Rotary leaders from 11 districts across 6 states gathered to prepare for a powerful year ahead:
AZ: 5495, 5500
CA: 5240, 5280, 5320, 5330, 5340
CA/NV: 5300
HI: 5000
MT: 5390
UT: 5420
Hundreds of incoming presidents learning, collaborating, and building momentum — together.
Rotary leadership isn’t just local. It’s regional. National. Global.
And South Pasadena is ready. 💙
Thank you got every member who shows up, volunteers, donates time, and brings positive energy to our club. Together, we are building something special - and the impact is REAL. With love -
Betty Bui
PO BOX 362 South Pasadena, CA 91031, United States
