Brawley Rotary Club, Stockmen's Club of Imperial Valley, 275 Marjorie Avenue, Brawley, CA (2026)

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Stockmen's Club Of Imperial Valley, 275 Marjorie Avenue

03/23/2026

Our speakers this week were introduced by program chair Sheila Kruger. Chris Bjornberg, CEO, and Carly Loper, CFO of Pioneers Memorial Healthcare District, provided an encouraging update on the ongoing hospital merger, noting that the process is now in its final stages, with only bondholder consent still pending. In the meantime, both organizations have already begun collaborating by sharing staff and leadership while carefully managing hiring and planning for a unified structure. They emphasized that, even after formal approval, it may take 12–18 months to fully integrate operations, culture, and identity. A key priority following the merger will be applying for “sole community hospital” status, which could significantly improve reimbursement without changing services. The speakers also highlighted a strategic focus on expanding local healthcare services to reduce the need for residents to travel outside the valley, using data to determine which specialties should be offered at each campus. They underscored that collaboration—rather than competition—will strengthen care delivery, allowing the system to provide not just necessary care, but the higher level of care the community deserves. Financial realities, including low Medi-Cal reimbursement rates and complex funding mechanisms, remain challenges, but they expressed confidence that the merger, combined with long-term planning and potential funding measures, will improve sustainability and support future growth in healthcare services across the region. Thank you, Chris and Carly for speaking with us today!

03/13/2026

Rosalind Servin, who is the founder of Brawley Feed the Need, shared a powerful testimony of redemption and service, describing how God transformed her life and led her into ministry. After spending 17 years caught in addiction and crime, she reached a turning point at age 31 when a pastor personally took her to a recovery program. During that year, she experienced the life-changing love and saving power of Jesus Christ and began learning what it meant to live with faith, purpose, and new values. When she returned home, she was determined to give back to the community. She began serving in her church and seeking ways to help others, though she did not yet know exactly what that would look like. Several years later, an unexpected opportunity led her to begin serving meals to people experiencing homelessness. What started as a small effort quickly grew as volunteers joined in. Eventually, local churches opened their doors, and she served meals in fellowship halls, and the work developed into a nonprofit organization. Today the ministry operates from its own facility, where individuals can receive not only meals but also clothing, showers, laundry access, and other basic necessities. On average, around 40 people are served each day. Throughout the years, her focus has remained the same: to show the love of God in practical ways and to offer hope to those who may feel forgotten or stuck in destructive patterns. She frequently shares her own story to remind people that change is possible and that no one is beyond God’s grace. While the ministry does not force religion on those it serves, it seeks to model the compassion of Christ and encourage people toward a better future. Over the past decade, she has seen many lives begin to turn around, with some individuals leaving homelessness and addiction behind. The ministry also supports families in need through food assistance and an annual back-to-school program that provides clothing for children. Rosalind emphasized that this work has been sustained largely by the generosity and unity of the community. Thank you, Rosalind!

03/08/2026

The club heard an enthusiastic update from Sarah Enz, President of Imperial Breakfast Rotary and coordinator for the 1st Annual Imperial Valley Rotary Golf Tournament, scheduled for May 2 at Del Rio Country Club in Brawley. This collaborative event will bring together all the local Rotary clubs and aims to host 120 golfers (30 teams of four) for a day of friendly competition and fundraising. Because registration fees only generate a small margin, the event’s success will depend largely on community sponsorships and the golf ball drop fundraiser. Four sponsorship levels are available—from the $2,500 “4-Way Test” level, which includes a team and prominent recognition, to $1,500 Friend of Rotary, $500 Taco Cart sponsors, and $100 Hole sponsors—each offering promotional opportunities throughout the course and event activities. A highlight of the day will be the helicopter golf ball drop, where numbered balls are released over the course for cash prizes, with tickets selling for $100 each; every Rotary club is asked to sell 50 tickets, potentially raising $4,000 per club. Additional features include mulligans, raffle prizes, team trophies, and skill contests such as closest-to-the-pin and longest drive. Members are encouraged to recruit golfers, seek sponsors, sell ball-drop tickets, and volunteer at the event—even if they don’t golf—to help make this first tournament a strong and sustainable fundraiser for Rotary in the Imperial Valley. Thank you, Sarah, for taking the time to speak to us today!

03/02/2026

Our speaker this week was our very own Larry Lewis, who is the Executive Director of the Community Health Plan of Imperial Valley. Larry provided an overview of this organization, which is the county’s public Medi-Cal health plan serving approximately 98,000 residents—more than half the local population. Like an insurance company, the plan receives funding upfront through taxpayer-supported Medi-Cal dollars and pays for members’ healthcare services as needed. Established by county ordinance in 2014, the organization operates independently from the county financially, but works closely with hospitals, physicians, behavioral health, and safety-net providers such as InnerCare. Governed by a 13-member public commission, its mission is to improve access to care, strengthen local providers, and invest in prevention and early intervention. Larry highlighted major milestones, including securing a state license to contract directly for Medi-Cal and transitioning to a single-plan model in the county. The organization has also launched a Dual Eligible Special Needs Plan (D-SNP) to better coordinate care for residents who qualify for both Medicare and Medi-Cal, simplifying services and keeping more healthcare resources local. With experienced leadership in place, a growing local workforce, and a requirement to reinvest a portion of net income back into community health initiatives, the long-term vision is to build a sustainable, locally driven health system that improves quality, strengthens partnerships, and keeps healthcare dollars working within Imperial County. We are lucky to have Larry working on such an important and needed service in our Imperial Valley! Thank you, Larry!

02/27/2026

Please support your local Brawley Rotary Club by participating in this Inaugural Golf Tournament! All proceeds go to local Rotary Clubs for their service projects to better our community. Sponsorship opportunities are available. Send us a message and we will get you a ticket (or four)!

02/20/2026

In this week’s presentation, Sam Couchman offered a compelling and deeply personal look at World War I, often called “The Great War” and once believed to be the war to end all wars. Fought from July 28, 1914, to November 11, 1918—commemorated on the 11th month, 11th day, and 11th hour—the conflict lasted four years, three months, and fourteen days, yet its impact reshaped the entire world. With an estimated 30 million military casualties and millions of civilian deaths, the war introduced devastating new technologies such as tanks, aircraft, machine guns, heavy artillery, and chemical weapons, including chlorine and mustard gas. Sam emphasized how modern warfare blurred the line between battlefield and home front, reminding us that civilians often suffered alongside soldiers. Sharing a treasured 1919 photograph of his grandfather, who served in the American Expeditionary Force’s artillery unit, he illustrated how individual stories connect us personally to this global tragedy. He explained that the United States entered the war late and largely unprepared in 1917, relying heavily on foreign equipment such as French artillery and British-designed rifles, and that American involvement ultimately bolstered the Allies at a critical moment. The aftermath, including the unsuccessful formation of the League of Nations under President Woodrow Wilson, set conditions that contributed directly to the rise of extremism in Europe and eventually to World War II. Through an engaging display of authentic artifacts—helmets, medals, dog tags, weapons, and even YMCA-issued songbooks meant to lift troop morale—Sam brought history vividly to life. His reflections underscored not only the scale and brutality of trench warfare but also the enduring human patterns of conflict, nationalism, and faith that continue to shape wars across generations. Thank you for a great program, Sam!

02/16/2026

At this week’s meeting, we welcomed Jaime Garcia, a seasoned banking professional and proud Brawley community member, who shared his passion for advancing financial literacy across the Valley. With more than 22 years in banking and nearly three years at Sun Community Federal Credit Union, Jaime highlighted the credit union’s strong commitment to giving back. He focused on the annual “Bite of Reality” program—scheduled locally for April 11—which provides high school seniors with a hands-on budgeting simulation. Students are assigned a job, income, credit score, and family scenario, then rotate through nine stations covering real-life expenses such as housing, transportation, and insurance. Volunteers encourage students to consider higher-cost options, often pushing them over budget and teaching valuable lessons about needs versus wants, credit management, and financial decision-making. When students exceed their budgets, they receive coaching and must make adjustments, reinforcing practical money skills. Jaime also shared information about the credit union’s classroom workshops, career day participation, scholarships, and 0% interest 4-H loans that promote responsible borrowing. As a member-owned nonprofit, the credit union reinvests in the community, supporting youth and local families. Jaime’s message was simple yet powerful: financial success begins with education—not just being told to save, but being shown how. Thank you, Jaime!

02/13/2026

Happy President's Day! We hope this holiday offers a moment to reflect on the leadership, vision, and enduring principles that have helped shape our nation.

02/10/2026

Today was our Four-Way Speech Contest. As per the rules, the speakers were not introduced to us prior to delivering their speeches. Five student speakers offered powerful reflections and how it relates to the Rotary Four-Way Test. The first speaker emphasized the often-overlooked role of agriculture, reminding us that urban communities depend daily on farmers and ranchers whose work is frequently misunderstood, and highlighting how agricultural education programs like FFA build respect, leadership, and stronger rural-urban connections. The second speaker explored the human need for connection, illustrating how relationships ground us during life’s challenges and showing that companionship—whether through people or even pets—is essential to well-being and compassion. The third speaker shared a personal story from competitive cheerleading to demonstrate that honesty, teamwork, and shared courage transform anxiety into confidence, building goodwill and community even in competitive environments. The fourth speaker challenged students and adults alike to rethink extracurricular involvement, arguing that activities pursued only for college applications fail to build fairness, friendship, or personal growth, while passion-driven participation truly benefits everyone involved. The final speaker addressed academic pressure and achievement culture, powerfully asserting that grades do not define worth, and calling for an educational mindset that values curiosity, empathy, and individual growth over comparison and rank. Together, these speeches highlighted leadership, fairness, connection, and compassion as foundations for stronger communities. Speaker # 1 was Vanessa Rodriguez from BUHS. Speaker #2 was Jaedillene Laurino from BUHS. Speaker #3 was Layla Morales from Calipatria High School. Speaker #4 was Dyhan Patel from BUHS, and Speaker #5 was Evelyn Torres from Calipatria. Speaker #3, Layla Morales, came in first place and was awarded $150 and the rest were each awarded $75. Thank you, Students, and thank you Dillon Faubion for once again coordinating with both high schools.

01/31/2026

Pictured here with President Elect Karen Montano, our speakers Eric Reyes, Executive Director, and Isabel Solis, President, both from Los Amigos de la Comunidad Inc., shared both personal perspectives and a broad vision for Imperial County’s future, drawing on a lifetime of service as immigrants, educators, and community leaders. They emphasized the significance of the proposed Lithium Valley Specific Plan and the newly released Programmatic Environmental Impact Report (PEIR), which together cover more than 50,000 acres between Niland and Calipatria and are designed to guide responsible land use, infrastructure, transportation, and industrial development. By addressing environmental impacts upfront, the PEIR would streamline future permitting, attract billions of dollars in investment, and create thousands of local jobs—helping counter the long-standing loss of young talent due to limited economic opportunity. Central to this vision is geothermal-based lithium extraction, a closed-loop process that builds on decades of safe geothermal energy production in the region, minimizes environmental harm, and positions Imperial County as a strategic domestic source of a critical mineral. The speaker underscored the importance of public participation during the comment period, noting that supportive comments are just as valid as critical ones, and encouraged residents to become informed rather than guided by misinformation. He also highlighted how Imperial Valley College is preparing the local workforce through new certification programs, a forthcoming bachelor’s degree, and major STEM investments, ensuring residents can access these emerging careers affordably. Overall, their message was one of cautious optimism: with accountability, community engagement, and education aligned with industry, Lithium Valley represents a rare opportunity to transform the local economy, strengthen environmental stewardship—particularly for the Salton Sea—and create lasting benefits for current and future generations. Thank you, Eric and Isabel, and thanks to Tim Kelley for a month of great programs!

01/23/2026

Our speaker today was Peter Sterenberg from Republic Services. Peter shared a personal and professional journey that illustrated both the evolution of the waste industry and the values that guide Republic Services today. Growing up in a family-owned trash business in Chicago, he learned the industry from the ground up—literally—doing the hardest jobs, driving trucks, and developing a strong work ethic rooted in family responsibility and pride. After time in sales and years working in the family business, he eventually relocated to California, where he has spent more than two decades with Republic Services, including the last 13 years managing the Imperial–Yuma business unit. Peter emphasized how dramatically the waste business has changed over time, evolving from simple landfill disposal to a highly regulated, environmentally focused operation that includes recycling, hazardous waste handling, methane gas collection, groundwater monitoring, and increasingly, electric vehicle fleets. He highlighted Republic’s commitment to service and community, noting that the Imperial Valley operation currently ranks number one in the nation for customer satisfaction (Net Promoter Score), never missed a pickup during COVID, and consistently prioritizes local responsiveness over call centers. Peter also addressed common questions about recycling, contamination challenges, composting, landfill design and safety, and regulatory differences between California and Arizona, reinforcing that while recycling is not always profitable, it is necessary and taken seriously. Overall, his message underscored that Republic Services operates with a family-business mindset, high local standards, and a long-term commitment to environmental responsibility and reliable service for the communities it serves. Thank you, Peter!

01/20/2026

Our speaker, Carlos Weir, is the Associate Vice President for the Elks’ South District. Carlos shared an engaging overview of the Elks’ history, mission, and the remarkable legacy of the Brawley Elks Lodge. He highlighted the Elks’ origins nearly 160 years ago as a group committed to fellowship and helping those in need, a spirit that continues today through extensive charitable giving. Carlos emphasized the importance of the Elks National Foundation, which now distributes over $5 million annually in grants and scholarships, directly supporting veterans, youth, and community programs, including local students and families right here in Brawley. He also spoke passionately about California’s Major Projects program, which benefits children with special needs, and noted how local fundraising and grants allow the lodge to contribute more than $25,000 each year to schools, sports teams, veterans’ services, and community initiatives. In addition, Carlos recounted the challenges and successes of restoring the historic Brawley Elks Lodge after severe flood damage, underscoring the dedication required to preserve one of the oldest and architecturally rare Elks buildings in the district. He concluded with excitement about the upcoming state president’s visit and the long-awaited discovery and planned opening of the lodge’s 100-year-old time capsule—an event symbolizing both the Elks’ proud past and their continued commitment to service and community for generations to come. Thank you, Carlos!

Brawley Rotary Club

03/23/2026

03/13/2026

03/08/2026

03/02/2026

02/27/2026

02/20/2026

02/16/2026

02/13/2026

02/10/2026

01/31/2026

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