Rotary Club of Carmel Valley

10/21/2026

Every child deserves a safe place to call home. 💛 Today, our club welcomed Sandra Leader, wife of our member Lewis Leader, to share the important work of Housing for School Kids.

With more than 13,000 public school students experiencing homelessness in Monterey County, the need is heartbreaking. This volunteer-run organization has helped hundreds of local families with rent, move-in deposits, and emergency assistance to prevent eviction. Sandra shared that more than 99% of funds go toward helping children and their families find or maintain stable housing—providing the security students need to learn and thrive.

Our club was Housing for School Kids’ first large supporter, and we’re proud to have supported its mission from the beginning. Helping families through difficult times has long been close to our members’ hearts.

We were also delighted to welcome Joan Costello, a member of the Housing for School Kids leadership team. Her mother, Nancy Costello, began the work of Nancy’s Project in 1971, providing free food and essential resources to local farmworkers and their families. We’re grateful for the compassion and dedication both women have brought to our community.

Our spirit of service also reached beyond Monterey County today as we collected donations for Nepal flood relief. And we enjoyed a special moment of fellowship as we sang Happy Birthday to Past President Bryan Golden! 🎂

Whether close to home or across the world, we believe in showing up for families when they need it most. That’s Service Above Self. 💙

10/20/2026

We had a great time at the Pine Canyon Ranch.

10/14/2026

Celebration, recognition, and an informative conversation at Carmel Valley Rotary! 💙💛

We sang “Happy Birthday” to Bruce “Brucie” Greenbaum and celebrated Jim Eichenberg’s Paul Harris Fellow +1 recognition. Congratulations, Jim, and happy birthday, Brucie!

Our guest speaker, Mitch Winick, President and Dean Emeritus of Monterey College of Law, shared an excellent, nonpartisan presentation about how the law applies at all levels of government. Drawing on decades of experience in legal education, Mitch offered valuable insights that were especially timely as we approach the upcoming elections.

Thank you, Mitch, for sharing your expertise and helping us better understand the legal framework shaping our communities!

10/06/2026

Today, the Rotary Club of Carmel Valley welcomed MaryNina Hill from the Monterey Pacific Rotary Club (a club we proudly sponsored many years ago), for a thoughtful presentation, “Until Death Do Us Part.”

MaryNina opened a conversation about a subject we often hesitate to discuss: the finite nature of life and our partnerships. We explored how to support people experiencing grief, prepare ourselves and our loved ones for life after we’re gone, and embrace traditions that help us live life to the fullest.

We also celebrated new beginnings! Fred Herro shared that a great-grandson is on the way, and Rabbi Bruce Greenbaum announced that he is expecting his first grandchild. Congratulations to both growing families! 💛

Fellowship continued over a delicious lunch prepared by Chef Woody and the team at Woody’s at Del Mesa: chicken with creamy polenta, fresh salad with homemade dressing, roasted zucchini and squash, and chocolate brownies.

Thank you, MaryNina, for a meaningful discussion and a reminder to cherish the time we share. The meeting concluded with President Annette Yee Steck presenting a certificate of appreciation to MaryNina, and acknowledgement that our club is donating funds on her behalf to Jews, Christians, and Muslims United (a weekly soup kitchen feeding local community members.)

10/01/2026

💙 Carmel Valley Rotary is #1!

We’re proud to be ranked #1 on the September 2026 Annual Fund giving list, with $3,860 contributed to The Rotary Foundation so far this Rotary year.

Thank you to our members whose generosity helps Rotary create lasting impact in communities locally and around the world. 🌎⚙️ Rotary District 5230

09/26/2026

09/24/2026

Yesterday’s Giants game was a blast! District Governor Susan Winey joined us, along with Past District Governors Brinet Greenlee and Debbie Hale!

09/23/2026

At the Giants game vs Minnesota.

09/18/2026

🎨 The 2026 Carmel Valley Rotary Coloring Contest is here! 🎨

Calling all young artists in Monterey County! The Rotary Club of Carmel Valley is excited to bring back our annual Coloring Contest for 2026! ❤️💙💛

🎨 DOWNLOAD & PRINT THE 2026 COLORING CONTEST PAGES HERE: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1D8QpScBE5OltfA71VkhUVzQ0oq68-FxM/view?usp=drivesdk

This year, we have two similar coloring pages to choose from featuring our message, “Kind Hearts Can Change the World.” One design has a little more detail for artists who want an extra challenge, while the other is a bit simpler. Choose whichever page you like best!

✨ How to enter:

1. Download and print one of the two coloring pages found here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1D8QpScBE5OltfA71VkhUVzQ0oq68-FxM/view?usp=drivesdk
2. Color it however you’d like — be creative!
3. Fill out the name, age, and parent/guardian contact information.
4. Mail your completed entry by October 30, 2026 to:

Rotary Club of Carmel Valley
P.O. Box 221845
Carmel, CA 93922

🎅🚂 PRIZE: Winning artists will receive the extra-special opportunity to ride aboard the Rotary train during Santa’s Fly-In Parade this December, plus a gift bag from Santa and Rotary!

The contest is FREE and open to all children and teenagers ages 18 and under.

Help us spread the word by sharing this post with local families, schools, teachers, youth organizations, and young artists! We can’t wait to see all of your colorful creations. 🎨✨

Deadline: October 30th!
❤️ Kind Hearts Can Change the World!