Week of August 11, 2026 · Creating Lasting Impact: Marina for All
From the Helm
Fellow Rotarians,
Your board met Tuesday night for the second time this year and adopted four policies — youth protection, financial procedures, code of conduct, and conflict of interest. That is the pre-planning work of last spring now formally on the books. I am proud of this board.
Two things ahead. On Thursday we play Bingo for St. Margaret's Center — networking, an easy night, and a good cause. Bring someone who has never been to a Rotary event.
And the Sunset Sail is now inside of six weeks. Sponsorship commitments close August 28. If you have a company in mind, this is the week to make the call — not the week after.
One more worth putting on your calendar in ink: Erikk Aldridge of LA28 joins us on August 20. More below.
Yours in service, Nancy Voss President, 2026–2027
This Thursday
Bingo Night for St. Margaret's Center
Thursday, August 13 · 6:00 PM The Clubhouse, 4170 Admiralty Way, Marina del Rey $25 for 6 cards · All proceeds to St. Margaret's Center
Networking and bingo — cards, prizes, and a room full of people who like to win things. Guests are welcome and encouraged. This is one of the easiest nights of the year to introduce someone to the club.
This Saturday
Geo Rocha hosts us at McConnell's
Saturday, August 15 · 1:00 PM McConnell's Fine Ice Creams grand opening · Palisades Village [confirm]
Our own Geo Rocha is hosting, and we are joining the Rotary Club of Pacific Palisades to celebrate both the shop's opening and the Village coming back. Ice cream, good company, and a neighborhood worth showing up for. Bring the family.
P.S. — I will be heading up right after the District breakfast that morning. Let me know if you would like to carpool. — Nancy
Next Program · August 20
Erikk Aldridge
Vice President of Impact, LA28 Thursday, August 20 · Del Rey Yacht Club
Erikk leads community impact and legacy planning for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games — local business access, youth sport, and what the Games leave behind. He is also a former CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Venice, which makes this a homecoming of sorts for a club that puts Westside kids on the water.
This is not the week to skip a meeting. Bring a guest.
Third Annual Sunset Sail
Dusk & Diamonds
Thursday, September 17 · Aboard FantaSea One, 4215 Admiralty Way
Your Board of Directors met for the second time this Rotary year and formally adopted:
· Youth Protection Policy · Financial Policies & Procedures Manual (review) · Code of Conduct · Conflict of Interest Policy
These began as pre-planning work before July 1 and are now on the books. A club in its third year does not usually have governance this solid — that is a credit to this board, and I am proud of them.
You will receive more information on each policy, along with acknowledgment forms, in the days ahead. Please feel free to reach out to any board member with questions.
Committees were also on the agenda. Sign-ups are coming — start thinking about where you want to put your hours. Stay tuned.
Youth Protection certification — due September 30
Every member must complete certification by September 30. An email with the link and instructions is going out to all members — watch for it, and please complete it when it arrives rather than setting it aside. It takes about twenty minutes.
Two District grant applications are in
Adopt a Senior, with Westside Pacific Villages — $5,000 program, $2,000 requested from District 5280. Marina Trades Pathway, vocational grants for Venice High School graduates — $4,500 program, $1,500 requested. Both were filed early on District advice, since allocations are made on a rolling basis.
Fellowship of Sea Lovers
Dave Voss and Geo Rocha are leading our charter conversation with International Commodore Luigi Falanga. For a club that meets at a yacht club, this one writes itself.
Rotarian of the Month · July
Debbie Sue Miller
Club Secretary
Congratulations to Debbie Sue Miller, our first Rotarian of the Month of the 2026–2027 Rotary year. She has earned it through diligence and steady hard work keeping our records — and, just as important, making them available for every member to see. Good records are what let a club trust itself.
Club documents live in the ClubRunner Document Repository. If you need a hand getting in, ask Geo, Debbie Sue, or me.
Where We've Been
Councilmember Traci Park
AUGUST 6 · DEL REY YACHT CLUB
We had the honor of hosting Councilmember Traci Park for an update on the Westside and a conversation about how our club and her office continue to partner — including the road to the LA28 Games.
National Night Out
PLAYA VISTA
The club joined National Night Out in Playa Vista, honoring the law enforcement officers who look after our neighborhoods. Good to stand alongside them, and good to be seen doing it.
On the Calendar
AUG 13
Bingo Night for St. Margaret's Center · 6:00 PM The Clubhouse, 4170 Admiralty Way
AUG 15
McConnell's grand opening with Palisades Rotary, 1:00 PM Hosted by Geo Rocha
AUG 20
Club Meeting — Erikk Aldridge, LA28 Del Rey Yacht Club
AUG 27
Joint fellowship with Westchester Rotary Same evening: Sunset Sail sponsorship deadline is the 28th
SEP 12
Collection drive for the Marines at Camp Pendleton Donation list and drop-off details to follow
SEP 13
Joint social with Thai Town Rotary, 5:20 PM
SEP 17
Dusk & Diamonds Sunset Sail Aboard FantaSea One
SEP 24
Boat fellowship with Palisades Rotary
OCT 11
Catalina Island club retreat Skippers: Voss and Frawley
OCT 24–25
Pumpkin Patch Fisherman's Village
NOV 11–15
El Salvador humanitarian mission Ciudad de Talnique, with Rotary Club San Salvador Noroeste
Rotary Club of Marina del Rey
We meet the 1st, 3rd, and 5th Thursdays at Del Rey Yacht Club. Guests are always welcome — bring one.
Rotary Club of Marina del Rey Foundation · 8117 Manchester Ave #188, Playa del Rey, CA 90293 Questions or newsletter submissions: nvossrotary@gmail.com