Thank you, Tom Evans, for opening your home for our Holiday Party. It was a wonderful evening and a great way to close out 2025 and welcome 2026.
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Today we were joined by our very own Susan Freeman who shared insights on the Art and Science of Persuasion! Susan is the Founder and CEO of the Conscious Inclusion Company and Freeman Means Business.
She delivered an engaging presentation, showing how effective communication, storytelling, and inclusivity can influence minds, build consensus, and inspire action. Her real-world examples and clear guidance sparked meaningful conversation among our members, and she patiently answered all of our questions.
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This week, we were joined by Justin Pardee, founder and publisher of The Raincross Gazette, Riverside’s digitally native local newspaper.
Justin shared the bigger picture behind the Gazette — how it began as a modest newsletter and grew into a platform committed to thoughtful, community-driven journalism. With the decline of local newspapers, the Raincross Gazette fills a crucial gap in local reporting and civic engagement.
If you haven’t explored the Raincross Gazette yet, it’s well worth your time. It’s a vital resource for staying engaged with what’s happening in our community — and a great example of how local media can elevate civic life.
Thanks to Justin for sharing his vision with our club!
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Today we were joined by Carrie Ridgway, Executive Director of Mary S. Roberts Pet Adoption Center. It was great to learn more about the history and amazing impact that the center has on our community.
We were also excited to welcome two new members to our Rotary Club today: Suzette Marie Gutierrez and Stan Fry!
And last but not least, Daniel Smith got his member badge and Matt Barth got his “Past President” badge.
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Gary was able to maintain order for his first meeting despite promises of increased fines and lots of travel. He may need to find a Sergeant-at-Arms soon though to help keep things in line.
We were honored to welcome Francis Reyes as the newest member of Riverside East Rotary. She was officially inducted by President Gary Christmas, District Governor-Elect Richard Lemire, Executive Assistant Governor Cal Boothby, and Assistant Governor Matt Goatcher. Recently joined member Susan Freeman also received her official badge—welcome to both!
We also exchanged club banners with our friends from Redlands and held a Club Assembly to discuss plans and goals for the year ahead. It’s shaping up to be an exciting Rotary year!
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Riverside East Rotary gathered for our annual Demotion Party with a strong turnout of around 40 members and guests. Outgoing President Matt Barth took time to thank his board for their hard work and support throughout the year. We also welcomed Gary Christmas as our incoming president, and his new board was officially sworn in. It was a night of celebration, great conversation, and lively camaraderie. Congratulations to Matt Barth for a fantastic year full of achievements!
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Riverside East Rotary again supported the annual Sailing Regatta at Lake Evans. Garret Heil represented the club and had a strong run, finishing second.
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We met at Carbon Nation Brewing in Riverside for a productive Show and Go debrief meeting. It was a great opportunity to reflect on this year’s event and share ideas for making next year’s Show and Go even better. Thank you to everyone who joined the conversation—exciting things are already in motion for next year!
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Thanks to Tom Evans for organizing a fascinating tour of the Riverside County Office of Education (RCOE) Esports League. More information available here: https://www.rcoe.us/departments/educational-services/instructional-services/educational-technology-services/riverside-county-esports
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The results of the Ugly Sweater Contest are in!
1st Place: Nick Lopez
Runner Up: Wendell Tucker
Thanks to Gary and Kathy Christmas for hosting the Riverside East Rotary Annual Holiday Party on Saturday and to all that attended. It was a lot of fun and the bar for ugly sweaters has been forever raised!
weaters
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