Resident Amy Must and Mother Kim Mowder  - On May 18th the nonprofit Plant Fruit hosted their Batwa Bash 2024, a housing fundraiser in North Ranch, at the home of their president, Amy Must. The event featured live music, speakers, and tequila tasting in an effort to raise money for housing. Plant Fruit supports an indigenous pygmy tribe in Uganda that was forced from its forest homes and now lives in extreme poverty. The nonprofit has taught members of the tribe farming, carpentry, basketry, brick making, and sewing. Now they aim to lead the tribe in building a community of homes to house themselves. To lend your support to this wonderful cause visit www.plantfruit.org100% of donations go to the Batwa in Uganda. Their goal is to raise money for materials to build 54 homes. They have raised enough to build 9 home thus far. It only take $1,474 in materials to aid the Batwa in building their own home. We appreciate every donation!

Westlake Women’s Club Restarting an old tradition - 2024 Member Tea Luncheon on May 21st. Pictured President Silvia Scully and Historian Frieda Kabbash.

Art Trek and Yarrow Family YMCA-Unveiling of Touchdown, the Conejo Cottontail. This Cottontail designed and created by local artist, Eliza Day-Green was donated by the Los Angeles Rams. Conejo Cottontails are a collaborative public art project through the Arts Council of the Conejo Valley and Art Trek. The proceeds from the project go toward bringing underserved people art programs. The Yarrow Y is the newest location for a Cottontail. Not only do the Conejo Cottontails add whimsy to our community, they also represent a mission of philanthropy.  The proceeds from the Conejo Cottontails public art project go toward delivering art education to underserved populations.

 Pictured Janice Wise, Director of Community Relations Art Trek Inc , Ronnie Stone, President/CEO at Southeast Ventura County YMCA  and the Ram's Cheerleaders.

 Resident Zelene Fowler invited guests to enjoy a creative vacation at gorgeous Mizel Estate for Mother's Day.  The delicious Mizel Easy to Please Grenache and massive chocolate covered strawberries couldn’t help but start guests' creative juices flowing.  Learning about Yayoi Kusama and interpreting her whimsical dot art was a blast.  The instruction was easy to follow, but with plenty of space for budding artists to add their own creative genius.  Surprise twist to cap off the afternoon - bubbles filled the vineyard with the laughter of grandmas, moms, and children alike!

 Conejo Valley Parade - The parade  was a huge success!  Stroll Sponsor  Inspired Closets brought the Wild West to life with their 'Little Outlaws' float. 

The Conejo Valley Parade was held on May 5th and was brimming with entertainment, music, and a heartfelt nod to the “good old days” of our beloved area. This parade, a collaborative revival by the Rotary Club of Westlake Village Sunrise and Fargo’s Angels, spearheaded by Wendy MacLeod, aimed to weave the rich tapestry of Conejo Valley’s western heritage into a modern celebration. There was a spectacle of colorful floats, vintage cars, and majestic horses, symbolizing the spirit and history that binds our community and a vibrant tribute to Conejo Valley’s enduring legacy and community spirit.

On top of float: (left to right) Laura Cook, Sr Designer and Anita Martirosian, Designer

 People in front of float on ground (left to right)-Gain Wenzel, Sr. Designer, Tiffany Shafer, Designer and Carrie Pyle Lawrence, Marketing and Social Media Director

Photographs taken by Brandon Fox.