Rotary Club of Castro Valley

05/28/2026

🏆⛳️ WHAT A FINISH! ⛳️🏆

The Rotary Club of Castro Valley’s very first Castro Valley Open Miniature Golf Championship ended with an unforgettable showdown between Dan Willits and Randy Vanderbilt after the two finished the entire tournament tied for first place! 😱🔥

Out of nearly 50 competitors, these two golfers rose to the top in an incredibly competitive night filled with laughs, fellowship, and serious putting skills.

Adding to the excitement, Randy Vanderbilt racked up an impressive FIVE holes-in-one during the tournament! 👏⛳️

With the championship still tied at the end of the course, the crowd gathered as Dan and Randy headed to one final playoff hole to decide the winner. It came down to a single shot… and it was CLOSE. VERY close. 👀🔥

In the end, Past President Dan Willits edged out the victory and officially became the inaugural:

💙 Blue Jacket Champion
🏆 Golden Putter Winner
😎 Holder of ultimate Rotary bragging rights

At our May 26th Rotary meeting, President Misti Short proudly presented Dan with the official Blue Jacket that complimented the Golden Putter trophy he received at the tournament while everyone relived one of the most exciting finishes of the night. 😂⛳️

But the fun didn’t stop there… 🤣

The tournament’s highest score (aka the “most creatively challenged golfer” award 😂) received the legendary Herb Ritter Pencil Plaque — a special honor recognizing perseverance, determination, and perhaps a few unfortunate putts along the way. ✏️🏆

This event exceeded all expectations, and with nearly 50 participants at our very first tournament, we already know next year is going to be even BIGGER. Start practicing now… because the competition is officially on! ⛳️🔥

05/28/2026

🌿🐘 SPECIAL GUEST SPEAKER ALERT 🐘🌿

The Rotary Club of Castro Valley is honored to welcome Nik Dehejia, President & CEO of Oakland Zoo, for a fascinating presentation:

“The Oakland Zoo: Past, Present, and Future”

Discover the incredible evolution of the Oakland Zoo, its conservation efforts, animal rescue programs, education initiatives, and exciting vision for the future of wildlife protection and community engagement. 🦁🌎

Nik is also a dedicated Rotarian from Rotary Club of Oakland, bringing a powerful perspective on service, sustainability, and leadership.

📍 Redwood Canyon Golf Course
📅 June 2nd, 2026
⏰ 12:00 PM Lunch Meeting
💲 $20 Lunch Buffet

Guests and community members are warmly welcome! This is a presentation animal lovers, conservation supporters, and community leaders won’t want to miss. 🐾✨Herb Ritter, Rotary District 5170 Governor 2025-26

05/24/2026

🇺🇸 SPECIAL MEMORIAL DAY PROGRAM – TUESDAY AT ROTARY 🇺🇸

The day after Memorial Day, the Rotary Club of Castro Valley is honored to welcome Mike Semmelmeyer — U.S. Navy Veteran, former Arlington National Cemetery Honor Guard, and Commercial Real Estate Broker — for a powerful presentation:

“My Experience at Arlington National Cemetery”

Mike served in the elite U.S. Navy Ceremonial Guard and earned the prestigious Blue Rope designation while serving at Arlington National Cemetery.

He participated in some of our nation’s most solemn ceremonies, including the funerals of President Ronald Reagan and Admiral James Stockdale, as well as services honoring fallen Navy SEALs, Marine medics, and service members lost in Iraq and Afghanistan.

This moving presentation will provide a rare behind-the-scenes look into the honor, discipline, precision, and emotional responsibility carried by those who serve at one of America’s most sacred places.

🇺🇸 We would especially love to invite and honor all Veterans in our community to attend this meaningful meeting. 🇺🇸

📅 Tuesday, May 26, 2026
🕛 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM
📍 Redwood Canyon Golf Course
🍽️ Buffet Lunch Available — $20
💳 Pay at the door with cash, check, credit card, or prepaid lunch card.
👥 Guests are warmly welcome!

Please click the registration link below to RSVP, attend, decline, or register guests for lunch.
(Separate Zoom registration link available as well.)

🇺🇸

05/23/2026

Our club being acknowledged at the district level…

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=122223722486513007&id=61565390218714&mibextid=wwXIfr

📸 Public Image Award

Congratulations to Misti Short of Castro Valley Rotary for receiving the Public Image Award!

Misti’s creativity and storytelling continue to showcase the heart of Rotary in powerful and inspiring ways. Through every post, photo, and story, she helps the world see the incredible impact Rotary creates.

Thank you for making Rotary shine on every platform. 💙

05/13/2026

🤠✨ WHAT AN INCREDIBLE Beginning supporting the RODEO! ✨🤠

This is just a small snippet of the exciting and memorable week our community has shared together here in Castro Valley & Hayward in celebration of the historic Rowell Ranch Rodeo. 🐎⭐

A heartfelt thank you to the Rotary Club of Hayward and the Castro Valley Eden Area Chamber of Commerce for joining the Rotary Club of Castro Valley for such a meaningful joint meeting in support of Rodeo Week and the kickoff of our official White Hat Ceremony.

We would also like to extend a very special thank you to Janet Lemon of Rowell Ranch Rodeo & Rowell Saddlery for her wonderful presentation sharing the rich history, traditions, and importance of the rodeo to our community. Your passion and dedication truly inspired everyone in attendance. Thank you as well to the Rowell Ranch Rodeo Board Members for attending and supporting this special afternoon.

From the moving White Hat Ceremony… to the excitement of BBQ • AXE • BREW… to our town festival, parade, and community celebrations — this week has been filled with fellowship, western pride, laughter, tradition, and community spirit.

The White Hat Ceremony reminded us that when we place that hat on our heads, we stand together in unity, respect, heritage, and belonging. The week when everyone becomes a Cowboy or Cowgirl! It’s about honoring the generations before us while continuing traditions that keep our community connected for generations to come. 🤍

Thank you to everyone who attended, volunteered, sponsored, supported, participated, wore their white hats proudly, and helped make this week so meaningful and unforgettable. Keep wearing those hats!

And Rodeo Week is JUST STARTING …YAHOOO, Yeehaw. YipYip!!! 🤠🤠🤠

Herb Ritter Herb Ritter, Rotary District 5170 Governor 2025-26 Rotary District 5170 Rowell's Saddlery & Western Wear Castro Valley/Eden Area Chamber of Commerce Hayward Rotary Club Hayward Rotary J Francisco Zermeño C

05/13/2026

⛳️✨ ROTARY CLUB OF CASTRO VALLEY PRESENTS ✨⛳️
🏆 CASTRO VALLEY OPEN MINIATURE GOLF CHAMPIONSHIP 🏆

Rotarians… District leaders… community members… families… and friendly competitors — this is not your average evening mixer.

Join the Rotary Club of Castro Valley for a one-of-a-kind night of FUN, fellowship, competition, prizes, food, drinks, and community connection as we transform Golfland Castro Valley into Rotary’s own championship course! 🌟

🎉 EVERY HOLE FEATURES A SPONSORED GIFT OR PRIZE!
That means every putt could win something exciting while supporting community fellowship and Rotary spirit throughout District 5170.

🏆 Compete for the coveted
✨ GOLDEN PUTTER CHAMPIONSHIP TROPHY ✨

Featuring:
⛳ 18-Hole Miniature Golf Tournament
🍻 Beer, Wine & Soft Drinks
🎟 Includes TWO drink tickets
🍴 Appetizers by Canyons Barbecue
🎁 Sponsored giveaways at every hole
🏆 Prizes for top finishers
🤝 Fellowship with Rotarians from across the district

📅 Tuesday, May 19, 2026
🕠 5:30 PM
📍 Golfland Castro Valley
2533 Castro Valley Blvd, Castro Valley, CA

💲 ONLY $20 ENTRY
Rotarians • Families • Friends • Community Welcome!

We would be honored to welcome our District Governor, assistant governors, neighboring Rotary clubs, community leaders, and guests from throughout District 5170 for an unforgettable evening of laughter, connection, and friendly competition.

Bring your club members. Bring your spouse. Bring your competitive spirit.
And most importantly… bring your PUTTING GAME. ⛳🔥

Limited spots available — register early!

🌐 Visit:
Castro Valley Rotary Official Website

05/04/2026

🔥 THE RIVALRY IS BACK 🔥

Last year’s top contenders are stepping back into the arena…
🏆 B.A. Morrison
🏆 Pete’s Ace Hardware
🏆 Vetted Real Estate

But let’s be real… nothing is guaranteed this year.

There are NEW teams coming in hungry.
New competitors ready to take the crown.
And only ONE walks away with the win. 👑

💥 Axes will fly
🔥 BBQ will be fired up
🍻 Brews will be flowing
…and the competition? NEXT LEVEL.

So the question is…

👉 Who’s taking it this year?
Will one of last year’s champions defend their title…
OR will a new team rise up and shake everything up? 👀

📍 BBQ, Axes & Brews
📅 Friday, May 8
📌 Rowell Ranch

Pull up. Bring your crew.
You do NOT want to miss this showdown.
For more information go to our Rotary website: www.CastroValleyRotary.org

04/29/2026

LET’s RALLY BEHIND ONE OF OUR OWN!!

Dear Rotary Club of Castro Valley Members,

I wanted to take a moment to share some exciting news from our local school community and invite our club to help support an educator making a meaningful difference in the lives of students here in Castro Valley.

Mr. Matt Hoffmann of Redwood High School has been named a finalist for the 2026 NBC Sports Bay Area All-Star Teacher Award — an incredible recognition honoring educators who go above and beyond in mentoring, encouraging, and inspiring students.

Those who know Mr. Hoffmann understand the positive impact he has had on countless young people throughout the years through his dedication, compassion, and commitment to education. Redwood High School and its programs serve students with unique educational journeys, and this recognition shines a positive light on the important work being done within our community.

The winning school will receive a $30,000 award, and community voting will help determine the winner.

As Rotarians, we believe strongly in supporting education, youth, mentorship, and community leadership. I would love for our club to come together and help support one of Castro Valley’s dedicated educators.

Voting is open now through June 1, and you may vote once per day.

Vote here:https://www.nbcsportsbayarea.com/asthttps://www.nbcsportscalifornia.com/ast

Please also feel free to share this with your family, friends, neighbors, and community networks so we can help spread the word throughout Castro Valley.

Let’s show our community pride and support Mr. Hoffmann and Redwood High School!

Thank you everyone,

Misti ShortPresidentRotary Club of Castro Valley

NBC Sports Bay Area and California All-Star Teacher Contest Official Rules January 8, 2025 – February 5, 2025 PRELIMINARY INFORMATION: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. A purchase will not improve your chances of winning. Void outside the NBC Sports Bay Area and California Eligibility Area (defined below) an...

04/23/2026

🔥 Practice Night Was Just the Beginning… 🔥

This past Tuesday, the Rotary Club of Castro Valley hosted an amazing Evening Mixer at Three Crosses Church—and the energy was 🔥!

Our BBQ • AXE • BREW Practice Night brought out great teams, big laughs, and some serious competition as participants geared up for what’s coming next…

🪓🔥 THE MAIN EVENT — FRIDAY, MAY 8TH 🔥🪓
📍 Rowell Ranch Rodeo Park

This is where it all goes down 👀🏆
Bigger. Better. Open to the entire community!

🍖 Food by Canyons Barbeque
🪓 Axe Throwing by Split The Wood
🎶 Live music to keep the energy going
🎯 Co****le Tournament hosted by Moose Lodge
🎉 Fun games for kids and families

🤍 WHITE HAT CEREMONY
Be part of a special moment honoring the heritage that built Castro Valley.
👉 Bring your white cowboy hat… or pick one up at Rowell’s Saddlery before or at the event!

This is more than an event—it’s a family-friendly community celebration you don’t want to miss!

👉 Get details & join us:
🌐 .CastroValleyEvents.com

👀 You saw practice… now come experience the real competition. 😏🔥

FamilyFun CastroValleyEvents Rowell's Saddlery & Western Wear Canyons BBQ Split the Wood Axe Throwing Herb Ritter, Rotary District 5170 Governor 2025-26

04/17/2026

If you missed our meeting on Tuesday today the Alameda County Sheriff Department will be sharing again with the Chamber. Learn about how they are keeping our community safe. CVEA Chamber is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: RTIC learning Chamber & ACSO
Time: Apr 17, 2026 02:00 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86765390220

Meeting ID: 867 6539 0220

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Join instructions
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“This information is being shared for awareness only and does not represent an endorsement by the Club.”