Events

The Rotary Club of Castro Valley is once again hosting the BBQ AXE BREW Community Event on May 9 at the Rowell Ranch Rodeo Park.  This outstanding community event has something for everyone including

• BBQ by Canyons Barbeque
• AXE Throwing Tournament by Split the Wood
• Craft BEERS on tap
• Live Classic Rock by Garage Land Rodeo
• Corn Hole Tournament hosted by the Castro Valley/Hayward Moose Lodge
• KIDS Play Zone
• Community Organizations booths

FREE ADMISSION --- BBQ and BREWS can be purchased at the event.

Rowell Ranch Rodeo Parade and History Festival

The Rowell Ranch Pro Rodeo is a longstanding community event that brings friends and neighbors together to celebrate the region’s ranching, equestrian, and cultural heritage. The celebration includes a week of activities leading up to rodeo weekend that will start with the Saturday Rodeo Parade. The parade, now under the direction of the Rowell Ranch Rodeo committee, has been expanded this year to include a later 6p start time accompanied by a music and food festival from 3p to 9p.

Castro Valley Rotary will have a float in the parade, so please join us as we share our committment to Service Above Self with our community.

Castro Valley Boulevard will be shut down to accommodate the festivities that will extend into the evening.  The Castro Valley Blvd. road closure between San Migeul and Redwood Road begins at 12:30p, followed by an additional closure at 1:30p at Lake Chabot Road to allow for parade staging.

Rowell Ranch Rodeo Update at the Hayward Masonic Lodge

https://rowellranchrodeo.com/

First hosted by Harry Rowell “The Rodeo King of the West” more than 100 years ago, the Rowell Ranch Rodeo has provided the community with the opportunity to experience the historical sport of rodeo.

Today, the Rowell Ranch Rodeo is operated by a local non-profit organization continuing the traditional community events. The rodeo partners with many local non-profit organizations to help raise funds for a wide range of local charitable causes.

Join us on the 3rd weekend in May for the historic patriotic launch of the Rowell Ranch Rodeo when a lone rider gallops from Harry’s Hills into the arena ring carrying the American Flag.

Robert Paylor: Paralyzed to Powerful

robertpaylor.com

In one moment, I was experiencing the pinnacle of athletic achievement, competing for the collegiate rugby national championship. In the next moment, my life took an unexpected and devastating turn. I suffered a severe spinal cord injury due to foul play, leaving me unable to move or feel anything below my neck. My doctor's prognosis was grim: I would never walk or move my hands for the rest of my life.

Even in the face of tremendous adversity, I maintained the drive to reclaim my life, but my challenges had only just begun. My rehabilitation journey began with battling spinal fusion surgery, pneumonia, and an inability to swallow, losing 60 pounds in only one month. I had to re-learn almost every basic human function, from feeding myself, to getting dressed, to brushing my teeth. 

Rather than let this tragedy define me, I used it as a catalyst for an extraordinary journey of redefining what is possible. Through an unbreakable vision and years of relentless determination, I can now walk 400 yards, I stood to receive my diploma from UC Berkeley’s top-ranked Haas School of Business, and I'm sharing the mental tools that have helped me persevere through paralysis as an inspirational speaker.

You're Invited! Castro Valley Rotary Club Evening Mixer – May

Join the Rotary Club of Castro Valley for an evening of networking and camaraderie! Meet our Rotarians, learn about our mission, and connect with like-minded community members.

Whether you're a long-time Rotarian, local business owner, or curious community member, this is a great chance to meet others, enjoy delicious hors d’oeuvres, and learn more about the Castro Valley Rotary Club’s mission to serve.

About Us:
The Castro Valley Rotary Club is a humanitarian service organization that unites business and professional leaders to serve the community, promote integrity, and advance goodwill and peace globally.

Event Details:

• Date: Tuesday, May 20, 2025
• Time: 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm
• Location: JP's Family Restaurant & Sports Lounge, 3600 Castro Valley Blvd, Castro Valley, CA 94546
• Admission: Rotary Members - $20.00​

Includes hors d'oeuvres and a no-host bar  is available.

Come share ideas, grow your network, and enjoy a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.

RSVP today - we look forward to seeing you there!

Creating What’s Next:  Never Say Never

kittyanikreativ.com

Kit, Treasurer of the Castro Valley Eden Area Chamber of Commerce and Owner of Kitty Ani Kreativ, will discuss National Textile Month as well as her local business on long arm quilting and all the amazing things this can do.  From finishing quilts to making memorable items from used concert or event T-shirts.

After 20 years in not-for-profit organizations and 22 years in corporate consumer packaged-food sales and marketing, Kit asked herself the question, “What’s next?”

In the 2010’s, she re-ignited her passion for sewing and turned to quilting. In 2017, she was asked if she wanted to “test drive a longarm”, and she said “Heck Yes! But wait, you drive a sewing machine?” From then on longarm quilting became her passion!

When she realized that she could be of service to other quilters to help them finish their quilt tops into completed quilts, she started her home-based business Kitty Ani Kreativ Longarm & Quilting Services at the end of 2023 to coincide with her early retirement.

Driving at speeds of 1,000 to 2,000 stitches per minute, Kit enjoys exploring her creative side, a side that she never ever thought she had or would be doing professionally.

Rotary District 5170 is hosting a conference in San Jose on May 31, 2025, at San Jose State University. The event will be held in the San Jose State University Student Union and is a one-day event. It will feature inspiring speakers, forums, and entertainment. Additionally, there will be fun, fellowship, and great food.  

Conference Website

Healing Through Innovation: How CIRM is Shaping the Future of Medicine

www.cirm.ca.gov

Aditi Desai is the Community Outreach Manager for the California Institute of Regenerative Medicine (CIRM). She grew up in Orlando, Florida. She earned a BS in psychology and biochemistry at Mercer University in Macon, Georgia and an MPH at the University of South Florida in Tampa, Florida. During her master’s program, she also volunteered with the U.S. Peace Corps in Uganda, where she started her career in health education, promotion, and outreach.

CIRM was established by the people of California to accelerate stem cell, regenerative medicine, and gene therapy research. As part of its mission, CIRM advances transformative treatments for serious diseases while prioritizing equity and access for diverse communities across California and the world. Through its funding programs, CIRM drives innovation, supports the development of critical research infrastructure, and invests in training the next generation of scientists to lead the way in advancing regenerative medicine.

Car Show Gift Bag Stuffing

https://castrovalleycarshow.com/

Join us at our upcoming lunch meeting as we roll up our sleeves and stuff gift bags for the Castro Valley Car Show! It's a fun and easy way to support one of our community’s biggest events and show Rotary’s spirit of service. Many hands make light work. Your participation will help ensure the show’s success and share Rotary’s energy with everyone who attends!

Join Castro Valley Rotary for the 2025 Classic Car Show

https://castrovalleycarshow.com/

Let’s come together to make the Castro Valley Car Show a day to remember! By volunteering, attending, or simply showing your Rotary pride, you’ll help strengthen our connection to the community and support one of Castro Valley’s favorite traditions. Plus, you’ll have a front-row seat to all the amazing cars, fun, and festivities!

Celebrate a Year of Service, Fellowship, and Impact!

Over the past year, Castro Valley Rotary has had an extraordinary journey, from impactful service projects to inspiring speaker events and vibrant social gatherings. We stuffed backpacks for local students, assembled holiday gift bags, and helped put on the highly anticipated Castro Valley Car Show. Dan Willits, Castro Valley Rotary Club President will share how members organized volunteer events like the Fall Festival and strengthened community connections at mixers, socials, and partnerships with organizations such as the Chabot College TV Station and the Eden Area Chamber of Commerce.

We also deepened our knowledge with fascinating talks ranging from public health initiatives and real estate trends to the mysteries of electricity and the wonders of America's national parks. Through it all, our club demonstrated the power of Rotary values: Service Above Self, community engagement, and building friendships that last. Join us as we look back on an amazing year and celebrate all that we have accomplished together!

Our Incoming President, Misti Short, Shares Her Vision & Goals

Wiggle Rumps: Pet Supply and Grooming