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Notes, observations, commentary, news and photos from our communities. I'm the general manager for the YourHub.com operation, the citizen journalism site for the Ventura County Star. And I'm glad you are here, too. My wife Joanna and I live in Simi Valley with our two sons, Matt and Joey. We've been in Ventura County for more than two decades and feel privileged to be here. Please comment on this blog and post your news and musings, too. See you around the county!

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We wear many hats

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Contributed by: Michael Hoffman on 9/14/2007

The dark adobe red sombrero, its brim as broad as an extra large pizza, stood out in the room. Twisted golden embroidery encircled the brim. Threads flared out like fans on the underside. Sequins caught the light and winked back at you.

This type of hat was designed for a member of a strolling mariachi band, not for the former president of a Ventura service club.

But Bing Smith wore it Thursday at the meeting of his Ventura Downtown Lions Club. And he had donned it for a purpose.

The club's theme this year is, "We wear many hats," said club president Don Greenberg. And of the hats worn at this gathering, this was by far the most special.

Another dozen club members, of the 45 at the meeting, observed the theme in less showy fashion. Most wore baseball caps. Some had the crushable lids with chin straps that a fisherman might use in the field before jamming it into his pocket.

They were all there to make a point.

During our lives, we each have many roles. Two decades ago, I was a reporter, son, brother. Today, I've added the roles of husband, father and teacher. With each role, we define our relationships with those around us. Every day we decide what to do based on these roles. We set our priorities and make our accomplishments.

Members of service clubs, such as the Lions, have decided to add something to their lives. They attend the group meetings and committee gatherings that bring new people into their lives. They spend time on club projects designed to improve the community and the world. They become more than lawyers, doctors, accountants and architects by taking on new roles. They grow into builders and improvers and people concerned about our communities and future.

So bring on the hats. Bing Smith and his companions can use one or two more.

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