Introduction
On a warm October afternoon, Ojai Rotarians gathered for fellowship and service. President Mike started by stating that the recent Taste of Ojai was an outstanding success and he thanked all those who made the event possible. Don Reed will shortly be announcing the final profitability of the event.
President Mike thanked those helping to make today’s meeting possible, with a special shout out to Bill Prather, who leapt into the breach when other had fallen. Guests today included; Charlotte Thompson, Jerry and Ann Kaplan, Sherif Sacr, and Louis Liu.
Announcements
Dave Brubaker provided a preview of upcoming programs: Pictures of America, Will Garlington, and Jonathan Light
On Saturday Oct. 28, there will be celebration of the life of Alan Jacobs at Soule golf course at 11am
Haadi Lashkari announced that the hospital is sponsoring a Breast Cancer Symposium on Nov. 4 at 7:30am at the Golf Course.
Bryant Huber gave a quick progress report on the installation of a new PA system; Bryant gave special thanks to Roger P and Terry B, our residents electronic gurus. (For a small town, Ojai has an amazing pool of talented individuals).
Fining by Sandy Beuchley
Sandy B’s maiden voyage as a fine master was splendid; she showed real talent in extracting money from our members, but in such a pleasant and light-hearted way that the pain was minimized. Sandy’s theme was Halloween and she asked intriguing and obscure questions that stumped even such superstars as Bret B. Well done Sandy! You hit a home run on your first at-bat.
Program: Craft Talks by Greg Webster and Charley Thompson
Greg Webster
Greg gave an interesting overview of his family’s history in Ventura County. Greg’s Great Great Great Grandfather came to Ventura after doing time in Andersonville prison, so we know that Greg comes from resilient stock. Greg is proud that, for six generations, his family has contributed to the community. Greg runs “Greg’s Rents’ in Oak View, and he tells his employees that attitude is important, and to make work fun, “…it’s all about attitude…”.
For fun, Greg does hill climbs with motorcycles. After his formal presentation, Greg told a few family friendly jokes to general applause; he promised dirty jokes later.
Welcome to the club, Greg!
Charley Thompson
Charley was born in 1927 which, according to Charley was a good year to be born,
because he was too young to serve in WWII, and by the time Korea came around, he was married to Charlotte. Charley’s dad was an orthopedic surgeon who founded a clinic on Drone Island in Lake Huron. Charley attended Purdue, where he earned his EE degree, despite having such a good time that his grades suffered. Charley then earned his MBA from Indiana. Charley joined Texas Instruments, which was later acquired by Teledyne. Charley and family moved to LA in 1968 and Charley became President of one of Teledyne’s divisions. Charley said he did well by investing in rental properties in West LA, but admits that “any damn fool” could make money by investing in West LA in the 70’s.
Charley and some associates founded “West Hollywood Crisis House” where young addicts could attempt to become sober. Charley founded Rotary Readers.
Charley finished his presentation by saying he was “having a good life”. Well done Charley!
