Are you an established professional who wants to make positive changes in your community and the world? Our club members are dedicated people who share a passion for community service and friendship.
Our 1.2 million-member organization started with the vision of one man—Paul P. Harris. The Chicago attorney formed one of the world’s first service organizations, the Rotary Club of Chicago, on 23 February 1905 as a place where professionals with diverse backgrounds could exchange ideas and form meaningful, lifelong friendships. Rotary’s name came from the group’s early practice of rotating meetings among the offices of each member.
Rotary Notes
9/12/2025
In the beginning
On a lovely early fall day, President Sue called Rotarians together for fellowship and service. The meeting started promptly at 12:05. Al West led the flag salute and Catherine Lee inspired us with quotes from Winston Churchill.
Special Celebration
Our splendid caterer Jane Cruz had a birthday today, and in a surprise move, Bill Prather escorted Jane to the front of the audience while we sang Happy Birthday. Rotarians showed their appreciation for Jane by giving her a lusty round of huzzahs!
Announcements
Bruce told us about upcoming programs: Steve Bennett and Kathy Doubleday
Don Reed invited us to attend the Ojai Ed Foundation breakfast and student showcase on Oct. 16 at Nordhoff High School
Fining and Confessions by Dave Watson
Dave read a thank you note from a recipient of one of our scholarships. Jack Jacobs, Kay Bliss are celebrating a birthday. Dave’s fining theme was NFL Mascots and their names.
Program 1: Jon Lambert and Dorjee Tsewang
Jon and Dorjee provided a quick overview of the history and accomplishment of the Tibetan Aid Foundation from its founding in 2004 until the Chinese government closed all NGO’a in 2013. Since then, the Foundation has provided support to the Odiyana Project which serves 3000 residents in the valley. Major elements of the Odiyana Project include:
Mobil Clinic
Water System
Scholarships
Health Clinic
Dormitory for orphans
Jon and Dorjee invited us to visit the Odiyana Project.
Program 2: Annabelle Rushaju of GLOW Uganda
Annabelle is the ED of GLOW Uganda, which stands for “Greater Life Options for Women”. Here are some of the most important observations Annabelle made:
450 women are members
GLOW is faith based
Members have access to micro-loans
The people of Uganda speak 51 different languages
Members receive rainwater tanks, business training, skills development
Annabelle’s goal is to give her clients Dignity and self-sufficiency
