On a wet and blustery day, President Deirdre gaveled the meeting to order at 12:10. Michael Scar led the Flag salute and Al West gave thanks for the life-giving rain. President Deirdre thanked all those who worked to make the meeting possible, especially Ginger, without whom lunch would be grim indeed.
Visiting Rotarians and Guests
Tara introduced her guest, Mr. Ray Powers, local author, filmmaker, aIrind artist.
President Deirdre also gave a special welcome to Pradeep Kapedia, who is in Ojai for one of his periodic visits from his travels. PK continues his good work: over 350 scholars sponsored, 100,000 miles traveled, $95,000 raised; additionally, PK will start a nation-wide speaking tour where he will talk to local Rotary clubs about education.
Irish Interlude
Tara Saylor recited a lovely Irish poem in honor of President D.
Upcoming Events/Announcements/Confessions
· Bill Prather gave a preview of upcoming programs: on 2/27 there will be the Living Treasures; on 3/1 Wade Nomura will talk about water and Sanitation.
· President Elect Sheree gave a report on her experience at the Rotary President Elect Retreat; Sheree learned a lot and came home with some impressive swag.
· Fred Coleman talked up the Greater Good operation in MO; according to Fred, the Greater Good acts as the community’s living room, creating a space for sharing art and community.
· Jane Spiller encouraged Rotarians to attend “Night Must Fall” performance on 2/23/19.
· Tara Saylor invited Rotarians to attend a work day at the Ojai Demonstration garden on April 6.
· On May 4, the Ventura Rotary Club will celebrate its 100th Birthday.
· Marty Babayco invited us to attend a performance of Crazy for you”, a musical featuring the works of George and Ira Gershwin; in addition to music, there will be lots of tap dancing! Performances on March 7-10 and 14-17.
· Bob Davis and Kay Bliss each reminded us how much Lerie Bjornstedt meant to the club and the children of Ojai.
Cartoon
Fining by Dr. Dave Watson
Dr. Watson kept the Valentine spirit vibrant by selecting as his fining theme a truly romantic topic: dental hygiene and elephant teeth. Here are a few of his most memorable assertions:
· Daily flossing extends a lifespan by an average of 6 years
· An elephant’s molar weigh 8-10 pounds
· Modern toothpaste was invented 100 years ago
Craft Talks
There was a noticeable sense of relief when Dave stopped talking about elephant teeth. Into the rhetorical void stepped two Rotarians, Nancy O’Sullivan and Randy Haney, to give their craft talks.
Nancy O’Sullivan
Nancy’s ancestors lived in southwestern Ireland, but Nancy herself was born in Encino, California. She was such a talented athlete that she was able to obtain several college degrees through athletic scholarships and thus didn’t burden her parents with tuition bills. Despite a heavily Catholic education, Nancy’s first teaching job was at a Jewish School in LA. Nancy taught at several schools and moved into educational leadership positions. She is now Head of School at Villanova Prep and said she considers the 240 students there to be “her children”.
When not at Villanova, Nancy can be found at her cabin in Lone Pine, where she fishes, communes with nature and plays with her labradoodle.
Welcome to Rotary, Nancy!
Randy Haney
Randy grew up in the San Fernando Valley and came to Lake Casitas often as a child. His Dad started the Green Thumb nursery in Ventura, so Randy naturally gravitated to a life in landscaping. As his business grew, Randy migrated into major pool and spa construction projects. He takes obvious pleasure in creating lovely visions for his clients and works with them to make sure they get what they want.
Several years ago Randy decided to get into local politics and ran for the City Council. At first Randy felt unprepared by background and education to be a successful public servant, but soon came to the conclusion that the most important activity was listening and the most important virtue was common sense.
Welcome to Rotary, Randy!
