Our 1.4 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.
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In the Beginning...
Co-president
Bill Prather welcomed everyone and told us that Co-president Carl Gross was having a medical procedure today. We wish him well.
Chris Williams led us in the flag salute.
Bret Bradigan read encouraged us to “Do it Anyway” for our inspirational moment.
We had a moment of silence for Hawaii where over 1,000 people are still missing and the death toll from fires continues to climb.
Visiting Rotarians and Guests
There were no visiting Rotarians and only one guest of Diedre Daly, Dawn Blauer.
Thanks to:
After a delicious lunch, Co-President Bill thanked everyone helping out at the meeting. That included Jerry Maryinuk and Bill Prather for set up, Clinton Haugan for handling the roving mic, reporter Wendy Barker, Chris Williams for the pledge, Bret Bradigan for the inspirational moment, greeter Liz Sampson, and Treasurer Dave Brubaker who was assisted by Bruce Hanson.
Announcements
The Club Board is meeting on August 17 at 8 am in the board room here. Everyone is welcome to attend. The board will be approving the final budget, and voting to move our major fundraiser, Taste of Ojai, to the Fall, along with the possibility of a small Spring fundraiser for budget support.
The Peace Committee is meeting Monday, August 14 at 4:45 pm at Majestic Oak Winery.
Don Reed told us the Youth Services committee will be helping tutor 7 & 8 grade students in language arts and math. Attend a meeting Wednesday, August 16 at Nordhoff if you are interested. It starts at 5:30 pm. Let Don let him know if you are interested.
Remember, there will be a memorial service for Marty Babayco next Saturday, August 19 at 10 am. It will be at the Ojai Presbyterian Church on Foothill, with a reception following there. Kevin Davis is writing an article for the Ojai Valley News about the new Education Foundation fund in remembrance of Marty. There is already a matching gift to the fund.
A Membership Moment
Then it was time for a membership moment with Diedre Daly. She acknowledged all committee members: Dave Watson, co-director, Liz Sampson, Chris Williams, Rod Owen, Patricia Gates Anderson, and Al West.
Join the Walking Group. Form your own group!
The walking group has been great. She suggests additional groups get started around specific interests. If you want to start a Rotary group within our club – golf, camping, chess, etc., - just let Diedre know and they’ll make it happen.
Bruce Hanson gets his Blue Badge...
Bruce Hanson got his blue badge. Kevin Davis brought him into the club and Patricia is his mentor
Programs: Jack Jacobs
Jack Jacobs talked about programs. He also introduced his committee members: Wendy Barker, Tara Saylor, Bret Bradigan, Dave Watson, Carl Gross, and Marty Pops.
Mike Weaver announced the International Service Committee will meet Wednesday at 8 am at the Ojai Valley Museum.
Fining: Bob Eisler
Fining with Bob Eisler started off with confessions.
Wendy Barker is thankful her sister who lives in Kula on Maui is safe,
Jerry Maryniuk announced that there is room for another 8 or 9 Rotarians to tour the Western Foundation for Zoology in Camarillo on September 6. We’ll carpool at 8 am for the 9 am tour. L
et him know if you want to go.
Kathy Yee is collecting physical materials for Maui fire victims and dropping them off at Oasis.
Tessa had her second great-grandbaby this week.
Don Reed youngest grandson ranked 10th nationally for cross country.
Jack Jacobs had to be reminded that his 49th wedding anniversary was yesterday. Clint Haugen also seems to have forgotten about his upcoming 12th anniversary.
Bob Davis’s youngest grandson competed in a triathlon and came in 1st in his age group, 10th overall.
Then it was time for questions. In an unusual move, fines were for CORRECT answers. “Brad Bretigan” didn’t want to admit that he was the Rotarian who was on Jeopardy but paid up anyway. Liz got her question right, which meant she had to pay. And Bob Eisler also correctly knew that Bob Buckingham was the Ojai Rotarian who played pitcher for the Yankee’s farm league.
Program: Get Acquainted Talks
The program for the day was Get Acquainted Talks, introduced by Deidra Daly. Kelley Rasmussen went first.
Kelley Rasmussen
Kelley was an ‘80s Valley girl. Her younger years were filled with being a cheerleader, horseback riding, swimming, and going to the mall. After high school, she moved to the Bay area. Kelley spent 25 days hiking 250 miles on the John Muir trail which was a life changer. After attending a different college every year, she ended up at UC Santa Cruz. Eventually, she found her way to Ojai where her property includes a couple hundred fruit trees of many types and has been home to a variety of animals.
Kelley has six children, ages 19 to 29. One daughter was adopted after her divorce. She loves yoga, the beach, and savoring the fruit from her trees. She’s spent time in Mexico, traveled through Europe, and done a number of building projects on her land. She’s building an ADU right now.
Kelley moved to Portland for a while where she started working in insurance. Then she returned to Ojai, where her insurance career continues with a brokerage. She likes insurance because it's all about people.
Her two mottos are “know your position,” meaning know who you are in relation to those around you, and also “if you don’t stand for something you stand for nothing.”
Clinton Haugen
Then it was time to Get Acquainted with Clinton Haugen.
He grew up in Ojai and has lived here for the majority of his life. His mother, Leslie, worked at the post office for 20 year
s, while his dad, now passed, was an off-shore crane operator.
After that he got a job selling premium seats for the Los Angeles Clippers. He moved on to the Philadelphia 76ers, and then moved to Los Angeles.
His family owned four SAS retail shoe stores and he worked there, helping his family. But eventually, he found his passion in real estate. He loves joining people with their dream homes. He joined the business eight years ago. He had a big year in 2021 when he was President of the local Board of Realtors and was also named Realtor of the Year.
Clinton's wife Kristen grew up here too. They were high school sweethearts. She attended the Presbyterian Church, and he attended St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church. They have 3 children, ages 7, 5, and 2.
Clinton's passion for Rotary is all about giving back to the community. Our community gave hi a lot growing up, and he enjoys giving back to the community.
Welcome and thank-you Kelley and Clinton. We're glad to have you in our Club.
You are invited to visit us at an upcoming meeting.
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