In the beginning…
Friday, noon, found the Ojai Rotarians filling the Zoom grid with happy faces on our computer screens. After a few minor glitches we were off and running.
Patricia Anderson was our consummate greeter and fun ambassador.
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Matt Clements.
The Invocation was delivered by Marty Babayco:
I don’t know about you, but watching or reading the news these days about the coronavirus is like watching a bad horror film that I can’t seem to turn off – it’s chaotic and scary, deeply unsettling and confusing, but mostly painful to hear of the deaths of so many innocent people.
I shake my head in disbelief thinking, how will we ever get out of this mess.
I certainly don’t have the answers. But I know that often what it is best for me, is to look inward and take time to be in control of what I can, be in the here and now, find calming voices, and try to look for the good in the world.
I often reach for this quote, one that I’ve used many times and years ago when ending a Rotary meeting as President of this Club - it’s from Margaret Mead, who calmly reminds us:
“Never believe that a few caring people can’t change the world. For, indeed, that’s all who ever have.”
Thank God, we have essential workers that are part of those “few caring people” who are changing the world on a daily basis. And thanks to all the Rotarians that challenge themselves to provide service and charity during this pandemic – to provide help and assistance in our community, and all over the world.
Laura Kelly Fanucci is an award-winning columnist, speaker, and author of inspirational books. I’d like to read her “Covid Poem” – about how we can imagine being hopeful when this Covid event ends.
So, take a deep breath and a moment of quiet…and listen to a…
Covid Poem – by Laura Kelley Fanucci
When this is over,
may we never again
take for granted
A handshake with a stranger
Full shelves at the store
Conversations with neighbors
A crowded theatre
Friday night out
The taste of communion
A routine checkup
The school rush each morning
Coffee with a friend
The stadium roaring
Each deep breath
A boring Tuesday
Life itself.
When this ends,
may we find
that we have become
more like the people
we wanted to be
we were called to be
we hoped to be
and may we stay
that way--better
for each other
because of the worst.
Thank you, Matt for leading the pledge and Marty for the Invocation, Tara Saylor for facilitating our Zoom meeting, Patricia for being our greeter today and Dr. Carl Gross serving as our Reminder Editor.
Rotarian Guests and Visitors
So nice to see our “honorary Rotarian”, Dr. Bob Skankey, tuning in from his abode in Tropic, Utah.
A special welcome was given to Deb Linden, our District 5240 Governor and honored speaker today.
Upcoming Programs
Our Program Chairperson, Therese Brown gave us the rundown of future programs:
August 21st—Laurel Sykes—Identifying and Protecting Against Fraud and Financial Abuse
August 28th—Jennifer Berry—Get Acquainted Talk
September 4th—Jeff Loebl—Bioethics
Tara Saylor gave an update on the plans for a virtual Taste of Ojai this October 25th. She has 30 volunteers working on our premier fundraising event. She needs more bodies. Contact Tara now if you can help. Contact Mark Whitman if you are interested in sponsorships. This Tuesday, August 18th, Tara will host a TOO
Meeting on Zoom.
Blue Badge Presentation—Jennifer Berry
Jack Jacobs introduced Janet Mahon, who presented a Blue Badge to new member, Jennifer Berry.
Congratulations, Jennifer, on completing your Rotary assignments and we will look forward to working with you and welcome you to our Family of Rotary!
Cheree Edwards showed a Rotary International video “We are Rotarians!”. This is a great video to share with prospective members. August is Membership and New Club Development Month. Remember to share Rotary.
The Program—Deb Linden, District Governor
Assistant Governor of Group 7, Mario De la Piedra introduced our District Governor,
Deb Linden.
Deborah Linden is a native Californian, raised in Sunnyvale. She began her law enforcement career with the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Department as a Deputy Sheriff at the age of 22. During her 18-year tenure at the Sheriff’s Department, Deb served in a variety of assignments including patrol, narcotics detective, major crimes investigations, sergeant, lieutenant, and commander. She was hired by the City of San Luis Obispo as Chief of Police on January 1, 2003 and retired from law enforcement in December 2011 after serving nine years as police chief. Deb is now an instructor and training coordinator for various organizations, including the California Police Chiefs Association and the Centre for Organization Effectiveness.
Deb holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from U.C. Santa Barbara and a Master of Arts degree in Leadership from St. Mary’s College in Moraga.
Deb joined the Rotary Club of San Luis Obispo in 2003. She has served as a Club President, District Conference Coordinator, Assistant Governor, and District Chief Operating Officer before being selected to serve as District 5240 Governor for 2020-2021. She has been married to her wonderful husband Bill for 24 years and they enjoy two adult sons, Trevor and Craig, five-year-old grandson Koby, and a 2 year old Boxer named Kona.
Governor Linden was extremely impressed with our Club’s achievements this year. She lauded our ability to adapt to these challenging times and the energy of our Club.
She told us to imagine our Community without the Ojai Rotary Club. This would be a greatly different Community. She reminded us of this year’s International Theme, “Rotary opens opportunities”. We must look for new ways to adapt, communicate, and provide the “Service above self” that has been our hallmark.
The District wide goals are:
Membership: Our membership is declining. We must take care of our members (Retention) and welcome new members into our Rotary Family.
Brand: We need to let our Community know we are there. Social Media, the Press, and public display of our goals and ideals should be top priority. We need to create an atmosphere of inclusivity and fun. We need to utilize the videos from Rotary International to tell the story of Rotary and how it impacts our lives.
The Governor quoted Maya Angelou:
“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
Rotary Foundation: Ms. Linden promoted the $52.40 challenge, where the average giving of $52.40 or more to the Annual Fund by December 31st will receive recognition. Our Club, through the guidance of Kay Bliss, has been able to put matching funds to good use over the years. Donating to the Annual Fund, TRF, Polio Plus has never been easier. For more information, go to:
https://www.rotary.org/en/donate
She quoted Mother Teresa:
“Not all of us can do great things, but we can do small things with great love.”
Governor Linden urged us to embark on more and smaller projects.
She lauded the Peace Clubs. Mike Weaver was recognized for his efforts.
Deb then introduced “Jeopardy: The Polio Version”. She challenged members of the Club on details of the Polio Plus Program.
The answers were:
2.5 Billion: What is the number of children immunized worldwide?
1.8 Billion: How much monies to support worldwide eradication of Polio has been raised?
2: How many countries still have Polio? Afghanistan and Pakistan. Nigeria and all of Africa is polio free for the past 3 years.
17.4 Million: How many lives have been saved from polio.
District wide, “Step Up for Polio” challenges will be appearing. Rotarians will have various physical challenges, where the public can pledge money.
The District 5240 Conference will be virtual this year. The fee is only $25 and will entitle you to full access to the programs. More information is to come.
In a call to action Governor Linden urged the membership to be Rotary superheroes, be creative, and be kind.
She then presented a “People of Action” award, recognizing a Rotarian going above and beyond the call of duty. This award, well-deserved, was presented to Tara Saylor for her work on the Taste of Ojai, Vocational Service, hosting our weekly Zoom meetings, and much more.
President Michael closed the meeting with a quote from Jimi Hendrix:
“When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace”
