Visitors
Erik Goode ( speaker for the Ojai Turtle conservancy)
May Maurer Turtle conservancy
Randy Haney--Soon to be a member
D Corkey
A Schoup
Becky Beckett, Principal of Chaparall High School and Director of Alternative Programs.
Welcome to all!!
Education Mission--Becky Beckett
Becky Beckett ( Larry Beckett's daughter) made a presentation regarding Ojai Unified School District Adult education program.
This program includes:
Diploma programs for adults
English programs for adults (ESL)
Introduction to Construction ( preparing adults for the upcoming Thomas Fire rebuilding)
They welcome ideas for any other programs that might be of interest.
The Adult Education Mission is to promote and support the personal and professional development of the adults in our community, ensuring that they have the skills necessary to function effectively in their personal and family lives, in the workplace, and in the community. We strive to support all individuals in life-long learning, validating all individuals as valuable members of their communities, including their communities of learners.
Announcements
Kay Bliss announcing Opening night tonight " Man from La Mancha playing at the Ojai Art Center. Marty Babayco is directing, Mike Bee is in the play. This is a must see event. The performances are sterling, the set is awesome, and the timeless music is will leave you humming the melodies on leaving the theater.
Red Badge Presentation
Marc Whitman and Mike Malone presented a Red Badge membership to Randy Haney, Ojai City Councilman and owner of Haney Landscaping. He was welcomed to a standing ovation. Welcome, Randy!!
Mike Bee told a Irish Joke with a great Irish accent. You had to be there!
Don Reed made a announcement that we are very short on sponsorship for Taste of
Ojai this year. He urged the club to recruit sponsorship. Get out there and get the sponsors.
We Passed the Bucket for Bryant Huber's new born baby. Bryant had the sleep deprived look of a newborn parent. Carin and Baby Nora are doing well!
Fining--Dave Watson
Dave Watson presented several very difficult questions regarding Labor Day. There were no correct answers.
The Program--Erik Goode--Ojai Turtle Conservancy
Erik is a Ojai native , went to New York at a young age where he developed Hotels and nightclubs, and was a big success with many hotels . Erik brought back his good fortune to Ojai to develop a turtle conservancy in Ojai where his heart is.. He set up the Turtle conservancy in 1989 and formed a board with many locals such as Yvon Chouinard and Rick Ridgeway of Patagonia.
Erik had a early interest in reptiles as a youth. He was a conservationist at a early age helping with the Santa Barbara Oil spill in the 60s and was part of the Condor recovery programs.
Erik is concerned with disappearing or extinctions of species on the planet. He says "It is a quiet happening", mostly due to our population explosion and disappearing habitats..
At the turtle conservancy Erik educates people in regards to turtles and tortoises. He has many celebrity endorsements.
He believes in empowering young people throughout the world to help protect the turtles and other wildlife. Erik has projects in Madagascar, New Mexico, The Philippines, South Africa , and Mexico. He has created over 50,000 acres of protected land. Many of these refuges protect other species such a Cougars and Macaws.
Erik breeds baby turtles in his facility in Ojai to be sent back to their native habitat.
his motto "Save the turtles, save the planet ."
Erik showed a video about his experience with the Thomas fire. where his team evacuated all of the turtles to Atascadero City Hall. Erik is concerned with the silt from the fire destroying the habitat of our native "pond turtle".
Question:
Where is the facility? The facility is on the corner of Thatcher road and McNell road in the east end . All Rotary members are welcome to visit the faculty.
Thanks, Erik for an entertaining and informative program. We applaud your efforts on behalf of these rapidly vanishing species of animals.
