In the beginning…
On a fresh early spring day, Co-President Dr. Carl Gross invited Rotarians to gather for fellowship and service in the club Carl calls “the club with the biggest heart”. Carl thanked all those whose efforts made the meeting possible.
Fred Clapp Awarded to Dan Cerminaro
Larry Beckett announced that this year’s Fred Clapp award was given to Dan Cerminaro. This award acknowledges a non-Rotarian who has demonstrated integrity and high ethical standards in their business. Dan has provided life skills and relationship training to many Ojai residents through his Tae Kwon Do academy. In brief remarks, Dan emphasized that he strives to instill responsibility and leadership into his young students. Congratulations Dan!
Report from Board of Directors meeting
Co President Bill Prather provided a brief overview of the results of the recent BOD meeting. Bill updated us on the status of: Finances, Youth, Peace, Vocational, Community Service, International Service, Club Service, Membership, etc.
Upcoming Programs
Now that Tax season is over, Jack Jacobs is slowly returning to his normal self. The upcoming programs sound intriguing: Mesa Farms, Smile Mountain, David Gugenheim, etc.
Arbor Day with Al West
Al West gave us a preview of the Arbor Day celebration to be held at Mesa Farms. Al reminded us that this will be the 157th Arbor Day.
Ronald McDonald Family room at VCMC
Kathy Yee and Jaqueline Gargano provided a short overview of the programs and functions of the Ronald McDonald family room at VCMC.
Fining by Suzanne Scar
Suzanne was raring to extract funds through torturous fining, but her plans were upended because too many people had confessions which required long and elaborate explanations, so time expired before Suzanne could shake the money trees. Better luck next time Suzanne!
Program: Casey Roddick
Casey Roddick, Taundra’s son and Carl’s grandson, joined us by zoom from the Jaguar’s NFL training camp in Florida. Casey told us about his childhood in Ojai, attending Meiner’s Oak school, Oak Grove and eventually St. Bonaventure. He then went to University of Colorado and took his first degree. He then attended Florida State where he took another degree. In addition to his demanding academic load, he joined the football team and was selected team captain in both schools.
For such a young man, Casey demonstrated a level of wisdom, maturity, insight and values that are rare in much older people. These comments are but a small sample of his development:
- He devotes his life to sacrifice, service and respect
- He attributes much to his parents and family
- He takes comfort from the works of Soren Kierkegaard
- He wants to be his own hero
- He has constructed his own “temple of values”
A most inspiring and impressive young man. Carl and Taundra should be very proud!
Closing Quote from Vince Lombardi:
“Football is like life. It requires perseverance, self-denial, sacrifice, dedication and respect for authority”.
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