In the beginning…
The high energy buzz and comradery was reined in by President Marty’s ringing of the Rotary bell. “Welcome to the most photogenic Club I know.”, Marty observed. He then produced a bumper sticker given out at the 50th anniversary of Ojai Rotary. Now, 25 years later, we find ourselves celebrating the 75th or diamond anniversary.
The Pledge was delivered by Bret Nighman and an Inspirational Moment by Christine Golden. Bob Eisler was a most gracious welcomer along with Bill Prather and Sean McDermott. Bruce Hanson setup the room. Dave Brubaker collected the dough. Thanks to all of you that make our meetings hum.
Visiting Rotarians and Guests
PDG Jack McClenahan, Peggy Grunert (Past President Simi Valley Rotary Club), and Steve Adams from Rotary West were welcomed.
Special Guests, soon-to-be inducted, were Dr. Jerry Maryniuk (with his spouse, Diane Berttoy), Brian Schlaak, Kelly Rasmussen, and Clinton Haugen.
Welcome to all!!
Announcements
The International Service Committee will meet February 21st at 7:30 AM by Zoom and in person. (TBA-watch your emails).
Marty briefly discussed Community Grants. More to come…
AED (Automated External Defibrillator)—You are invited to join with Dr. Maryniuk, Dr. Gross, and Dr. Watson in implementation and placing of this lifesaving device at Libbey Park. Contact them if you want to get involved.
After our meeting 2/17/2023, we will have a meeting of new members (2 years or less). We want a few minutes of your time to talk about your interest in Clubs projects, service, what you would like to see in the coming year, and any comments/critiques.
Taste of Ojai, our major fundraising and funraising event of the year is coming soon, 4/16/23. We still need your help and the help of friends or spouses to make this happen. Please contact Carl Gross to help out.
He will be sending out a summary of volunteers and positions that are open.
Family of Rotary: Our pickleball pro, Sandy Buechley injured her shoulder and is recovering nicely. Get well soon, Sandy!
Something Different/4th Friday: MADness at the museum (MAD=Make A Difference). February 24th, we will convene at the Ojai Valley Museum at noon. We will be guests of Wendy Barker. We aim to have small table discussions about all facets of the Club. Food from Westridge will be provided at $10 per person. You must sign up. A clip board will be circulated at our next meeting, 2/17.
Induction of New Members
One mission we all have is to share Rotary. What a treat it was to bring in 4 new members!
Dr. Jerry (Jerome) Maryniuk is a retired Emergency Room physician and Hospice consultant lives in Ojai with his wife, Diane Bertoy.
Kelley Rasmussen is an Insurance Producer.
Brian Schlaak is a Development Director.
Clinton Haugan is a Real Estate Advisor.
Please welcome our new members, sit with them, and get to know them.
Fining: Ren Adam
With Ren as head inquisitor and money extraction specialist, confessions and quizzing filled the room. Wendy Barker wielded the net with Sean McDermott on the mic.
What’s coming up?
Bret Bradigan and his Program Committee have done a great job in producing phenomenal speakers.
2/17/2023—Franz Lidz—Journalism: British vs. American Styles
2/24/2023—Fourth Friday—“Something Different: MADness at the museum. Host: Wendy Barker. You must sign up for the meeting. Food from Westridge will be available at $10 as with our onsite meetings.
Program: Get Acquainted Talks
Deirdre Daly and Greg Webster introduced Bruce Hanson and Sean McDermott to deliver their “Get Acquainted Talks”
Bruce has lived in Ojai for the past 3 years with his wife, Cindy. He describes himself as a California transplant, having come here from Wisconsin after living in South Dakota, “a great place to be from”.
Bruce had varied jobs in his youth including dishwasher, mason’s tender, and more.
He had a musical career, starting in “dives” where there was a screen around the stage to protect the band from flying beer bottles. He worked his way up to appearing on Prairie Home Companion twice. Bruce ultimately worked as a statistical modeler for large corporations. He has been retired for 3 years, but still teaches courses in China.
Sean McDermott is a “Swiss army knife” when it comes to computers, electronics, and audio equipment. He gave us a brief history of the Internet starting with Tim Berners-Lee, who founded the web, it’s explosion of activity in the 90s, and how markets have developed with the implementation of regional distribution centers. He has teamed up with people and organizations around the world and is currently working with Kevin Davis on a new business support model. More to come…
Life Hack
Marty left us with this thought:
(This defines Rotary) “You cannot get smart people to work extremely hard just for money.”
On close of the meeting our Club Members and Board members assembled for pictures which will be included in the 75th Anniversary publication. Pictures provided by Stephen Adams from Ojai Rotary West. Thank-You, Steve!
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