March is Women’s History Month, National Reading Month, Disability Awareness Month, Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month, and Kidney Month 

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In the beginning… 

 

Co-President Bill Prather called Ojai Rotarians, visiting Rotarians and guests together.   

Clinton Haugan led the Pledge of Allegiance and kicked the meeting off with “PLAY BALL”.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Inspirational Moment: Leslie Bouche spoke about Big Life Changes that we all experience. She says “Life has a way of sweeping us up into the swirling storms of events – events that are not within our control.  We can lose our center, lose our grounding – get stuck in our heads – stuck in our own reactivity – stuck in thoughts of the past and in the projections of the future. And yet, we can also breathe – slow down and be fully in the experience of our lives. We can come together and connect and support each other. And this can help connect us one more with the beauty of what is”. Leslie shared this beautiful poem by Danna Faulds.   

 

It only takes a reminder to breathe, 

a moment to be still, and just like that, 

something in me settles, softens, makes 

space for imperfection. The harsh voice 

of judgment drops to a whisper and I 

remember again that life isn’t a relay 

race; that we will all cross the finish 

line; that waking up to life is what we 

were born for. As many times as I forget, 

catch myself charging forward 

without even knowing where I’m going, 

that many times I can make the choice 

to stop, to breathe, and be, and walk 

slowly into the mystery.  

Blessings to all of us on the fine Rotary day, Leslie.

  

Co President Bill thanked all who helped with planning and set up for today’s meeting. Bill welcomed special guest and speaker, Jenny Russell, daughter of John and Peggy Russell.  Jenny spoke to us about the Global food crisis response in Africa.

 

Visiting Rotarians and Guests

 

Visiting Rotarian Barry Verga hopefully to transfer soon to our club, Guests were Diane Bertoy (Jacks wife), Colin Jones, John and Peggy Russell and their family Andy, Jenny, Olivia and Jackson, Leila Shahida and Carl Gross’ daughter, Taundra Roddick.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Announcements:  

Our club had a Board meeting today. Agenda items were: 

·        Reviewed last year’s Income Statement/Statement of Financial Position. 

·        Club Service Committee to review the Taste of Ojai’s upcoming dates to the Fall of 2024.  

·        Approval of Operating Budget for this year. 

·        Looking for a new chair of the Taste of Ojai 

·        Fundraising Committee to simplify and reduce amount of work to put on The Taste event. 

 

 

 

 

Cheree Edwards: Initial meeting of Peace Committee met to formulate upcoming goals for the September 21^st International Day of Peace. Looking to have the Interact Club from Nordoff High and Ojai West to collaborate with us and join us for our next meeting will be Tuesday September 5^th at 4:45 p.m. at the Gables, 701 N. Montgomery St. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reminder – Memorial Service for Marty Babayco 8/19, 10:00 a.m. at Ojai Presbyterian Church.

 

 

   

Future Programs: Jack Jacobs updated us on upcoming programs for the year. Next Friday, we will have Col. Rtd. Jack Jacobs.

Colonel Jacobs is not related to our own club past president Jack Jacobs.  He is a retired colonel in the United States Army and a Medal of Honor recipient for his actions during the Vietnam War.  He serves as a military analyst for NBC News and MSNBC and previously worked as an investment manager.  His program will be beamed to our meeting via Zoom and introduced by our friend and many time presenter of programs, local resident Keith Nightingale.  This is a program that you do not want to miss.

 

 

 

Fining-Confessions- Kathy Yee: asked for volunteers 1^st, Renee, grand daughter in Shrek the play as Princess Fiona, Marty Pops, Reminded us to donate to the Rotary Club of Maui, District 5000, please help our fellow Rotarians, Tara Saylor 5 year Rotary anniversary, congratulations. Opened it up to “Who would like to share something funny your children/grandchildren have said?” 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Program: Jack Jacobs introduced Jenny Russell who leads the Save the Children organization through health, nutrition, Women’s equality and Children (under 18) rights and well being. This organization is 100 years old and serves 120 rural countries.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Food for thought: Food brings people together on many different levels. It’s nourishment of the soul and body: it’s truly love.”

Giada De Laurentiis