In the Beginning…
President Kay welcomed all to the Friday meeting of the Rotary Club of Ojai with the tintinnabulation of the bell. A sumptuous repast was afforded with Chinese Chicken Salad, Egg Rolls, and all the trimmings.
Larry Beckett led the Pledge of Allegiance to our great nation and Kevin Davis delivered the Inspirational Moment: 
“To adopt a community mindset” 
Excerpted from “Community-Powered Journalism: A manual for sustainability and growth for independent journalism,” co-written by Mark Lee Hunter and Kevin Davis, and which is the core curriculum for the Future Media Management Programme at the Stockholm School of Economics in Riga Latvia. To which I am traveling December 2nd and won’t be back until late on December 9th. Which is why I unfortunately will not be able to join you.
As a mission-driven organization, when we use the term “Community,” we mean the people who we serve and whose needs we try, at least in part, to meet.
But too often the well-intended work of mission-driven organizations like ours and others, goes unrecognized and undervalued by the people we wish to benefit.
It is not enough to do good work. We must also try to ensure that the community we serve sees and recognizes that our organization is working on its behalf.
If the community doesn’t see its needs met in the work, then we will have fallen short in no small way.
Community-based organizations seeking to have impact and attract membership must, therefore, ask themselves the following types of questions:
- Who do we serve?
- Who is this for?
- What are they saying about their needs?
- How can we ensure we can reach them?
- How can we engage with them?
- How can we serve more people like them?
Thank-You to…
Larry Beckett for the Pledge
Kevin Davis for the Inspirational Moment
Bret Nighman was the Greeter
Randy Roth and Bill Prather for Room Setup
Michael Scar at the welcome table
Ren Adam, our finemaster.
Dave Brubaker for collection and the cash box
Reminder Editor—Wendy Barker
Sean McDermott was the roaming mic.
With our gastronomic tanks topped off, President Kay called the meeting back to order, pointing out the new banners which will help promote our Club around town and at conventions. She pointed out the table notes which members can take with them. This issue included a follow-up of Vida Asomaning-Amoaka, Director of the Street Girls Aide in Ghana. Assistant Director Irene Engeman did the official pinning of the Paul Harris Fellowship bestowed on her from our Club 2 weeks ago.
Visiting Rotarians and Guests
Janet Campbell and Frank Finck were in the house via Zoom.
Guests included Service Above Self awardee, Luca Szczepanek and his family along with principal Katherine White and teacher Ms. Nofzinger. Bob Isler returned for another round. Interact teacher, Laurianne Bergeron was welcomed.
Welcome to all!!
Luca and his family
Service Above Self Award goes to Luca Szczepanek
Bill Hatch pre
sented our first Service Above Self Award to Luca. Luca is a 5th Grader at Mira Monte School. His teacher, Ms. Nofzinger outlined his many qualities and accomplishments. He is in leadership class, a peer helper and is leading a Teddy Bear Drive for kids with cancer. His and his family’s smiles lit up the room.
The award is “in recognition of your commitment to service above self in your school making a positive impact with your school reflecting Rotary’s values of service and goodwill”
Announcements
President Kay thanked everyone who contributed to the Matilija Middle School Interact Club’s food drive. Cheree Edwads introduced the Interact teacher, Laurianne Bergeron who expressed her thanks and shared how HELP of Ojai, the distributor of the food was so important in her life.
It is with a heavy heart that we report the passing of long-time Ojai Rotarian Berkley Baker. "Berk" passed away peacefully on November 7, 2022, in his home surrounded by the love of his family. He was active in the community serving as a member of the Ojai Rotary Club, President of the Ojai Valley Museum Board and as an Elder at the Ojai Presbyterian Church. Berkley enjoyed his time hiking and fishing in the High Sierra, skiing on the slopes of Lake Tahoe and golfing in the beautiful Ojai Valley. He also enjoyed watching the USC Trojans battle on the football/baseball field and basketball court. He loved sports. We'll miss you, Berk!
The 3rd installment of the Contra Dance at the Ojai Art Center Gallery is taking place November 19th. Just $10 per person and is open to all ages. Experience is not needed. This is a joint program with the Ojai Lion’s Club.
The District 5240 Conference is this Saturday, November 18th through 20th in Santa Barbara. This is an unique opportunity to mix and mingle with our fellow Rotarians, see Kay’s display of our Club’s activities, and to hear inspiring talks, including newsman, Mr. John Palmenteri of KEYT television.
Update: Marty, Kay, Bill Prather, and Carl Gross attended the District Conference. A great time was had by all:
The Rotary Club of Ojai Holiday Party will take place on December 9th at Soule Park with no-host bar 5-6 PM and dinner 6-8 PM. Please check your emails for the invitation. Please pay online. No cash payments at the door. Let us know if you have not received the E-Vite.
The 75th Anniversary committee will convene November 21st at 9 AM at the home of Tony Thacher to discuss ad sales starting in December. OJ, coffee, and all-precious water will be provided.
Fining with Ren Adam
Ren took the podium to less than thunderous applause. Mike was the roving mic and netman.
Patricia Anderson celebrated her 7th anniversary in Rotary.
Bill Weirick updated us on his father’s health.
Fining centered on how well you know our fellow members.
Jack Jacobs, Sean McDermott, Suzanne Scar, Kathy Yee, and Fred Fauvre were fined for not knowing such vital information such as how many members hiked to Nordhoff Peak, shot less than 85 at one of our local golf courses, how many members have lived in Ojai greater than 30 years, those who have swum in Lake Casitas (against the law), and how many members have one or more dogs.
Upcoming Programs
November 25th—Dark--Thanksgiving
December 2nd--"Desert Tracks" - the Nomad Journey—Leslie Clark
December 9th—Holiday Party
December 16th--Caroline Pereira Mastery Training for Young Adults
December 23rd—Dark--Christmas
December 30th—Dark—New Years
The Program: Evelyn Scott, RN/MBA
Ojai: A Community in Need
Haady Lashkari introduced Evelyn Scott. Ms. Scott oversees outreach which includes working on a recent project—2022 Community Health Needs Assessment as a part of the Community Memorial Health System’s commitment.
There were over 50 participants in the Needs Assessment including health plans, agencies, and hospital systems. They collected both digital and written forms at clinics and other places. They also conducted focus groups. Secondary data was collected from the CDC, and organizations such as the American Cancer Society.
They found that the top three concerns were mental health 73%, cancer 49%, and older adult health 41%.
They also worked with a high school and college to get more information about education and adolescent health. Ventura County averages 23.7 students per class while the national average is just 16.3 students per teacher.
High School graduation rates dropped during the pandemic to 83.3%, below the “healthy goal” of 90%. Suicide, isolation and school from home were all issues brought up, which is why mental health was the number one issue for adolescents.
After the assessment, comes a plan for improvement. The top three identified problems are prioritized. There is now a new three-year plan to address mental health and substance abuse, prevent chronic illnesses by promoting healthy lifestyles, and they are working to advance equitable access to health care, in terms of cancer.
Final Thoughts
President Kay closed the meeting with a “Life Hack”:
“Writing down one thing you are grateful for each day is the cheapest possible therapy ever.”
Please remember we are dark this Friday, 11/25.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!
Susan Weaver from 
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