In the beginning...
Bret Bradigan welcomed Rotarians as they joined our weekly meeting with Kevin Davis keeping us zoom, zooming along as our Zoom host.
President Betsy Watson called the meeting to order.
Sue Gilberth lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Larry Beckett gave the invocation, focusing on what it means to be a Rotarian.
President Betsy thanked all those mentioned above along with photographer and editor Carl Gross and yours truly, Wendy Barker, your Reminder reporter.
Bob Skankey joined us again as did Joyce West. Other guests included Marilyn Lyon, and her children Anne Carper, Margi Barrie, Jeffrey Lyon, and David Richards all the way from Japan.
President Betsy reminded us that on this day in history, the Space Shuttle Challenger exploded 73 seconds after liftoff from Cape Canaveral.
Announcements
Next up was announcements. Suzanne Scar said there are still 38 of 100 spots available for the Super Bowl pool. Just $5 each, with all the money going towards the four cash prizes.
Kay Bliss talked about the member survey she has sent out, and upcoming focus groups, including an additional focus group added after our February 11th meeting.
President Betsy shared that we will meet through zoom again next week, and then on February 11 we will meet in person at Boccali’s. Lunch will be the usual $10 each.
Cindy Frings invites everyone to join the Taste of Ojai committee for their next zoom meeting on February 8 at 5pm.
Confessions and Fining
There was just one confession this week. Wendy Barker donated in honor of her good friend of 51 years, Carol Casserly Kahn, who died this week.
Then it was time for Cindy Frings to lead a game of “2 Lies and a Truth.” First up was Bob Skankey who didn’t know Larry Beckett worked on a Montana ranch.
Al West did better with a question about Kay Bliss and bike riding.
Diedre Daly didn’t know Larry Wilde was a hanggliding instructor and Bill Prather was surprised to learn that Mary Babayco sailed around the world in 1971. Tara Saylor had a good guess about Kathy Yee and her cat.
Memories of John Lyon
The first part of our program was all about John Lyon, long time member of our club.
Al West started it off with his memories of John, who also thought about going into forestry, but of course, became a veterinarian instead. The two friends shared many trips together, often with their families, and were part of a monthly dinner group. Al’s memories of John will live forever.
Tony Thacher was Secretary of the club when John was President in the early 1970s. He spoke about John’s hands, so important to a veterinarian who can’t speak to his patients and must rely on his touch. Tony shared sharing stories of Truffle, a pot-bellied pig, as well as Emily’s dog Tico. He enjoyed working with John in Rotary, and on the Ojai Civic Association. He said John was full of wisdom, and lots of fun.
Bob Davis has many acquaintances but not many friends. John was his friend. He also talked about traveling with John, including a ski trip in Italy, a river trip, and a long drive in a motor home from Canada with a “hell of a good sport.”
Jack Jacobs met John in 1971 and chaired Programs during his presidency. John was very caring of animals and people, a wonderful member of our club and of the community.
Marilyn Lyon said that Rotary was really important to John and it has been moving to read cards sent in his memory. Their children were all thankful to hear the kind words about their father.
Relocation of Afghanis--Tara Saylor
Next up Tara Saylor talked about her job in New Jersey where she has been since September. She’s working 12-hour days, with rarely a day off, but it sounds very fulfilling to be working at a refugee relocation center on a military base. The Afghani are their guests or patrons, and not referred to as refugees at the center.
Tara began as a purchasing manager and is now in operations. They built 21 very large tents, each with 90 to 126 rooms. There are 700 team members working there. About 10,000 people have already been resettled. The current rate is about 200 people per day. They are being resettled throughout the country with the exception of Wyoming and Hawaii. Patrons receive three months of sponsorship from a group, with the hope that the group will continue the sponsorship beyond that time span. Tara will share with us information about how to provide some financial support through an email.
There are seven different languages spoken at the center. Many people cannot read their own language. Tara is enjoying the beauty of their culture and seeing the patrons connect with each other. She read two poems by a young woman that were very moving.
Tara would love to get cards or letters from any members. Send them to:
Tara Saylor
840 US Rte 206
Bordentown, NJ 08505
President Betsy ended our meeting with this quote by Audrey Hepburn:
“For beautiful eyes, look for the good in others; for beautiful lips, speak only words of kindness; and for poise, walk with the knowledge that you are never alone.”
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