The Reminder Newsletter 3/1/2024
The hoi and polloi of Rotary convened at the sunlit conference room this past Friday. I could not attend the meeting, but took in most of it by Zoom. Was passing a kidney stone and preparing for Driver’s License renewal. Don’t know which was more painful! Apologies if something is missed, messed, or misquoted.
Co-President, Bill Prather called the august assemblage to order. He welcomed members and guests to the “Best Rotary Club I know" 
Wendy Barker led the Pledge of Allegiance to this great Nation.
Bret Bradigan delivered an inspirational moment.
After a sumptuous repast, we reconvened.
Rotarian Visitors and Guests were warmly welcomed. Our Bellingham Rotary winter emigree once again took credit for bringing the rain to our fair Valley.
President Bill gave thanks to all who make this great meeting possible:
- Room Setup: Larry Beckett and Kelley Rasmussen.
- Reminder Editor: Carl Gross
- Pledge of Allegiance: Wendy Barker
- Inspirational Moment: Bret Bradigan
- Roving Mic: Bret Bradigan
- Greeter: Christine Golden
- Welcome Desk and Treasurer: Dave Brubaker
- Photography: Bret Nighman
- Food Service: Jayne Cruise and her crew
Announcements
Dr. Fred Fauvre took the pulpit to tout our Living Treasures of Ojai. Many Ojaians generously contribute their time and talents to community service. Sponsored by the combined Clubs of Ojai Rotary and Ojai Rotary West, these Clubs recognize those people who live the ideals of Rotary on a daily basis. Each year, the Ojai Community submits prospective candidates for Living Treasures. This is done by a ballot process. The nominees are recognized at an induction ceremony and by our local press.
To propose a Living Treasure, go to: RCOLT.org for further information.
Balloting is at:
Last week, we met at the Matilija campus. It was a great success. Atticus Reyes, school board president, gave a “state of the School District” address. He and his Board had to make painful cuts and closures to shore up our school system and get back on a solid financial footing. He assured us that we are doing much better with the finances. He spoke of plans for the vacated campuses and how these adustments are bearing fruit.
The Nordhoff Highschool Club LIVE and Counselor Gabrielle Taylor were welcomed and Bret Nighman acted as auctioneer for their bake sale, raising $1500. The Club sponsors high school students who travel to various countries and participate in service projects with local peoples. People, these are our future Rotarians.
We then converged on the Peace Pavillion where a new Peace Pole was blessed by Elder Chumash, Julie Tumamait and presented by Cheree Edwards.
Thanks to all who made this program so special.
Announcements:
Arbor Day is April 26th. We are planning to have a luncheon meeting at Mesa Farms where trees will be planted. Situated on 10 acres in the Ojai Valley, it is a transitional housing program supporting young adults facing homelessness and to offer possibilities for a new future. Details to follow…
Dr. Bob Skankey Humanitarian Award presented to Ally Mills.
Presentation by Betsy Watson:
Dr. Bob Skankey Humanitarian Award Presented to Ally Mills The Rotary Club of Ojai’s Dr. Bob Skankey Humanitarian Award honors an Ojai Valley resident whose commitment to our community has had a positive impact on lives for many people, and who reflects values of service and goodwill.
The award is named for Dr. Bob Skankey, a longtime member of our Rotary Club, who besides delivering most of the babies in Ojai Valley for decades, steadfastly encouraged youth through his volunteer activities in church, Boy Scouts and the community.
As a world citizen, Dr Bob has improved women’s health in many developing countries, especially by creating a midwife training program in Niger that has significantly reduced maternal and infant mortality among nomad women. Whether at home or abroad, Bob exhibits the same respect and courtesy to all people and shows genuine interest and enthusiasm about their lives. Bob finds the best in people and reflects it back to them, so they feel better about themselves and can be more positive towards the people around them. 
Previous Rotary Club of Ojai Humanitarian Awards have been presented to Javier Ramirez, Tobi-Jo Greene, Yolanda Flores, and Judy Fisk Lucas Thanks to our committee who reviewed nominees and chose this year's RCO Dr Bob Skankey Humanitarian Awardee, Ally Mills. Why Ally? Ally Mills, Director of the Ojai Family Shelter. Ally advocates for homeless persons and families, speaking up for the mostly invisible and overlooked, people who are at a very low point in their lives.
Her credo is Dignity First. Ally has walked the path where she now helps her clients. She has a true heart for the population she serves. She is smart and resourceful, known for her ability to solve problems, or know who can. She’s quick to help, and has been since even before she volunteered at the Family Shelter as an overnight host in 2014.
The rules are few, but she sees that they're enforced for the good of the shared space. Ally’s a helper who knows what to look for, can defuse situations, and will help anyone as long as they're trying.
If Ally Mills is a familiar name, it’s because she’s been actively doing this work. People living with homelessness are more visible now, and Ally is finally being recognIzed for her service since 2014.
Upon learning of Ally's selection, Dr Bob Skankey wrote, "I am amazed at the almost limitless number of people in our valley, who have given of their time and talents for the betterment of their fellow man. Ally Mills is one of them who is outstanding in her efforts to support the homeless. I am humbled and honored to have my name linked with hers."
We celebrate you and your work today. We mark this honor by naming you a Paul Harris Fellow. The Paul Harris Award is the highest form of recognition a Rotary Club can bestow, and it is presented to a person who has made an outstanding contribution to the community. Here's a certificate of recognition. This award has monetary value, as it not only honors you for your positive impact, but it comes with a $2,000 dollar stipend that requires no reporting from you, and is simply for you to continue your good work.
Congratulations, Ally!!
Last chance to participate in the District 5240 Training Session.
THANK YOU, if you have already registered. You don't need to register again.
If you have NOT registered, click here to register & receive your personal ZOOM link : REGISTRATION
There's no cost to attend : this is a FREE training for all members.
Info on each of the 22 sessions and bios on presenters are attached.
See you via Zoom on 3/9 @ 9:00 am!
Sherry Peckhon Sim
Rotary District 5240 Governor 2024-2025
805-234-4315
Service above self award: Bill Hatch
We presented the service above self award to Sadie Horovitz from Sunset School. She is a 6th grader. In attendance were the following: Tomas Gaeta her principal, Chandra marshall her teacher, Jennifer Coleman her mother, Halona Coleman, her step dad, Brian Horowitz her father, Hal Horowitz her grand father and Sherrie her dad's Sister. Tomas and Chandra both addressed the body and spoke some very postive words in praisie of Sadie and her contributions to the student community.
Historical Moment: Bret Bradigan
Bret drew inspiration from the Langston Hughes poem:
Hold fast to dreams
For if dreams die
Life is a broken-winged bird
That cannot fly
Hold fast to dreams
For when dreams go
Life is a barren field
Frozen with snow
Upcoming Programs
Jack Jacobs informed us about the upcoming, exciting programs.
- March 8th-Chief of Police Trina Newman-Policing Ojai
- March 15th-Get Acquainted Talks
- March 22nd-Educating Girls in Afghanistan - Marilyn Mosley Gordanier
- March 29th-Fifth Friday
Fining: Wendy Barker
Wendy Barker led a spirited session of monetary extraction with Bob Eisler on the net.
Program: JB White with Bret Nighman as interviewer.
JB White is a long-time Ojai resident and screenwriter with a long list of credits, including the recent Hallmark film, “Get Me to the Wedding on Time.” As a multi-genre writer he’s also adapted the Peter Benchley book, “The Beast” and written the horror film “House of Frankenstein.”
He has a long list of credits for the Hallmark Channel but he didn’t start out to be a screenwriter. He dropped out of Stanford, where he was friends with a budding actress named Sigourney Weaver) to pursue a career as a singer-songwriter. He worked in the legal trade as a side hustle before making the leap in writing with piles of spec scripts, which landed him an agent. He moved to Ojai in 1993 to raise his children. After writing a script that drew favorable attention from Andy Griffith, he embarked on a flourishing career as the go-to writer with NBC, before moving into motion pictures. He keeps the musician dream alive, producing and performing concerts around the area, including with the Household Gods, known as Ojai’s house band.
JB then regaled us with some of his songs.
It is amazing the talent that is in our tiny portion of the world.
Quotes for the week -
“One good thing about music , when it hits you, you feel no pain.
“Where words fail, music speaks.”
“Without music, life would be a mistake. Music expresses that which cannot be said and on which it is impossible to be silent.”
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