Why does my iPad always need charging at 11:45 am on Friday?
Why, when Carl Gross asks me to do the Reminder can I never find a pencil?
Those questions, and more, such as what upcoming programs are we in line for, will not be addressed by this report, and, due to question # 2, may stretch the first question of the 4 way test. So, let’s get started with this, the latest in a long but modest line of reminders soon to be forgotten.
The social hour, elegantly hosted by Patricia, passed by in a blur of happy comments. There appeared to be a sense of anticipation about today’s program. Several attendees dressed appropriately to hear Leslie Clark’s autobiographical tale.
President Michael started the meeting. Dr. Bob Skankey flawlessly honored or Flag, and Fred Coleman read a modified statement of purpose by Teddy Roosevelt that had meaning for all Rotarians. The normal but sincere thanks went out to Patricia for Greeting, Dr. Bob for The flag salute, Fred for the invocation, Tara for her zoomanship, me for The Reminder (the only one thanked before the product was produced, so that could change).
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Rotarian Visitors and Guests
Today we had the pleasure of welcoming three visiting Rotarians. It was great to see Brian Berman again. A former active member of our club, Brian is now a member of the Rotary E-club of world peace. He brought with him the President of that club, Barbara M (here’s where the pencil thing comes in), and Eric Fahnoe, currently member of The Arroyo Grande Rotary Club, formerly a member of the Bloomfield Connecticut club, and a graduate of Monica Ros School.
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Announcements
Announcements came and went and then came back, as Deirdre got started a little early with fines, but it all worked out . So here were some of the announcements:
Cindy Frings reported that the 5th Friday will be celebrated on the 1st Thursday, May 6th, from 5:15 to 7:00 PM at Topa Mountain Winery. You should all have received the invite. It is imperative that you make a reservation as Covid restrictions still apply. If you have not received an invite, please let the club know, as you may be missing out on other opportunities.
Tara Saylor announced an art auction being held this weekend in a new art gallery on Matilija St to help support the new climate change parks in Ojai and Africa. I would go into more detail, but the event will be over before you read this.
Bryant Huber suggested that the April 25 walk for Ronald McDonald House might well be something you would like to support, either by shoe leather or cash.
Leslie Bouche cautioned that the raucous and giddy International Services Committee meets at 8 am on this coming Tuesday on zoom. If you wish to attend, sent her a note and she will send you the zoom key.
Suzanne Scar showed off several beautiful grandchildren who behaved as beautifully as they looked.
Mike Weaver gave a reasoned and professional plea for our continued and expanded support of TRF (if I have to tell you what TRF is then Mike, and all who have gone before, will have failed). Our program today exemplifies TRF in action. Besides sending a check to TRF directly, you can sign up on line for automatic payments. There are other options available to you as well. The one option that disappoints all is not giving. Thanks in advance. For more information, go to: The Rotary Foundation | Rotary International
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Rotary Humor
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Fining: Deirdre Daly
Deirdre’s subject for fining was Earth Day. By and large people seemed to know as much about Earth Day as the fine master did. The amount of money collected wasn’t much, so Deirdre didn’t clean up.
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The Program: Leslie Clark--Nomad Gal
Therese Brown then introduced our much anticipated speaker, Leslie Clark, who spoke of her quarter century involvement with the Nomads in Niger. Those of us who have been in our club for sometime are aware of the synergistic relationship between the Nomad Foundation and Rotary, but maybe we didn’t know how it all started.
In this autobiographical report, we learned in detail the when’s, where’s, why’s, and who's of her early (mid 90’s) exploration of western Saharan Africa. Who knew she was kidnapped, had all her supplies stolen, could and did record their faces in pencil drawings on students paper. Later a trip though the dunes with revolutionary figures cemented her love for the land and the people.
After she started the nomad Foundation, she opened and ran the Nomad Gallery in the center of Ojai for over 2 decades, where, for less than most any other place around, you could purchase nomadic jewelry and clothing crafted by artisans in cooperative she helped form.
She
barely touched upon the artistic side of her adventure, but instead chose to highlight a most wonderful miracle. Niger has one of the highest child birth and maternity death rates in the world. With our Doctor Bob, the Nomad Foundation, with some individual and collective Rotary help, put together a program to teach fundamental medical information to nomadic women. Not quite midwives, they proudly carry the name Madrones. Since their start less than a decade ago, they have increased from around six women to more than 50, the latest of whom are being thought by their fellow nomads. In that time, the loss of life, Mother and child, has been reduced to almost zero. Who knew that a little hygiene and prenatal vitamins could do so much.
Leslie spoke of the center for nomadic life at Tamesna. There stands a school with sleeping facilities, a water well, a clinic with staff, and a gathering area for Nomads passing through. She spoke of a severe flood several years ago in the general area of Agadez ( where she helped organize an Agadez Rotary club, now trying to rebound, after a decade of rebellion and strife). This is the 5th largest city in Niger, with a population of about 100,000, and Leslie had the only internet connection, which she used to bring some relief to a beleaguered community.
Other help provided to the nomad communities include motorcycle repair classes, solar panel construction classes, animal feed distribution, creating jewelry coops, flood control projects, desks for the school rooms, micro loans, the list goes on.
She also spoke briefly about the music of the Sahara and the place it played in the revolution in the 90’s. As only Tuareg speak their language, they sort of pulled a page from the Navaho speakers of WWll, and used their music to transmit vital information to the community.
In my opinion, this was one of the most uplifting programs we have had in a while. We are fortunate to have Leslie in our midst, but not as fortunate as the Tuareg and Wodaabe tribes in Niger. Thank you, Leslie.
PS. The Nomad Foundation , much like Pradeep’s Foundation offers funding opportunities in the form of scholarships for the students at Tamesna. For around $300/ year you can pay for 1 year of schooling and room and board. Remember, Leslie didn’t ask you. She is to polite to ask. I’m not.
President Michael thanked Leslie profusely and ended the meeting with a great quote (See, the dang pencil thing again.)
That’s all , folks!!
