Are you an established professional who wants to make positive changes in your community and the world? Our club members are dedicated people who share a passion for community service and friendship.
Our 1.4 million-member organization started with the vision of one man—Paul P. Harris. The Chicago attorney formed one of the world’s first service organizations, the Rotary Club of Chicago, on 23 February 1905 as a place where professionals with diverse backgrounds could exchange ideas and form meaningful, lifelong friendships. Rotary’s name came from the group’s early practice of rotating meetings among the offices of each member.
Ojai Rotary Notes
March 6, 2026
In the beginning….
Past President Wendy called Rotarians to gather for service and fellowship. Carl Gross led the flag salute.
Tony Thacher gave a timely reminder of those episodes of history where citizens sacrificed all to preserve their republics from tyrants. He titled his talk “Eids of March” in reference to the assassination of would be tyrant Julius Ceasar who threatened the end of the Roman Republic. Tony used coin images to dramatize the lessons.
Guests
Peter Stutz, our new financial advisor from Northern Trust, provided a review of the fourth quarter investment performance. As a reward for a strong quarter, Peter was treated to a tasty lunch.
Also joining us was Haady Lashkari, CAO of Ojai Hospital and today’s speaker.
Announcements
The Greeter badges are missing!
Longtime member Jim Combs has died. He will be missed.
Next week is lunch mob. Sign up for your favorite Taste of Ojai supporter.
Gary Liptak, head of the scholarship committee, needs two additional readers/application evaluators.
Amy and Bill Warlick of the Peace Committee will host a presentation on Dignity at the El Roblar Hotel March 16 at 6pm.
Paul Harris Awards
Patricia Gates and Bret Bradigan bestowed Paul Harris awards to:
Renee Halbrook
Jerry Maryniuk
Bill Warlick
Leslie Bouche
Haady Laskari
Betsy Watson
Bill Hatch
Bill Prather
Barry Varga
Museum Moment
Wendy shared a Menu from the Firebird Restaurant from circa 1958 (a liverwurst sandwich was $.70 cents!).
Program: Haady Lashkari
Haady, CAO of Ojai Hospital, gave us an overview of the hospital’s history, current status and future plans. Here are the points I found interesting:
The hospital was built in 1960 and passed through several for-profit owners before becoming a non-profit in 2000 and merging with CMH in 2005.
The acute hospital presently has 25 beds, while the new CCC has 75 beds.
The CCC has a 5-star rating from Medicare.
The facility master plan calls for seismic retrofit for the existing hospital, the construction of another 25 bed wing on the newly purchased land next to the hospital, and the construction of a solar parking lot.
The strategic plan emphasizes these elements: financial strength, culture of quality, investing in the next generation, collaboration with CMH, and “expect more”.
The general sentiment in the room was that Ojai is fortunate to have such a quality institution.
Final Thought: “Happiness is the highest form of health”. Dalai Lama.
