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.
Ojai Rotary Reminder Newsletter
September 5, 2025
Editor: Randy Roth
In the beginning…
On a toasty afternoon, Rotarians gathered for service and friendship at the Ojai Valley Brewery. President Sue presided over our gathering with her usual grace and warmth. Don Reed led the Pledge and Tony Thacher, our poet laureate, inspired us with a recitation of George Arnold’s immortal “Beer”. President Sue thanked all those who made this meeting possible.
Announcements
Allen and Joyce West are celebrating their 71st
Wedding Anniverary
Upcoming programs will include: Tibetan Aid Foundation, A report from Uganda, and Assemblyman Steve Bennett
Dierdre and Leah provided an upbeat update on the Taste of Ojai; they are especially proud that all new restaurants in Ojai have signed up. We still need additional sponsors, so go hit up your friends and business associates!
The Community Service Committee has donated 3 e-bikes to Mesa Farms.
The Peace Committee has activated an emergency fund for Help of Ojai
Fining with Candace Alexander
Candace did a star turn as fine master. Her topic: beer, or course. Her questions covered a wide range: from Sumerian beer recipes to more modern times. Candace is a natural fine master and comedian!
Program: Jeremy Haffner
Jeremy welcomed us all to his brewery and gave us a quick overview of the history of his family’s role in some of Ojai’s premier restaurants. Here are some of the points I found most interesting:
Jeremy felt there was a real need for community and connection
His beers are made with local flora
He had planned to give a tour of his facility, but that had to be canceled because there was wine-production going on. Nonetheless, Jeremy invited us to view the process from a window.
Jeremy has recently started to make wine in addition to beer
He plans to produce high-end white wine and champagne.
At the end of his presentation, several people suggested that Jeremy join Rotary and Jeremy said he would consider it.
Adjournment
President Sue adjourned the meeting with some amusing quotes about beer from such luminaries as Plato and Ben Franklin, two of which were fictitious.
You are invited to visit us at an upcoming meeting.
