Our 1.2 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.
Welcome to the Brave New World!
As Ojai Rotarians Zoomed their way to the meeting, familiar faces filled the grid on their computer screens and smart phones to reune after weeks without a meeting. It was so great to see all of you and find we are doing well, staying safe, and staying healthy! After some coaching and instruction, our President Cheree called the virtual meeting to order, virtually "The best Rotary Club I know". Many thanks to Tara Saylor and Terry Beckett for the Zoom instruction meeting this past Wednesday and for setting up our meeting.
One feature of Zoom is that the host of the meeting can mute all the participants so not everyone is speaking at one time. Hmmmm...How could we do this at live meetings?
At the beginning of each meeting, Cheree would be thanking Ginger for the setting up and serving our weekly repast. Since everything is shut down, we would like to do something special for Ginger and ask that you join in a "Pay it Forward Lunch Day" by donating your usual $20 for a meal and meeting fee, so that we can present her with a check. Cheree will email us so that you can pledge an amount.
President Edwards thanked her Board for all their ideas, hard work, care, and concern for our Club members and the community at large. During these times, the Board will be meeting twice a month, with the next meeting April 13th. She recognized the efforts of Kay Bliss (Member at Large), Bret Bradigan (Community Service), Nancy O'Sullivan (Youth Service), Jack Jacobs and Deirdre Daly (Membership), Tara Saylor (Vocational Service), Leslie Bouche (International Service), Suzanne Scar (Club Service), Sandy Buechley (Treasurer), and Michael Scar (President Elect).
Rotarian Guests and Visitors
We welcomed District Governor, Savi Bhim, who reported on District activities. Click on the link below for a personal message.
Announcements
Ideas for socially distanced activities were presented. A "Virtual Meeting at the Bar", "Take Out Tuesday", and a "Wine and Fining Program" were proposed. Do you see a common thread?
Haady thanked us for our concern about Ojai Hospital. He shared list of needed items including Personal Protective Equipment, etc. We will look forward toward May and National Hospital Week to do something special to show our appreciation and support for our hospital staff. More to come...
President Edwards visited the Ventura East Club meeting 4/2 and they had an informative talk from their President Jeff Burgh, who is the Ventura County Auditor/Controller. He shared a number of great resources and timely COVID updates from the County. You can find this information by clicking on the link below:
John Lyons celebrated 51 years of Rotary membership, the longest standing membership of our Club.
Tony Thacher is a close second at 47 years.
Congratulations! and thank you for all your dedication and service to Rotary.
To honor our members' birthdays, Bryant Huber and family sang Happy Birthday in impeccable harmony to honor our chronically challenged folk.
Sue Gilbreth has stepped up to lead the food and funds drive for Help of Ojai Thank-You, Sue for your time and efforts on behalf of those in need.
Bret Bradigan and Janet Mahon Campbell reported that the Community Grants and Scholarships reviews are coming along and will be presented to the Board shortly. He also shared that the Ojai Living Treasures have been selected for 2020-2021. One Treasure is none other than Betsy Watson..an honor overdue. When Bret notified Martha Ditchfield she was now a Living Treasure, she was found working on a food line for the homeless.
Judy Gabriel reported that the Student Peace Award will be presented this year. OUSD Superintendent, Dr. Tiffany Morse reported on awards for students in Culture Inclusion, Environment, Health and Wellness, and other endeavors. With school closed for this year, she told us of efforts on the part of the School District.
DG Savi Bhim reported on seeking financial aid to fill food pantries and Ventura Food Share that benefits families in Ojai as well.
Nancy O'Sullivan reported on the Virtual Walk for Kids in Ventura. Funds go to the building of a Ronald McDonald House at Ventura County Medical Center for support and housing of children and families undergoing serious medical treatments.
For more information, click on this link:
Rotary Cartoon
Fining--Ren Adam
Finemaster Ren opened the fining session with his observation:
3 outcomes from this sequestration and home sheltering are--Alcoholism, Divorce, or Pregnancy.
Confessions:
Christine Goldman reported her nephew is a resident who is training at Bellvue Hospital in NYC. He has been exposed to COVID and is in quarantine.
Larry Beckett is celebrating his 61st anniversary.
Judy Gabriel celebrated her birthday.
Brian Berman has his 3D printer running overtime, producing headband protective gear. He also celebrated the birth of his 1st grandchild.
Deirdre Daly's daughter is a nurse at New York Presbyterian Hospital and is doing well.
Leslie Bouche reported that her son is a Physician Assistant in San Francisco. He has been exposed 3 weeks ago, but is doing well.
Final Thoughts
Cheree closed the meeting with 3 reminders:
She will send you an email to pledge your lunch fee of $20 for Ginger.
Remember the Virtual Walk for Kids. Take a walk around the block or homes on Sunday morning and send us a selfie. Click on the above link to learn more.
Cheree will start a list of Haves and Needs so that we can share with the Club any items, assistance, things we can do to help one another through this trying time.
“In times of stress and danger such as come about as the result of an epidemic, many tragic and cruel phases of human nature are brought out, as well as many brave and unselfish ones.”
You are invited to visit us at an upcoming meeting.
