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. 

 

Earthquakes in New York, hail in Ojai and an eclipse on the way, oh my. What a difference 24 hours makes, the sun was shining yesterday and today not only rain, but we had a heck of a hailstorm.  We had to wait until it was over to leave the building. Gotta love mother nature.    

Dave Brubaker graciously received our money and Christine Golden gave out big hugs that kept us warm. Room set up and breakdown thanks to  Kelley Rasmussen and Taundra Roddick.

 

Fern Barishman in her striking black and white polka dots played the keys eloquently for our listening pleasure.  Roving Mic was Sue Gilbreth and net was Bob Eisler.

 

 

Pledge: Kathy Yee; Inspirational Moment: Tony Thacher, quoted a poem "Winter Morning" by James Crew.  The final line of the poem revealed why Tony was intrigued since it referenced the sticky joys of tangerines!

Carl thanked Jayne and her team for the delicious Goulash with salad and roll for lunch.  

Guests? Al West introduced his long time friend Bill P. former Illinois professor and Tree planter extraordinaire. 

 

Announcements: 

 

Chairs Betsy Watson and Ren Adams reminded us about tomorrow April 6th Shred/E-Waste event at Nordhoff from 9 am to 12 noon. We are still looking for more volunteers at 7:00 a.m. They will not accept cardboard boxes (bring items in bags), cardboard tubes, lightbulbs, paint, batteries. Please remove batteries and ink cartridges from electronic items. Our Ojai Lions Club is also volunteering with us. Wear your Rotary swag, t-shirts pins/vests/coats compliments of Greg Rents. Bring water bottles. 

 

Comedy Bit:  Bret Bradigan enlightened us about the upcoming comedy show one on April 14^th, at the Maxwell studios next to jim and Robs. with none other than the legendary quartette of Bret, CatherineLee, Greg Webster and Carl Gross

Jack Jacobs reminded us of the upcoming program attractions:

Stu Crowner – 4/12

Casey Roddick – 4/19

Mesa Farms – 4/26, park on Gorham road

 

Larry Becket and wife Judy celebrated their 65^th wedding anniversary, Congratulations! Don Reed’s grandson who plays Winter season indoor track, Division 3 in Virgina Beach came in 7^th in the 3 meter, one fast young man. He also qualified for an additional year in grad school and was wooed by several schools including Georgetown University for a full merit and athletic scholarship, not only fast but smart, I see a fellow Rotarian in our future. Bob Davis was reminded to WRITE THAT CHECK to TRF, so that you always have a reminder receipt and a great shout out to Tony Thacher for keeping the art of poetry alive. Fern Barishman did a great job (at the last minute) as Fine Master with her questions regarding: How many Rotarians are in next week’s comedy show? Tessa answered correctly with 4 (thanks Bret for the help). Which Rotarian has a disco ball in their garage?  Kelley Rasmussen correctly answered Bob Eisler (with help from Jerry, I hear double fining going on here). Who is Al West’s favorite advertising icon? I was thinking of Victoria and Ren Adams for their work on the wonderful phone book, glad they didn’t ask me. Barry answered incorrectly with Smokey Bear, it was Smokey the Bear. Mild technicality, I would have given it to Barry. Why didn’t Fern have pictures of her prom? Andy said she had another gig lined up, sadly though, she wasn’t asked. I bet the guys all thought she had already been asked and she was out of their league! Lastly, what Rotarian had received an Emmy? Mike was not correct; it was our own Fern. Congratulations! 

 

 

 

 

“Our greatest weakness lies in giving up.  The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time”. Thomas A. Edison

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