In the Beginning...
President Michael Scar welcomed Rotarians and Guests to the Rotary Club of Ojai via Zoom!
Bret Bradigan led the club with the flag salute and
Pradeep Kapadia led the Invocation:
It is said that the darkest hour is always just before the dawn. We fear the darkness and we rejoice in the dawn. It has been a year of darkness during which there has been little to rejoice as we await a dawn free of the pandemic. A dawn also of civility after the darkness of chaos. A dawn of love, compassion and humility over the darkness of anger and despair.
Let us remind ourselves each day as Rotarians to bring light to those who cannot see the coming of the dawn. Let us turn the despair of others into hope and then turn hope to action. Let us remind ourselves as Rotarians that in helping others, our own dawn looks brighter.
The darkest hour is always just before the dawn. But there is always a dawn.
Oh, and Happy Valentines day, my dear Rotarians.
The meeting was called to order and President Scar thanked Bret for the flag salute, Pradeep for the invocation.
Special Guest and District Governor, Deb Linden, was welcomed.
Announcements:
Club members were reminded to log on 15 minutes earlier to take part in club “Happy Hour” and socializing before each meeting.
Therese Brown shared
upcoming programs:
February 19th Kenneth R. Strange Jr., Former FBI Agent/ Author,
February 26th Michelle Sherman will share how being a people pleaser can be dangerous to your health,
March 5th: Rebecca Andersen, Executive Director of Lotusland.
Tara reminded club members that planning for the next Taste of Ojai has begun. Cindy and Tara will be this year’s co-chairs.
Report on the Rotary Club of Ojai Educational Foundation (RCOEF)
by Michael Weaver.
It is the mission of the Rotary Club of Ojai Educational Foundation to encourage educational opportunities for students in the Ojai Valley and support the charitable activities of the Club. In 2020, our foundation awarded scholarships totaling $106,000 to 29 graduating high school students and over $30,000 in grants to nonprofits in our community. In the coming year, we plan to increase these scholarship awards to $135,000.
Since it was established in 1991, the Rotary Club of Ojai Educational Foundation has awarded 450 scholarships valued at over $1 million to Ojai Valley students. Through the generous donations from our members and friends in the community, our foundation has grown its assets to over $5 million.
Attached is a copy of the 2020 Annual Report for your review. We hope that you consider including a donation to the foundation in your planned giving. Help us support our local students reach their dreams.
Thank you,
Mike Weaver, Chair
Rotary Club of Ojai Educational Foundation
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Haady Lashkari announced that the Ojai Valley Community Hospital has partnered with Ventura County Public Health to provide Covid 19 vaccines to members of the public in Ojai. The vaccine is only provided to qualified tiers (65+). Vaccine dates will be Wednesday, Friday, Saturday starting February 20th.
Jack Jacobs--50 years of perfect attendance
Cheree Edwards led a club homage to Jack Jacobs celebrating 50 years of club membership with perfect attendance! Jack was surprised with a package of treats while club members shared stories of Jack’s contributions and history. Highlights include: a Limerick written in honor of Jack, a visit by Jerry Thurston, Troop 504 Scout Master (Jack became an Eagle Scout in 1963, special recognition by District Governor, Deb Linden, and presentation of a desk clock by the club to Jack with a special inscription in his honor.
Nominate your Living Treasure...
It's that time of year! Living Treasures is now open to nominations.
Rotary Clubs of Ojai Living Treasures is a simple organization that recognizes individuals in the community and supports them in their commitment to be of service to others. They are members of our community whose presence inspires inner peace and vitality in those around them. We now have an online form on the Living Treasures Website or you can download a print version to vote for your nominee. Many thanks to Tara Saylor and Stephen Adams for their help with the LT Website!
Fining and Confessions:
Ren Adams led Fining and Confessions. Don Reed confessed that his grandson, Collin, has his first intercollegiate race and ran a mile in 4:18 placing 2nd place by only 3 seconds! Don also announced he has celebrated his 55th wedding anniversary. Catherine shared she has 6 baby goats at her ranch. Bob thanks Terry for sharing that rotary dues can be paid online now. Fining commenced on the topic of Valentine’s Day.
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The Program: Samantha Balcezak--Reins of Hope
Therese Brown intro
duced
Samantha Balcezak, Executive Director, for Reins of Hope. Reins of Hope brings humans and horses healing together within the modality of equine assisted psychotherapy. Empowering clients to improve communication, problem solving skills, build confidence, trust in self, relationships, and improve mental health.
To learn more information about REINS of please visit:
Final Thoughts...
President Scar ended the program with a closing quote:
“Our prime purpose in life is to help others. And if you can’t help them, at least don’t hurt them, at least don’t hurt them.”
Dalai Lama
