In the beginning…
Co-President Bill Prather gaveled the first meeting of 2024 to order at 12:05pm on a crisp winter day in Ojai. Bill shared that he had spent a lonely Christmas holiday since he was stricken with Covid. Bill also recommended that Paxlovid had been effective in suppressing the symptoms of Covid. If you have not gotten your CoVid booster and flu shot, make plans to do so soon. Speak to your doctor about getting the RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) as well.
Kelly Rasmussen led the pledge of allegiance.
Bret Bradigan’s inspiration related the moment in the Soweto uprising and police riot when an individual Boer policeman succumbed to the human emotion of compassion.
Bill recognized Tara Saylor as “Rotarian of the Month” for Tara’s masterful organization of the Christmas party.
Paul Harris Award
Bill presented Bob Eisler with his first Paul Harris award.
Congratulations Bob!
Bob Skankey Award
Betsy Watson asked for nominations for the Bob Skankey Award. The award is given to some non-Rotarian who has performed quiet but valuable service to the community.
Upcoming Programs
1/12 Club Assembly and Midterm Report
1/19: Fiona Ma, California Treasurer
1/26: Judith Vander, Musicologist
Fining
Liz Sampson did an excellent job of fund raising by asking a series of questions of the history of Rotary. Well done, Liz!
Program: Manci Rasmussen of the Turtle Conservancy
Manci Rasmussen provided a comprehensive overview of the mission and operation of Ojai’s Turtle Conservancy. The mission is “Protecting turtles and their habitat worldwide”. Some of her com
ments were:
- The conservancy has 40+species and over 800 individuals
- 60% of the species are threatened
- Turtles have survived over 200 million years
- Turtles were the largest species to survive the “great extinction”
- The conservancy partners with Thacher school to expose the students to the idea of habitat preservation
- The major threats to turtles are: trafficking, trade, medicinal practices, human consumption, habitat loss and invasive species.
Bret Neiman gave a spirited endorsement of the need to visit the conservancy. Bill Prather thanked Manci and gave her the traditional bag of pixies from Friends Ranch.
Closing: “…happiness is a way oif life”
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