In keeping with groups of animals such as a cackle of hyenas, a shrewdness of apes, a raft of otters, and a scurry of squirrels…a generosity of Rotarians gathered in the Soule Park Clubhouse with their guests for fun, food, fellowship, and friendship.  President Daly rang in the energetic gathering observing that, “I am proud to serve as President of the best Rotary Club I know!”

 

The Pledge of Allegiance to our Flag was led by Dr. David Watson.  Bill Gilbreth gave the Invocation:

 

 

 

Set up-Fred Coleman and Bill Prather

Invocation-Bill Gilbreth

Flag Salute-Dave Watson

Greeters-Bill Gilbreth and Alex Kim

Roving Mic-Suzanne Scar

Desk Duty-Anne Carper

Reminder Editor and Photos-Carl Gross

Fining-Bill Gilbreth

Bag Person-Dave Watson

And special thanks to Ginger, for the great food!

 

A shout out was given to Suzanne Scar who sets up the Friday meeting crew every week.  Would you like to give an Invocation? Help with room set up?  Please let Suzanne know.

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We welcomed Rotarians: Alexia Parks from the Boulder Club, and Steve Adams from the Tuesday Club.

 

Guests included Living Treasures Lynne Doherty, Tobi Green, Joyce Robinson and Karen Evandan.  Special guest Anne Kaplan and Ray Powers were also welcomed.

 

 

 

 

 

Colin Jones  gave a heartfelt presentation of Ann and recognition of Jerry Kaplan, her husband.  Jerry joined the Club in December of 1999.  He was instrumental in the initial planning of the Taste Of Ojai, our most successful sustainable fundraiser.  He and Ann hosted many fund raisers and parties in their home.  Jerry was very active in the Ojai community, participating in the Youth Foundation, the Ojai Valley Community Hospital Board, the Green Coalition, First Five, Ojai Valley Youth Foundation, revitalization of the Jewish Temple of the Oaks, and member of the MAC.  He was a Living Treasure. He was known to be competitive, a consummate networker, problem solver, and mentor to others.  He was a fun-loving joker.  Colin recalled how Ann and Jerry invited him for dinners, had many fun-filled evenings, and conservations into the night.  Jerry was always looking for ways to make things better for people.  Ann, welcome to the Ojai Rotary, and thanks for all your kindness and giving.

 

 

Bill Prather updated us on upcoming programs.

 

March 1^st—Wade Nomura, Past District Governor—Rotary International Sanitation and Water Programs

 

March 8^th—Jim Bailey—Rock, Tree, Sky Learning

 

March 15^th—Terrence Stevenson—2019 Rotary Peace Fellow

 

March 22^nd—Robin Gerber and Carol Holly—CFROG (Citizens for Responsible Oil and Gas

 

March 29^th—FIFTH FRIDAY

 

 

A good time was had by all on the evening at the “Theatah”.  Rotarians gathered at Agave Maria for a pre-play tune up and then to the Ojai Art Center for the staging of Night Must Fall, the first play at the Art Center Theater, marking it’s 80^th anniversary. Our own Cheree Edwards was in the cast.

 

Rotary District 5240--District Training Assembly – Bakersfield March 16^th in Bakersfield.

 

Al West informed the Club of the passing of Carolyn Huntsinger, a long time honorary member of our Club.  Her husband, Carl, was a member of our Club as well.  

 

 

 

Bob Davis machine gunned us with 4 clean Irish jokes to the entertainment of all.  Thanks, Deidre for being so patient with this jocularity.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bill strode to the podium under less than enthusiastic applause to extract monies from the members.

 

 

Alex Kim announced an open house at the new Farm House which will be a culinary and events center at the Ojai Valley Inn.

 

 

 

 

Alexia Parks gave a brief presentation on health eating and the importance of exercise.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ron Wilson failed to answer questions about the Super Moon.

Bret Bradigan did a fine job answering the questions but was told he was in error.  Can’t win.

Craig Edwards did not know that the moon was 4.5 billion years old.

Tony Thacher could not come up with the distance of the moon to Earth.

Fred Coleman failed to tell us how many super moons there are per year.

 

 

 

 

Dr. Fred Fauvre introduced our 2018-2019 Living Treasures.  He invited us to fill out a ballot to nominate a Living Treasure and to attend the LT reception at the Ojai Museum April 23^rd at 5 PM.

 

Joyce Robinson, Alan Greenberg, Tobi Green, and Karen Evandan shared their activities and passions with the Club.  Trevor Quirk was absent.  It never fails to amaze me how many special, generous, and hard-working people we have in this Community.  Thank-You for sharing!

 

Go to the website:  RCOLT.org for a ballot and for more information.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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President Daly closed the meeting with a quote from Mr. Rogers