In the beginning…
On this sunny fall day, Ojai Rotarians, guests, and Zoomers were welcomed by the loquacious Presidents Kay and Marty (Thanks for spell check).
Novitiate Bruce Hanson led the Pledge of Allegiance to this Great Nation.
President-Elect Bill Prather gave an insightful invocation:
As we gather here today as members (and guests) of Rotary, we should remind ourselves to be ever mindful of opportunities to render our service to fellow citizens, to our community, and to people around the world. Keeping in mind the enduring values of life, exerting our efforts in those areas, and on those things upon which future generations can build with confidence.
Let us continue to strive to make a better world. Let us stay focused on the objectives we have for the world. Peace, tranquility, and a true brotherhood of man. Freedom from hunger, from oppression, and from sickness. The freedom to choose our own destinies. (Let us) reaffirm our commitment to our simple Rotary Four-Way Test for all we do and support. Is it the truth? Is it fair to all concerned? Will it build goodwill and better friendships? Will it beneficial to all concerned? We give thanks for all the blessings, opportunities, and responsibilities, that befall us as Rotarians.
Joseph Coons, Bellingham, Washington
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After being pledged and invoked, we dined on baked chicken, smashed potatoes, and a broccoli casserole.
President Marty thanked those who make these meetings so special:
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Pledge-Bruce Hanson
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Invocation-Bill Prather
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Cashbox/Money Man-Dave Brubaker
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Greeter-Fern Barishman
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Welcome Table-Michael Scar, Sean McDermott, and Bill Prather
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Reminder Editor-Carl Gross
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Finemaster-Betsy Watson
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Room Setup-Randy Roth
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Fining Net-Wendy Barker
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Roving Mic-Sean McDermott
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Visiting Rotarians and Guests
We welcomed Vida Asomaning-Amaoko from the Ghana Street Girls Aid Services, Dr. Bob Skankey, and Frank Finck, all on Zoom. DeWayne Boccali was “in the house”. He quipped that he was sorry for low attendance and that, while he was gone, his ranch was commandeered for the 75th Anniversary Celebration. Guests included: Jenny Owen, David Kinney, and, soon to be Ojai Rotarians: Christine Fenn, Bret Nighman, and Rod Owen.
Announcements
Family of Rotary: Betsy Watson shared that Shirle Fauvre, wife of Dr. Fred Fauvre and mother of Renee Halbrook passed away. A funeral mass will be celebrated at St. Thomas Aquinas Church at 10 AM on November 9th.
Taste of Ojai—Bob Davis gave a brief presentation on sponsorships for our premier fundraiser. He wants us to “get sponsors that are outside the Club and Ojai”. Put April 16th on your calendar, contact Cindy Frings or Carl Gross to volunteer, and let’s make it better and bigger than last year!
Rotarians have been busy!
On October 24th Rotarians put on their aprons and gathered at the west campus of HELP of Ojai to help pack food boxes for the Community Assistance Program and to help sort items for the monthly sale.
On October 25th we gathered in front of Ojai Valley Community Hospital to Celebrate the Annual October Classic rebranded as Let’s Walk. Ojai Rotary was a co-sponsor and we had an information table at the event. Dr. Fred Fauvre was honored as a principal organizer and sponsor for this event for the past 4 decades.
And, on November 5th, we joined other volunteers and service organizations at the Nordhoff Cemetery for the Annual Cleanup. The Nordhoff Cemetery, owned and operated by the City of Ojai, is located at the corner of Del Norte and Cuyama Roads. It was founded in 1870 and taken over by the City in 1963. It is part of Ojai’s history, dating back to the Civil War veterans who were buried at the turn of the century. Thanks to all those that volunteered and to Sue Gilbreth and her crew for organizing these wonderful events.
The third installment of the Contra Dance will take place November 19th from 6 to 9 PM at the Ojai Art Center Gallery. This event is co-sponsored by Ojai Rotary, Ojai Lion’s Club, and the Veterans groups. No experience is necessary. The caller teaches all the dances and there is live music.
The Rotary Club of Ventura East is selling Poinsettias. They are $62 for a case of 6 plants. Delivery will be at the end of November. See Betsy for more details.
New Members
Membership co-chairs Deirdre Daly and Greg Webster inducted 3 new members.
Christine Fenn- Marketing Director, Independent - Assisted Living at The Gables of Ojai
Bret Nighman- Bret is a former actor who works at UCLA where he manages several academic departments.
Rod Owen-We welcome our returning Ojai Rotarian. Rod was very active in our Club events and will continue to do so.
Congratulations and welcome!!
Fining and Confessions: Betsy Watson
With Wendy Barker at the net and Sean McDermott on the roving mic, the extraction team got to work.
Dewayne Boccali paid for his attendance.
Wendy Barker is celebrating her father’s 100th birthday
Greg Webster observed, “Deirdre rocks!”
Under fining, Patricia Anderson, Bill Hatch, and Larry Wilde paid up.
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Upcoming Programs
11/11—Veteran’s Day Presentation. Col. (Ret.) Keith Nightingale-- Our Allies in the Ukraine.
11/18—Evelyn Woods, RN—Ojai: A Community in Need
The Program: The Rotary Foundation
Tony Thacher on the Rotary Foundation. President Kay Bliss on the Grant Process,“If you haven’t met your pledge to the Foundation, give what you can”, urged Tony as he went over the Foundation and International Service.
Tony shared a recent article on Rotary’s activity on behalf of the Ukrainians. Click here for the article.
Kay “Queen of Grants” Bliss explained the difference between club, district, and global grants. She reviewed the local and international programs funded by The Rotary Foundation. She gave an update on the Niger Matrone Program which has drastically reduced the maternal and infant deaths in Niger by educating women on how to safely conduct labor and provide medical care. This program was developed by Dr. Bob Skankey.
We had the pleasure of hearing from Vida Asomaning-Amaoko live from Ghana via Zoom. She is the Executive Director of the Street Girls Aid. She gave an update on the program including teaching of marketable skills, infant care, and the recent addition of a bread delivery truck. For her efforts on behalf of the people of Niger, she was honored with a Paul Harris Fellowship.
Mike Weaver reported on the progress of a woman training to be a surgeon in the severely underserved country of Botswana.
Leslie Bouche updated us on our Prashanti School Program in Puri, India. With 4 District, 4 Club, and 1 Global Grant, a total of $117,689 has been raised to construct and revamp the school, provide computers, improve the drainage around the school (prevented them from flooding during the recent Monsoons), and provide an education to prepare them for college.
Thanks to Kay and our Club Members that make so much of a difference in this troubled world.
Final Thoughts (Life Hacks)
President Marty closed the meeting with this hack:
“Rather than steering your life to avoid surprises, aim directly for them.”
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