In the beginning…
On a lovely early spring day, President Betsy called Rotarians to service and fellowship.
Suzanne Scar led the Pledge and Wendy Barker read an inspiring poem:
"I am not religious.
I like and appreciate that Rotary is secular.
I acknowledge that there are people in this room with a variety of beliefs.
That said, I am going to read a prayer, written by a Jesuit.
While it has a Christian perspective, I believe the message is universal."
A Prayer for Peace by Cameron Bellm
How do we pray for peace from half a world away?
How can words salve and soothe real wounds,
Assuage real fears, wipe tears from real eyes?
God of endless compassion, transform our prayers
From words to bridges, that span the distances
Between us, uniting our hearts in yours.
Every time we turn our keys in a lock,
May we remember all who are losing their homes.
Every time we step into our cars,
May we remember all who are having to flee.
Every time we embrace our children,
May we remember all who are trying to shield theirs from war.
May our besieged sisters and brothers
Be drawn into the arms of the suffering Christ,
And may our cry be heard as one voice
Ringing out from every corner of the earth:
Cod of endless mercy, grant us peace.
Amen
Rotarian Visitors and Guests
We had a zoom visitor, Chrystel Caceres from Roatan and another visitor Tessa Turner. President Betsy thanked all those who help made the meeting possible. This was one of our first meetings in person, without onerous mask masking requirements, since the pandemic. The feeling of human contact was joyous.
This Day in History
Betsy gave us a short cultural history of March 11 about the Fukushima Nuclear Disaster. On a positive note, in 1970, the Record of the Year was Aquarius/Let the Sun Shine In from the musical Hair.
Upcoming Programs
Andy Gilman provided a preview of upcoming programs:
March 18th: Pradeep Kapadia Educational Foundation
March 25th: Tara Coble-Majestic Oaks Winery
April 1st: Tom Maloney-Executive Director Ojai Valley Land Conservancy
The Ukrainian Crisis
Mike Weaver gave a sobering overview of the Ukrainian refugee crisis; current estimates are that over 5 million Ukrainians will be refugees in the coming weeks and months.
Mike announced that the club has already made an emergency contribution of $2000 to alleviate the suffering and encouraged us to make individual contributions.
Kevin Davis, who was in Ukraine in 2019, made a few pertinent observations: first, it is important that accurate and current information flow to all participants, especially to the Russian people, who are being told that the war is really an anti-corruption campaign. Second, he asked us to imagine what could have been done in 1936 or 1939 to prevent the catastrophe of WWII.
Announcements
Fern Barishman provided an update on the Taste of Ojai: 34 vendors have already signed up. We need more volunteers. This is our premier fund raiser of the year.
April 26 is the deadline to submit nominations for Living Treasurers. Go to the Living Treasures website at RCOLT.org and submit the ballot for the next Treasures.
Deidre Daly will preside over next week’s meeting.
Kay Bliss discussed the $2K contribution for Ukraine. She also encouraged Rotarians to attend the upcoming Virtual District Training Assembly on March 26th by Zoom. Contact Kay for further information. You must register. This is an excellent opportunity for new members and incoming committee/service people.
April 24 will be a beach walk fundraiser for the Ronald McDonald House at Ventura County Medical Center.
Fining by Larry Wilde
Larry did his usual outstanding job of trying to extract $ for good causes. His theme was guessing which Rotarians had visited which South American countries. Unfortunately, most of the members got the questions right and few coins were collected.
Program: Medicinal Herbs by Lanny Kaufer
Lanny has been studying the flora and fauna of southern California since 1976 and has been especially interested in how the herbs have been used for medicine for centuries. He spotlighted his debt to Juanita Centero, as the woman who made the first disciplined study of medicinal herbs. Lanny then went on to discuss the beneficial uses of Black Sage, White Sage, Purple Sage and many other native plants. Mr. Kaufer invited Rotarians to join him in upcoming sessions on March 17 and March 19. Several Rotarians purchased copies of Lanny’s recently published book: Medicinal Herbs of California. Thanks, Lanny for an informative and engaging presentation.
Final Thoughts:
"A person may esteem themself happy when that which is their food is also their medicine."
Henry David Thoreau