Our 1.4 million-member organization started with the vision of one man—Paul P. Harris. The Chicago attorney formed one of the world’s first service organizations, the Rotary Club of Chicago, on 23 February 1905 as a place where professionals with diverse backgrounds could exchange ideas and form meaningful, lifelong friendships. Rotary’s name came from the group’s early practice of rotating meetings among the offices of each member.
_________________________________________________
In the Beginning...
President Wendy called the unruly mob of Rotarians and Guests to order and welcomed everyone.
Bruce Hanson led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Wendy offered the Inspirational Moment with a group of sage sayings and advice in lieu of the Moment.
Visiting Rotarians and Guests
Jennifer Strong-Rotarian and Guest of Fern Barishman
Lisa Williams-Guest of Fern Barishman
Leanna Lange
Rachel Tanck
Richard Byrd
Katherine White
Doris Gange
Chris Amendt--Our Guest Speaker
Welcome to all and please excuse any spelling errors.
Thanks go to...
Greeter: Colin Hurren
Roving Mic: Fern Barishman
Fining: Bob Eisler
Reminder Editor: Catherine Lee
Setup and Tech Crew: Janet Campbell and Bill Prather
Announcements
-Service Above Self Award goes to Leanna Lange
Mira Monte 6th grader, Leanna Lange, was named Service Above Self award winner for her generosity, volunteerism, and putting others first with a smile. Bill Hatch presented Leanna with a certificate and $100 check.
Our Educational Foundation's next committee meeting is on February 7th. Contact Barry Verga if interested in attending.
Next week we will have our 5th Friday Social for our "walkabout" 4:30-6 PM. We will meet at the Naturalist for a wine tasting, Heavenly Honey for a honey tasting, and the Ojai Olive Press for olive tasting which can occur in any order.
The Red Cross blood drive has been cancelled. More news to follow.
There is a Rotary District 5280 Wildfire Relief Fundraiser in Ventura February 15th. $25 on admission which goes completely to District 5280 Click here for more information.
President Elect Sue Gilbreth circulated a form, soliciting suggestions for what you would like to see in speakers and presentations for 2025-2026. This is your chance to tell us what you would like to see in the coming year.
President Wendy shares a Museum Moment. Ever wonder what the back of the stores comprising the elegant Ojai Arcade looked like? Wendy had historic photos which were like a mullet...business in the front, party in the back.
Fining by Bob Eisler
After confessions, Bob assailed us with Ojai Trivia, including our roller-skating elephant.
The Program: Chris Amendt--Monarch Butterflies
Diedre Daly introduced our speaker, Chris Amendt.
Native Monarchs was created to increase the supply of California Native Asclepias (Milkweed) varieties and other California native nectar plants for large-scale Monarch conservation programs and restoration projects, Native Monarchs was established in 2020 by Chris Amendt, a licensed medical laboratory professional and landscaper based in Ventura County, California.
Chris outlined the activities to reverse the declining populations of Monarch Butterflies by providing suitable natural nectars and respect their life cycles.
Thanks, Chris for a very entertaining and informative presentation.
Recommendations:
Amy and Bill Weirick recommend the movie, A Complete Unknown about Bob Dylan, Pete Segar, Joan Baez, and Johnny Cash.
Pradeep Kapadia recommends the book, A Walk in the Park by Kevin Fedarko. It is about a thrilling hike through the Grand Canyon. "It is well written, rich in imagery and history"
You are invited to visit us at an upcoming meeting.
.png)
