In the Beginning…
As we approached the first day of Summer (June 20th), things were heating up with the Ojai Rotary crew. The pre-meeting banter centered around graduations, upcoming programs (Andy Gilman will be the new Program Chairman), and where we will be meeting non-virtually (TBA).
President Michael called to meeting to order.
Randy Roth led the Pledge of Allegiance to this great Nation.
Jennifer Berry gave a thoughtful Invocation:
As we have gathered here, nearing the end of our Rotary year, let us give thanks for the opportunity to be together, and to serve together.
Let us continue to find ways to serve our community that light up souls and deepen friendships. ,
Let us look toward our objectives for the world: peace, freedom from oppression and freedom from sickness; education for all people and especially children; and for a way of life that sustains people and planet for generations to come.
Let us be grateful for the growing opportunity to safely enjoy each other’s company in person, even as we continue working toward widespread health and wellbeing for everyone.
We gave thanks to Tara for ably hosting the Zoom assembly and Carl for the Reminder Newsletter. As the year draws to a close, I would like to thank the Reminder Newsletter Editors for the great coverage of our Club. They are Wendy Barker, Bret Bradigan, Therese Brown, Andy Gilman, Carl Gross, Haady Lashkari, Randy Roth, Suzanne Scar and Sue Gilbreth. Our Guest Editor, Bob Davis is appreciated for his willingness to fill in when needed.
Announcements
President Michael updated us on the search for a new meeting site. The decision will announced in the next few days.
We have met the Club goal of $3500 for Polio Plus. We are still shy on Foundation giving (TRF). If you haven’t made a contribution, do so now. Call Nathan Kaehler if you have any questions.
Leslie Bouche recognized the Interact Group at Matilija for having a Movie Night Fundraiser. $750 were raised and donated to the Prashanti School in India (one of our International Service projects).
Cindy Fring is hosting an organizational meeting for Taste of Ojai, Monday, 6/14 at 5 PM.
Bill Weirick announced that the City of Ojai will have a cooling center at the Boyd Center for these triple digit days.
Upcoming Programs
Therese Brown updated us on the remaining programs for this Rotary year:
June 18th-Annemiek Schilder-Director UC Cooperative Extension
June 22nd-Induction of 2021-2022 Living Treasures at the Ojai Valley Museum at 4 PM.
June 25th-President Michael Scar’s Demotion Party at Boccali’s from 5:30 to 8:00 PM. (Evite RSVP).
Cartoon
Fining and Confessions-Cindy Fring
Deirdre Daly confessed to a delay in depositing funds from the Fifth Friday event.
Al West confessed to attending multiple events with graduation, Eagle Scout presentations, and a marriage.
Terry and Joy Beckett celebrated their 36th wedding anniversary.
Bill Weirick will be celebrating his birthday on 6/16/2021 by going into an actual bar and having a drink.
Bob Davis told us about the “Pop Up Concerts” as a part of the Ojai Music Festival.
To mark the beginning of our 75th anniversary, the Ojai Music Festival will give free musical offerings as a thank you to the Ojai community.
This series of surprise 20-minute Musical Pop-Ups will feature Festival collaborators – harpist Shelley Burgon, percussionist Fiona Digney, violinist Helen Kim, Kamancheh player Niloufar Shiri, and flutist Laura Walter.
The fining centered around “Nanner, nanner. Girls are better than Boys” Gender specific observations. Included less germs on their desks, better investors, and better creators of video games. Women have less infections, live longer, and apparently are better bosses. Please note that no male Club members were injured during this session and were the only sex queried.
The Program—Steve Colome—Ojai Climate Emergency Mobilization Committee
Therese Brown introduced Steve Colome, Chair of the Ojai Climate Emergency Mobilization Committee. He describes himself as a newcomer to Ojai, a refugee from Orange County. He has done environmental work for the past 40 years.
The Committee was formed 12/10/19 by the Ojai City Council. It’s purpose was to identify, evaluate, and recommend ways for the City of Ojai to rapidly and significantly draw down emissions with focus on climate mitigation.
Members of the committee include Michelle Ellison, Jim Selman, James Vega, Phil White, Bryan Holly, and Steve Colome.
Their areas of focus are:
Energy—Efficiency, Renewability, and Electrification
Vehicles—Options for Low or No Emission Vehicles
Carbon Sequestration—Removing CO2 from the air
City Operations—How the City of Ojai can reduce emissions.
The committee has been highly active. The City has joined the Clean Power Alliance, replacing City Public Works devices to all electric, REACH Codes for electrifying buildings, making recommendations and codifying electric options for heating and vehicles, urging the postal service to adopt electronic replacement fleet of vehicles, monitor grant funding, and helping to develop energy and climate policies for the City’s General Plan.
Questions revolved around battery backups, micro grids, induction cook tops, and heat pump water heaters.
Thank-You, Steve for a timely and informative program.
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