In the beginning...
President Marty called Ojai Rotarians together for fellowship and service on a grand winter day. Ojai was particularly lovely today, with snow-capped mountains providing a spectacular backdrop.
Christine Fenn led the Pledge and Leslie Bouche provided a thoughtful Inspiration:
Let's take a few moments to pause and reflect--slow down--breathe...And let's open our hearts to each other and acknowledge the power of our coming together.
We come together to share a meal and comradery, to share our thoughts, ideas, and experiences--and to share out commitment to Service above Self--our commitment to being Rotarians.
The world seems at times so full of darkness, despair, chaos, and uncertainty--and yet we know it is also full of love, compassion, and caring.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. once said:
"Darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that."
So let us wholeheartedly ask for guidance from our Highest Selves to show us how we can bring that light-how we can be that light and bring our love--how we can best serve our community and our world.
It has been said, "Happiness can be found in the darkest of times...just remember to turn on the light."
May all Beings be happy. May all beings find peace. May our own thoughts, words, and actions contribute to the peace of the world
Amen
President Marty thanked all those who made today’s meeting possible. We had a few guests: Nina, a fellow horsewoman with Catherine Lee; Liz Samson; and Ashwin Manthripragada, Co Executive Director of Quail Springs and today’s guest speaker.
Announcements:
Thanks to Wendy Barker for hosting us at last week’s "Something Different" meeting at the Ojai Valley Museum.
Our members offered their observations, preferences, and criticisms/praises.
Donations for TRF Earthquake Relief can be made on-line at rotary.org. Click here.
Cindy Frings gave a lively update on Taste of Ojai. If you haven't volunteered yet, contact Carl Gross.
On March 18, there will be Virtual District Assembly which will provide training for those in leadership roles. It is open to all who register with the District. Please join us in gathering skills and information to lead our Club onward. To register, click here.
Next week, Scott Phillips, District Governor, will visit us will make a presentation. Marty asked that we either wear pink or a Rotary Shirt. Marty also asked us to shower Scott with warmth and welcome.
Fining:
Tess did a splendid job entertaining us, and extracting fines, by asking the author of a series of quotes. The authors: Confucius, Jimmy Durante, Ann Frank.
Program: Ashwin Manthripragada- History and Work of Quail Springs
Ashwin, a former academic and now the Co- Executive Director of Quail Springs, gave an interesting and informative talk about how Quail Springs evolved from 2004 to today: what was once a desolate and desiccated 450 acres is now a green oasis of thriving plants and vibrant wildlife. This was accomplished through the application of the principles of permaculture. The three principles are: Fair Share, People Share, Earth Care.
Quail Springs runs on a very lean budget of only $400K/year. This supports staff, farming, goats, building, education. At the current time, Quai Springs is looking for donations: washing machine, satellite communication gear, and building materials.
My favorite part of Ashwin’s talk was his description of the life of a goat shepherd who spends 7 hours watching over his charges. He describes the experience as spiritual.
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