In The Beginning...
On a sunny and fresh spring day, Ojai Rotarians gathered for fellowship and service. Former President Mike Malone, subbing for President Deidre Daly, gaveled the meeting to order at 12:10. Al West gave a moving Invocation by asking all Rotarians to celebrate Memorial Day by honoring those who sacrificed for our Nation. Bill Gilbreth led the flag salute.
Announcements
- Memorial services will be held for Carolyn Huntsinger on Saturday at St. Andrews church at 2:30.
- President Deirdre and the Board applaud Janet Campbell, Don Reed and the Scholarship committee for a hugely successful awards process and luncheon.
- Matilija Portfolio days are scheduled for May 30 and 31. Dave Brubaker and Larry Becket provided an overview of the process.
- Our June 14 meeting will be at Taft Gardens.
- President Deidre’s demotion party will be June 21 at Mike Malone’s house.
- Linda Burr and Angela May from the Tuesday club made a presentation on the upcoming Ojai Wine festival and asked for volunteers.
PEP Student of the Month
Leo Guerrero, Nordhoff Senior, is the PEP Student of the Month. His proud mom and dad witnessed Leo receive a plaque and a check for $300. His coach, Dave Settem, spoke about how much of a quiet leader Leo is. Congratulations Leo!
Nordhoff Interact Bake Sale Auction
The Interact Club of Nordhoff, led by Mr. Ted Cotti, held their annual bake sale and auction. Each item was described in delicious detail and then the bidding began. What started off in a slow and dignified manner soon degenerated into a sugar-high frenzy as Rotarians tried to out-bid each other for the choicest items. When the last cookie was auctioned off, the Interact Club had earned over $870. The funds will be devoted to “Impact the Outcome” and to International Education.
Craft Talk: Andy Gilman
New Rotarian Andy Gilman gave a most interesting craft talk. He began by speaking of his deep family roots in Ojai on both his mother’s and father’s side. Andy worked at BST for 18 years and credits BST for supporting his efforts to further his education and for opening his mind to be interested in everything.
Andy described a moment of enlightenment and understanding when he saw the roots of a tree and that vision became a metaphor for all of our common inheritance and culture: the results and fruits of hundreds of years of effort and striving.
Andy has devoted much effort and time to education: he was a founding father of Ventura Charter School and for years was the Outreach Director of Oak Grove school. Andy prioritizes travel as a way to further education and travels every year with his family. He especially values his experiences on the Camino de Santiago.
Andy now devotes his time to fund raising for the Agora Foundation and the Ojai Chatauqua.
Andy is getting married on Oct. 5 and invites every Rotarian to a large dance party!
Last Word: Mike asked all Rotarians to thank a Vet this memorial day weekend.
