Randy Roth,Editor

January 6th, 2012

January is Rotary Awareness Month

Upcoming Programs and Events

January 13th-Gary Miller-Counterfeit Rare Coins

January 20th-Robert Egan-The Ojai Playwrights Conference

January 27th-John Hill, MD-Treating the Weekend Warrior

Poverty Conference at UCSB January 28th, 2012

In the Beginning.....

On a clear and warm winter day, President Dave gaveled the Rotary Meeting open at 12:10 PM.  Larry Becket and Jack Huyler were greeters; Andrew Mansfield and Larry handled the Set-up.  Larry performed admirable double duty on the Salute to the Flag and the Invocation.

Visiting Rotarians and Guests

Rotarians:

  • Amadou Diopi, whose daughter is attending Weill Academy, gave us a Rotary flag from his home club in Senegal.
  • Sid Cohen from Ojai West
  • Steve White, who reminded us that the weather in his club in Bellingham Washington was not nearly as salubrious as our sunny warm weather in Ojai.
  • Newby Herrick from the Ceres Rotary Club

Visitors:

 

Announcements:

Welcome Back!

President Dave gave a warm welcome back to Charlie Thompson and Dana Huffman.  Dana mounted a spirited defense against some of the rumors that had been circulating about her.  She did not hurt herself pole dancing in Port Hueneme! It was El Rio.

 

Tony Thacher honored
President Dave honored Tony Thacher with an 8+1 Paul Harris Pin.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

New Eco-Rotary Club
President Dave announced that the former District Governor Jane Maclenehan has initiated a new Eco-Rotary club.  The new club will have fewer and shorter meetings and will focus on ecological projects.  First meeting will be Jan 19 at 10am at the Help of Ojai campus on Baldwin. 

 

 

 

Fining: Jane McCarthy

Jane did her usual splendid job in extracting confessions, nonsense and money from the audience, as they tried unsuccessfully to avoid appearing ignorant in the face of her quiz questions.  Nobody escaped without making a contribution. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Program: Club Assembly

Dave introduced the section of the program devoted to 2012, and asked each program chair to make a brief presentation.  Following are high points of the presentations:

 

 

 

Dana Huffman, Secretary, asked that Rotarians report to her any make-ups.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Anne Helsen, Treasurer, gave a brief overview of the club’s finances:  the quick summary is that we are on, or slightly ahead of, budget. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jack Jacobs, Membership, gave an upbeat assessment of our membership successes in 2011, and his hopes for continuing success in 2012.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Don Reed, Club Service Director, gave a thorough presentation on the areas of his responsibility. Fining is on track to exceed $7900 for the year

The Social Events committee has had three events so far this year and is scheduled for two more.

Taste of Ojai was an outstanding success, with a net income, so far, of $26,514.  Many thanks to Janet Mahon and Catherine Lee!  Peter Bowen will take on the responsibility this year.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bret Bradigan provided an all too short overview of the 15 programs and activities under his Community Service umbrella.  Some notable examples:  Ojai Day, Living Treasures, Fit Kids, Food for Thought, etc.

 

 

Nathan Kaehler, International Chair, provided snapshots of these initiatives:

This year’s trip to Roatan featured Carl Gross, Bob Skankey, and for the first time, Tim and Maryanne Williamson who broadened our care with pediatrics and dietary counseling.

TRF continues its work. Please make your donation with this dues statement.

Polio Plus

Midwife training in Niger by Dr. Bob Skankey

Scott Smith’s work with the mine dogs in Lebanon.

Catherine Lee, Public Relations Chair, was ill.  President Dave ably substituted for Catherine by discussing our efforts to publicize the club’s activities in the local press and through Facebook. Our website continues to be a valuable information source for new and seasoned Rotarians.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Marty Babayco gave a rousing presentation on the accomplishments of the RCOEF:  over $700k in scholarships over the past 20 years, and $55k in 2012.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

President Elect Kelly Randall gave a brief overview of his themes during his tenure:  Active Club Membership and Visionaries.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Final Thoughts

President Dave concluded with two pretty good quotes:

"There are two seasons in Scotland: June and Winter."

Billy Connolly

"Suburbia is where the developer bulldozes out the trees, then names the streets after them."

Bill Vaughan