In the Beginning...
President Deirdre gaveled the meeting to order at 12:07pm on a cold and cloudy day, a day reminiscent of Deirdre’s childhood in the Emerald Isle. Michael Scar led the flag salute and David Scarlett gave an inspiring invocation. Deirdre thanked all those whose help made the meeting possible. We had one visiting Rotarian, Ron Coleman, President of the Claremont Rotary Club. Fred Farkhani, the new owner of the Medicine Shop, was also a visitor.
Announcements
Bill Prather told us about upcoming events:
Dr. James Hornstein on April 12 Will talk about Medical Advanced Directives
Arbor Day on April 26 at Miners Oaks School. We start at 12. Get there early!
Deirdre thanked Colin and Cindy Jones for a wonderful fifth Friday party. Click here for a photo album of the event. Just click on "Start the slide show" button.
Deirdre thanked Andy Gilman for hosting a presentation on the next fire at Chatauqua.
Tara Saylor invited all Rotarians to a day at the Community Garden.
The Crew is having a BBQ between 5 and 8.
Janet Mahon announced that the results of the Scholarship evaluation will be announced at Bocalli’s on May 27.
New Red Badge Ceremony
Mike Malone conducted the Red Badge liturgy for new member Brian Berman. Mike Weaver will serve as Brian’s sponsor. Welcome Brian!
Mini Craft Talk: Bret Bradigan
Bret gave a short talk about his career as a journalist. His talk may have been
short, but it was dramatic: man-eating monkeys, drug smuggling, mass graves, elder abuse, etc. We want a encore!
Fining: Bob Davis
Bob said that there were 21 Rotarians who have not fulfilled their financial commitments and that he would publish the list next week if the commitments were still outstanding. He punctuated his talk by stripping layer after layer of clothing. Thank goodness, he stopped before getting to his underwear or worse!
Program: Brendan Taylor, Stewardship Director of the Ojai Valley Land Conservancy
Brendan gave a talk about the OVLC’s efforts to build a new trail in the Ventura River Valley dedicated to the memory of Allan Jacobs. The talk focused on many of the challenges involved in constructing such a trail in that environment and also highlighted how this trail is a fit memorial to Allan Jacobs and Allan’s devotion to Ojai. Here are some of the more interesting points of Brendan’s talk:
- The OVLC conserves over 2300 acres and 26 miles of trails.
- The Thomas fire burnt 1600 of the 2300 acres.
- Before building a trail, the OVLC hires archeologists and biologists to ensure that the trail does not damage any heritage.
- The 1.25 mile trail will support hikers, bikers and equestrians.
- The trail was started in August of 2018 and will be finished in October of 2019.
- Over 220 volunteers have worked on the trail.
