May 13, 2008  

from the Friday Club

Assistant 5240 Governor

Andrea Mendoza and Andrea Vega

      We had two young ladies visit us who had attended RYLA this year.  Both expressed appreciation for the opportunity and commented how much they learned about friendships as well as the leadership roles they experienced.

     "I learned that you don't have to know somebody for a long time to be comfortable with them," Andrea Vega said.  "It was a good experience because we got to know people from different places. By the end of the weekend were sad to see each other go our separate ways. 

     Andrea Mendoza described the camp's daily activities and classes. "I had to make new friends in just three days.  It was a huge confidence boost."

     President Paul told us that "It's open to males as well as females, and is held in Ojai at Camp Ramah, off of Fairview.  Whatever training sessions that Rotary has, I can honestly say that the programs are professional and absolutely top shelf, for anything that you do."

     He was honored for his many charitable contributions to the foundation and his memorable service to the club. 

     Jim Halverson told us that "Rick was involved at the very start of our involvement in Rotary International back in the 1980s.  He spearheaded the Polio Plus fund drive to the tune of 40-thousand dollars. He will be giving Paul Harris Fellowships numbers 250 through 254.  After today, he will have given 13 of them.  His three children and his wife Cindy have them.  As of today, each of  his eight grandchildren are Paul Harris Fellows.

     "He was our first major donor, indicating at least 10-thousand dollars to the Foundation,"  Jim said. 

      Rick said "I think back on the inspiration it's been for me to work with so many who are so hard-working, so generous with their time and money."

     "Over the years I've been continually inspired by what the club has done, and it gives me great pleasure to contribute to that. When we see our members come back from foreign countries after working with the local people there, it's just marvelous.  We started the Search and Rescue Dog foundation, and Living Treasures, vocational support...  Every one of the avenues of service of the club has been dynamic and exciting.  It makes me feel very good inside to be able to support that." 

     "I hope to be coming back for a visit. I've sold my house here in Ojai, and will be living in our summer home on Orcas Island.  Then I hope to sell that and come back.  I'll be keeping in touch through the Internet. But I will miss you guys very much.  Thank you so much."

 President Paul said "Rick has been the backbone of this club."

He will be missed, but at least we can expect his return in a few years, if he is not eaten by an Orca.

Featured Program: 

The expected speaker today cancelled and this gave President Paul an opportunity to discuss a reorganization of the bylaws and organization of the club, encouraged by Rotary International (not just for our club). 

     In the following chart, you can see that things have been moved around a bit.     

     The final category, Wine Festival, was changed to Fundraiser, with the Wine Festival placed under that, after a lively discussion by the club members present. The chairman of the Wine Festival, it seems, will have a board seat (or maybe not. Not really sure how that came out).

       It also appears that the board members do not now have 2 year terms but one year terms. It is also true that the president has the power to appoint two ad hoc members-at-large to the board, hopefully from our club.