Hello Rotarians and Happy Tuesday!!
What is Today All About?
Today our Pledge of Allegiance will be led by Mark Spellman and Lalaine Braime will offer the invocation. Our program today will be presented by Cynthia Herrera, who will give us a craft talk.
What Happened Last Week?
At last week’s meeting, we were again joined by Wanda Kelly, guest of John Puglise. Happy Dollars were offered in honor of the unveiling of the 2014 California Strawberry Festival (take a look by clicking here), and for the ongoing Boys Basketball Tournament (shifts remain, take a look at sign-up genius, or see Steve Lee).
John Clay, Jr. also invited all to the art reception at his office, scheduled for Thursday April 7. the April show features two local artists, while the next show will focus on youth art, from Kindergarten through Middle School. Crowell Weedon will host and offer scholarships for the winning youth art entries.
Teacher Basket Update
We are more than halfway through our year to honor teachers, having delivered two baskets in as many weeks!
On February 25, we honored Gene Figueroa of Rose Avenue School. Mr. Figueroa was recognized for his service to public education for over 30 years. A former Teacher of the Year, Mr. Figueroa has also taught for the Oxnard Adult School and at California State University Channel Islands. He has been a Boy Scout volunteer since 1987 and received the Wood Badge Award in 2009 (equivalent of “Eagle Scout” for adult leaders). Mr. Figueroa has held numerous leadership positions in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Oxnard and Camarillo. He served in the United States Air Force from 1975-1979 and received the Outstanding Airman award. His school Principal regards him as Teacher Extraordinaire at Rose Avenue School. He continues his service on the Common Core Standards Team, an Olweus Bullying Team member, and he is a friendly, kind, and compassionate person who truly cares about students and staff.
On March 4, Armondo Arreguin of Sierra Linda Elementary School was delivered a basket in appreciation for his “open door” policy to the students. Students look forward to helping in Mr. Arreguin’s classroom and easily give up their own recess to be a part of the learning that goes on with the little ones. He also takes in some of the school’s most challenging students when the structure of the regular classroom gets to be too much for them. Mr. Arreguin serves on the school’s leadership team, he is a strong advocate for what is the right decision for children of all grade levels, and he focuses on what is best for the school as a whole. He is constantly learning and is looking forward to bringing back information from the Computer Using Educators technology conference to share with his colleagues. In addition, the staff can always count on him to lend a helping hand with whatever is going on around campus, and it’s always with a smile on his face!
Next Basket: March 25, Team Larry Reilly.
You can see pictures of the basket presentations on our website: www.oxnardrotary.com.
Calendar Notes:
RBS (Responsible Beverage Service) for those who want to serve at the Strawberry Festival — stay tuned, upcoming
March 15 - Women in Rotary Gala, North Ranch Country Club
March 28 - Career Fair - See Phyllis
May 1 - Group 6 Club Mixer, Camarillo Community Center
June - Demotion Dinner
Fun Fact of the Day
Today we celebrate National Johnny Appleseed Day. Johnny (aka John Chapman) was an American pioneer nurseryman who introduced apple trees to large parts of Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and the northern counties of present day West Virginia. A settler that traveled west, Johnny planted apple trees along the way. He would tell stories to the children along the way and became known for his kind and generous ways. We can celebrate simply by being kind to each other.