2003-2004

Doug Becker

Category: 2003-2004

Doug Becker has been a teacher, coach, counselor, dean of students, and principal since moving to Ojai in 1971. He gives generously of his time and effort on behalf of the students of the Ojai Valley. His goal is to connect young people with resources that can help them find their esteem and purpose through assisting them in finding a passion whether it be academics, church, school, or community service, activities, or hobbies, athletics, or the applied and performing arts. Helping others find success and discover what they enjoy and gain meaning from is very important to Mr. Becker.

Jack Huyler

Category: 2003-2004

Jack Huyler served as a captain in the US Field Artillery and as colonel in the Chinese army. He was a teacher and administrator for 33 years at Thacher School in Ojai. His first encounter with The Rotary Club of Ojai was in 1949 when he was the program. He now lives in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, but still winters in the Ojai. He is involved with the Senior Center, St. John's Church, the Rotary Club of Jackson Hole, the Historical Society, Snake River Inst., and the weekly Hootenanny at Snow King. He has served as Speaker of the Wyoming Silver Haired Legislature, and was President of the Teton County Historical Society when it joined with the Jackson Hole Museum. His hobbies include travel, horses, photography, folk songs, Jackson Hole folklore, and his Mac computer. He continues to make up visits and spins great cowboy yarns at the Rotary Club of Ojai.

Jaye Hersh

Category: 2003-2004

Jaye Hersh believes that everyone has a voice and nobody should be ashamed to use it. She has made a mission to help people young and old tap into something she thinks is becoming lost in our culture: a connection to music on a personal level. Jaye, who has lived in Ojai for many years, volunteers her time to a number of artistic causes throughout the valley. During the school year, she works with musical director Bill Wagner at Nordhoff High School, training aspiring vocalists and musicians. She does workshops with choir and also spends time with the symphonic band. She also has worked with musicals at other Ojai schools. She directs to local choral groups, Madrigali singers and Harmonia Mundi group of younger singers. She is a dedicated actress and artistic director of the Ojai Shakesdpeare Festival.

Jimmy Calire

Category: 2003-2004

Jimmie Calire is all about music. He is a muscian, teacher, arranger, composer, and musical director. He has worked as a musical director at the Ojai Art Center and played to packed houses for "My Fair Lady", "Guys and Dolls", "Beggars, The Musical" featuring original songs. He is currently the accompanist at Ojai Presbyterian Church, a position held since 1997. He has served as band leader and arranger for the Bowlful of Blues All Star house band. Jimmie continues to entertain, teach, and delight the Ojai community through his music.

Lerie Bjornstedt

Category: 2003-2004

Lerie Bjornstedt moved to Ojai in 1950. She obtained her real estate liscence in 1959 and was with the Ojai Realty Company till 1998. She became one of the first woman Rotarians in 1987 and served as President of the Rotary Club of Ojai in 1994-95. Rotary has been a primary part of her life. Her primary focus is now raising funds for the expansion of the Ojai Library.

Scott Davis

Category: 2003-2004

Dr. Scott Davis has served as a general surgeon in the Ojai Valley for the past 33 years, always availble for those in need. He is on the staff of Ojai Valley Community Hospital, Community Memorial Hospital in Ventura, and Santa Paula Hospital. He served as a surgeon with the United States Marine Corps at Da Nang and Hue-Republic of Viet Nam. He has been chief of staff of Ojai Valley Community Hospital and Ventura County Medical Center. He has served as a volunteer physiology teacher at Nordhoff High School.