2020-2021

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Category: 2020-2021

Ms. Beckett grew up in Ojai, and returned after 15 years back East with her husband and two daughters. She is now retired but worked with the Ojai Unified School District from 2001, until July of 2020.  For most of that time, she taught science (Biology, Earth Science, Anatomy/Physiology, Lab Physical Science, Environmental Field Studies, Sports Medicine).  She designed and created a California Native plants garden and worked with the Ojai Land Conservancy as they began their restoration of the Besant Meadow. She was one of the groups who secured funding for and developed the Health Science Academy at Nordhoff.  Her last 5 years with the district were as Principal at Chaparral High School and the Ojai Adult School.  For the latter, she represented the district in joining the Ventura County Adult Education Consortium, which secures state funding for Ojai’s adult school.  She loves working with students and collaborating with colleagues.  Students taught her to listen more and speak less – “they are much better at solving their own dilemmas and disagreements than I am if I give them a safe space to work through the issues!”  In retirement, she is fostering kittens, hiking, and serving on the Board of the Ojai Education Foundation, and the Advisory Committee for the C.R.E.W.

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Category: 2020-2021

Betsy is known for her giving nature, her caring heart, and her devotion to people.  She was a long-time Director of the Gables retirement community serving the Senior segment of Ojai.  In association with Dr. Fauvre, she has served in the administration and operation of the annual Heart and Sole event, a great fundraiser for the American Heart Association.  As a Rotarian, she has served as President, Membership Chair, Community Grants Chair, and Secretary of the Ojai Educational Foundation and a multitude of local fundraising.

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Category: 2020-2021

Bryan and Nikki have literally donated 1000s of hours in service to our Community. They have supported the Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, and Girl Scouts as Scout Masters and fundraisers for many years.  They have served as PTA Presidents, Treasurers, and volunteers at Mira Monte School.  They have coached basketball through Parks and Recreation for multiple years.  They have been past Board Members, Coaches and Managers for Ojai Pony Baseball, Eagles Football.  Nikki has taught pre-school, pre-K.  As Rotarians they played a huge role in helping with the Ojai Wine Festival, a premier fundraiser at Lake Casitas for the Ojai Community.

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Category: 2020-2021

Prior to his retirement from the Dole Food Company 21 years ago, He became aware of the unfortunate waste of food in the food processing and distribution business.  For example, what to do with food that is approaching its “Best Sell By” or “Best Use By” date whether it is on grocery shelves or still in distribution centers.  It has been his opportunity to bring some of these products to Help of Ojai Community Assistance food pantry and the West Campus kitchen.  Also, with the help of other volunteers it has been his privilege for the past 25 years to organize and provide Thanksgiving food baskets to numerous families in the Ojai Valley.

He has offered many hours in association with the University of California Agricultural Research and Education Center near Santa Paula where he teaches kids from Kindergarten to High School how and where their food is grown. .  He has visited and taught kids from schools throughout the county about growing fruits and vegetables.  Now many kids know that their food does not start at Vons...my guess is  He is now known by over 5,000 Ventura County kids as “Farmer Len”.

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Category: 2020-2021

Marquita Flemming has dedicated years of service to the Ojai Community as leader of the Ojai Women’s Fund where she is co-chair of the executive committee. For 15 years, she has served as artistic coordinator for Nordhoff High School’s musicals, painting and dressing sets created by her husband, John Mirk, a 2019 Living Treasure.

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Category: 2020-2021

Martha has been a dedicated leader and volunteer all her life.  Martha runs the Ojai Valley Family Shelter, which provides meals and a place to sleep for the homeless. She is a retired Kindergarten and first grade teacher and former head of the Ojai Federation of Teachers.

She is known as a tireless volunteer who has made a difference in the lives of the less fortunate and epitomizes a Living Treasure.