OPEN SPACES
The latest news from the Ojai Valley Land Conservancy Vol. 12 No. 4
Working to Protect The Ojai Valley’s Future - Today
Winter 2005
Moonlight on the Meadow A Spectacular Success Moonlight on the Meadow was a tremendous success raising over $80,000 to continue the stewardship of open space. Attendees were treated to hors d’oeuvres generously provided by local restaurants, live music by the band Archaea, a delicious catered dinner with a hosted bar and a delightful auction offering something for everyone. Master of Ceremonies, J. B. White kept the evening running smoothly and this years’ live auction was the most successful ever with the entertaining, fast talking auctioneer, Jewels Eubanks. Some of the highlights of the evening included the presentation of our flag by Boy Scout Troop #504 and God Bless America by Spanky Reynoso. Attendees were welcomed by President Larry Ragan and a presentation was made by John Broesamle to Sheila and Don Cluff for their outstanding contributions to the Conservancy. Don and Sheila served as honorary chairpersons of this years Moonlight and worked diligently to garner many of the wonderful items offered in the auction. The hard work by co-chairpersons Barry Betlock and Wendy Lockwood and committee members was evident throughout the event. “The evening was a great success because of the incredible support we received from our members, volunteers, corporate sponsors and the Ojai community” said OVLC President Larry Ragan. “The manner in which they embraced
Sheila and Don were honored at the event for their out standing contributions to the Conservancy
open space and gave of themselves with their time, donations of great auction items and generous bids in support of the mission of the Conservancy is why the OVLC enjoys the success it does. This was the true success of Moonlight on the Meadow. We should all be proud to celebrate this success and continue to work to make our vision of the Ojai Valley a reality.”
John Broesamle Stepping Down From Conservancy Board “Serving our valley as a board member has been among the most rewarding privileges I have ever had,” says John Broesamle, “and I am thankful to have been given the opportunity.” With these humble sentiments John is leaving the Board of Directors, and while he will remain an advocate for open space, his contributions we have taken for granted on a daily basis will be sorely missed. John served on the Board from 1995-2000 and 20022005. He was President from 1997-2000 and received the Conservation Award in 2001. John Broesamle Following his presidency, John returned to the board and worked tirelessly with staff to make possible the acquisition of the Ventura River Preserve. Highlights from his presidency include the purchase of the Palmer property and Besant Meadow, now known as the Ojai Meadows Preserve, the dedication of Cluff Vista Park, and an unprecedented membership increase of 950 members from 250 to 1,200. We could write volumes about John’s contributions but former president Jim Jackson sums it up best by saying: “There is no one more dedicated to open space in the Ojai Valley than John Broesamle. He is a model for what a board president should be, a model for what a volunteer should be, and a model for what a friend should be. The OVLC will indeed miss his presence on the board, but our members can rest assured that the example he set for the organization will live on for years to come.”