Global Impact: Clean Water Initiatives

This week, we were honored to host Alex Gorbenko and Father Evangelos to discuss international clean water projects.

• Father Evangelos serves as the Deputy Dean and Senior Lecturer at the Orthodox Seminary in Nairobi.
• The presentation highlighted the profound impact of three water wells recently drilled in Turkana, located in Northern Kenya.
• These wells have replaced muddy water sources with fresh drinking water, drastically improving local health. Prior to the wells, waterborne diseases hospitalized or claimed the lives of 40% of adults and 50% of children in the area.
• In times of severe drought, local nomadic communities were previously forced to rely on camel blood and milk for hydration.
• Our club is currently rallying to raise funds to drill three additional wells to further support these communities.

Club Business & Recognitions

• We proudly presented Jim with a plaque to honor his dedication and service as last year's club president.
• Nominations are now open for the Past President's Committee, with Jim Lisi, Jacqueline Duran, and Gil Garcia currently nominated.
• Please wear your Rotary garb to our next meeting to earn club points!!

Upcoming Events & Socials

• Diego Carneiro Cello Concert: Sunday, Sept 13 from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM at United Methodist Church. Tickets are $30.
• Oktoberfest Fundraiser: Saturday, Sept 19 from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM at Chase Palm Park.
• Club Social: Saturday, Sept 26 at The Grand. We currently have 22 members signed up to attend with others joining from the Master Chorale!
• Columbus Day Social: Monday, Oct 12 at the Via Maestra from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM. The club is covering the cost for the Columbus trivia!
• Annual Christmas Party: Wednesday, Dec 2 at the University Club. Cost is $80 per person, with wine billed separately at $10 per glass. Attendees must bring an auction gift valued at $50 or more. Members who do not attend or forget a gift will be billed $50 to support the foundation.

Speaker Spotlight: Harry Hagen

We concluded our meeting with an insightful presentation from Harry Hagen, the Santa Barbara County Treasurer and Tax Collector, who is retiring in four months after 30 years in public finance.

• Hagen holds numerous professional designations, including CPA, CPFA, CPFO, CFIP, CGIP, CCMT, and ACPFIM.
• In his role as Treasurer, he manages a $2.7 billion investment pool that serves the county, local school districts, and special districts.
• As Tax Collector, his office manages a $1.3 billion secured tax roll and issues 125,000 secured property tax bills each year.
• Hagen also serves as the Public Guardian and Public Administrator, a role in which he oversees mental health and probate conservatorships, and coordinates indigent burials.