Owen Bird, Joe Jauregui receive top honors from Santa Paula Rotary Club

July 11, 2001
Santa Paula News

Rotarians were honored for their contributions to community at a recent meeting where the prestigious Gale Mason and Rotarian of the Year award winners were named.

By Peggy KellySanta Paula TimesRotarians were honored for their contributions to community at a recent meeting where the prestigious Gale Mason and Rotarian of the Year award winners were named.Owen Bird received dual honors with the Gale Mason Award and a Paul Harris Fellowship while educator Joe Jauregui was named Rotarian of the Year for his efforts on behalf of the club and Habitat of Humanity.Starting the awards was Eb Tate, a club member since 1957 and Paul Harris Fellow, who received special recognition for his “Incredible behind the scenes help; anything we need he’s there,” including introducing a healthy dose of fun into club proceedings, noted Outgoing President Dr. William Brand.The Gale Mason Award - named in honor of a dedicated Santa Paula Rotarian and community activist - was awarded to Bird, who was also named a Paul Harris Fellow.A member since 1994, Bird puts “Service above self 100 percent and has a real love for the Santa Paula Rotary and always goes beyond what is expected,” noted Dr. Brand. “He’s indispensable to the club, always there for us.”“I’ve been a member of three other Rotary Clubs but this by far is the best, the most useful,” in helping the community, noted Bird. “It’s a pleasure to be a member. . .”
His late father, Owen C. Bird, was a longtime Santa Paula Club member and also a Paul Harris Fellow.When it came to naming the Rotarian of the Year, the board of directors was polled and “All came up with the same name. . .Joe Jauregui.”Jauregui, Principal of Renaissance High School, has been a Santa Paula Rotary Club member since 1981 and Paul Harris Fellow.Dr. Brand said that “Joe took on a major project that we were all nervous about. . .he took on the Habitat for Humanity house,” which has required much time and dedication, reflecting Jauregui’s interest in affordable housing. But, “Time after time Joe takes on so much for Rotary. . .”“I haven’t always been there for Rotary but Rotary has always been there for me,” said Jauregui, starting in 1956 when the club sponsored the Little League team he played on.Both Bird and Jauregui are natives of Santa Paula.



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