Rotary Club welcomes new member, Anya Norton

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At the weekly meeting of the Rotary Club of Tehachapi, President Jennifer Palakiko welcomed Anya Norton as a new member on July 11. Anya's husband, Bill, was also in attendance for her presentation. Anya was introduced and sponsored by Jerry Munson, the Club's International Projects Chair and Co-Sargent-At-Arms.

Bill and Anya Norton are retirees who moved from Lancaster to Bear Valley Springs in 2019, and they say it's the best idea they have had to date! Anya's career in education began when she ran a licensed daycare facility for 10 years while raising their three daughters in Utah. She obtained a teaching degree, focusing on the areas of elementary education and special education. In addition, she was an AmeriCorps Literacy Coordinator, overseeing a program which helps provide tutors for young elementary students during the school day to improve their reading abilities.

After moving to California, Anya worked for the Hughes-Elizabeth Lakes Union School District for 16 years. She obtained a Master's Degree in Education Administration from Chapman University in Palmdale. She then was a home educator for the Antelope Valley Union High School District for an additional four years before retiring.

Anya has always lived to serve and has a passion for helping others in any way possible. Whether giving to the homeless, battered women, animals in need or children with special needs, Anya is always willing to reach out and lend a helping hand.

Being involved in her community is important to her, and Anya has been on the board of the Bear Valley Springs Cultural Arts Association as the Events Chairperson for four consecutive years. Her primary role is to plan interesting community events for 11 months out of the year. She is also a founding member of BVS Wildlife Coalition and the BVS Astronomy Club.

Ten years ago, while living in Lancaster, she started a monthly potluck group to create a community of awareness and belonging. After moving to Bear Vally Springs, she continued this tradition. She now hosts potlucks that are well-attended by over 50 of her friends.

Anya loves to travel, and has visited 15 countries, including time spent working in Belize and Israel. She has been a hot air balloonist for 17 years, and was the Balloon Master for two years in Bear Valley Springs. She also enjoys hiking, reading, music and playing classical piano.

Upon receiving her Rotary certificate of membership, she said, "I am so happy and proud to become part of this esteemed club! I am looking forward to being involved and finding more ways to serve the community of Tehachapi!"

The Tehachapi Rotary Club meets at noon every Thursday at Kelcy's. Rotary is committed to "Service Above Self," and devotes time and resources to projects in the local community, scholarships for college-bound high school seniors, and supporting global efforts for polio eradication. For more information about the Rotary Club, you can visit their Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/RotaryClubofTehachapi/.