Jay joined the club in 1993, and Ferne shortly thereafter.
Jay served as club president three times. He was a foundation board member and Rotary District Governor. The couple were also major donors at level 2.
Ferne is an artist and author, and donated 100% of the proceeds of her book of poetry and photographs, The Facets of My Soul, to Rotary’s fight against human trafficking.
The couple was honored at a lunch on Wednesday, and many Rotarians spoke of their dedication to the club, the events they hosted at their home, their volunteer efforts and good works.
Their son Alan Saltzman said, “They dedicated their lives to this organization and worked tirelessly every single day for years. They’ve changed countless lives.”
Jay himself said, “It’s a joy to be able to help people and it’s been an honor for me all these years. Watching our members work so hard to help those in need was motivating me to get more involved. Mahatma Ghandi said, ‘You must be the change you want to see in the world.’ My life has been greatly enriched by my involvement in its successful projects and the humanitarian element, I would not change a moment of these years because they have made me a stronger, more caring, and more compassionate and more dedicated human being.”
At the lunch, Jay was also presented with the first ever “Service Above Self” award. Rotary Club of Woodland Hills President Sandy Rosenholz said the award was created in honor of Jay, and it was only fitting that it should be given to him first for all his years of service to the club and the community.
