Nigel Chisholm, with his gregarious nature and forward-facing businesses (The Village Jester and now Feros Ferio Winery), has been a local fixture for decades. He also has a deep humanitarian focus, inspired by his father and uncles who braved Hitler's bombs during World War II.

So when in February 2022, Putin's Russia launched a massive invasion of Ukraine, Chisholm felt compelled to help. He made his way to Poland and across the border into refugee camps, where he rolled up his sleeves and got busy. Then a CNN report on Bulldozer, a nonprofit group that transports fallen soldiers from the front lines back to their families, caught his attention and so he returned, this time as a driver. He's made four trips so far, with more planned.

We talk about the stoic nature of Ukrainians, their cautious optimism, the need for the U.S. and Europe to continue to help them fight this proxy war against an aggressive dictator, as well as how people can help in this epic struggle. We also talked about Nigel's roundabout journey to Ojai, his love of this country and his other adventures, including fronting the local band, Damaged Goods and much more.

We did not talk about Dutch Elm Disease, Wuhan lab leaks or dry fly fishing for Atlantic salmon.

Check out Ilona Saari's expansive profile on him in the June issue of Ojai Monthly. https://issuu.com/home/docs/h08965i9scv

(And also this Youtube documentary Nigel produced about his trips.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ylzD0_40B0