The meeting was called to order by our new President, Terry “Showtime” Koehne” with a cowbell and the sunny disposition. Terry invoked his pithy sentiment: “Showtime says it is GO TIME.” Rotarians need to learn that the new R.I. President is Shekhar Mehta and the theme this year is “Serve to Change Lives”.
The venerable Horace Crawford was our greeter who led us in the Pledge of Allegiance. As all new Presidents are apt to do Terry is changing the Traditional Welcome Song from Aloha to Bienvenido. It is rumored that Terry surreptitiously takes a shot of tequila off camera at this juncture.
Horace shared a thought for the day from “Who Packed Your Parachute”:
“Sometimes in the daily challenges that life gives us, we miss what is really important. We may fail to say hello, please, or thank you, or give a compliment, or just do something nice for no reason at all. Don’t miss out.”
Horace Bio:
Horace joined Rotary in 1986. In 1987 he became a Paul Harris Fellow for the first time.
Soon he served as Director of International Service, then Director of Community Service.
He was then selected to be the editor for the District Directory for five District Governors.
He was our 14th Club President in 1997/98 with an official handle of Dr. Seuss. However, some referred to him as the Wee Laddie or the Cat in the Hat. He introduced the short-lived Cactus of Shame but it was not adopted by subsequent Presidents.
After he retired in 2007, Horace became an advocate and champion of the homeless around Walnut Creek. The San Ramon Rotary Club began to focus with him on efforts to support the Trinity Center Homeless by providing lunches, BBQs, gift cards, cash, and many goods donations. Volunteers from this club continue to step up to help the homeless often. In the future,
Karen McNamara and her committee will explore the opportunity to obtain a district matching grant to Trinity Center.
With Pat Paterson has resigning from the club, Horace may be our oldest member at 84 years old having been a member of our club for 35 years. He expressed his appreciation for the many things Rotary accomplished and the many lasting friendships that Rotary has afforded him.
Terry highlighted that July is new leadership month. “To improve is to change, to be perfect is to change often”. For those who miss Chris Gallagher’s “News You May Have Missed”, Terry offered this but it took some time for members to really “get” Terry’s sense of humor. Good try though.
Fine Free recognitions: Marco Bronzini began an interesting conversation regarding his son, Nick who joined the top 200 baseball players in Florida. Nick struck out 6 and will soon be competing in Arizona. Marco has been all over the country and has a boatload of of Southwest miles. Marco proceeded to share vast information on how high school senior prospects are sought by professional scouts. Everyone agreed this would be a wonderful program! Marco’s son was going to go to Arizona but the coach took a job with LSU. Other schools are in the mix. Marco will send Carolyn the link to see Nick pitch. Gary Sloan suggested the Los Angeles Dodgers while Terry and Chris Gayler disputed the wisdom of Gary’s suggestion.
Announcements
At end of October, the District Conference will be held at Squaw Creek Lake Tahoe. 8-10 to attend club members have already signed up. Terry heard that the conference may be capped at 300.
Concert in the Park. Terry thanked Karen for arranging a meeting with Rotarians at the Concert in the Park. 8-10 members enjoyed the music, food and fellowship. The next Concert in the Park that Rotarians are invited to attend will be on August 8th .
It was announced that we will be Dark next week.
August 5th ED Duarte will be the Greeter at Growler and the Chamber of Commerce will present.
Yours truly at the ready substitute Scribe
Gary Sloan