My GPS system must have been severely impaired because after planning to attend the Rotary club meeting at the PVCC - I somehow ended up at a similar facility in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania (or so it seemed); but it’s not February and it’s much to dry! My head was swimming because I was greeted at the door by past President Jim Hartman who introduced himself as Current President Jim Hartman. I’m confident I’ve seen this story line before. However, this plot is even better than the first. Why in the world would anyone take on the “role” of Rotary Club President more than once unless they had no time constraints and the ability to play-out numerous iterations of leadership over and over again until it’s finally done right? How much fun it must be having “throw-away” meetings knowing it will all be irrelevant once they wake up the next morning – until they eventually achieve Rotary President Perfection.
My first reaction was “where’s Bill Murray and Andie MacDowell”. But then again, why would they be needed for this sequel given the star power already available in our aspiring group of actors. In fact, I doubt director Harold Ramis could have found anyone better at adapting a soundtrack than our own John Schuricht blending music to storyline. Casting must have had one oversight since our star (Jim) also filled in for the role of Chaplin (Invocation leader). Supporting cast members included: Keith Deisenroth as Local Politician (Pledge leader) and Less Fishman as Town Crier (Patrotic song leader).
It was Mel Schrier’s job to introduce our acclaimed special guest appearances. Two applicants interested in joining our cast of “characters” are Greg Allen and Max Bartoli (Max was accompanied by his glamorous wife Fabiola) and yet a third, Julia DeMoss who we hope is “waiting in the wings”. In addition, Jim and Derald Sidler introduced our cast’s first Vocational Scholarship recipient, Rebecca Salceda (accompanied by her charming sister Norma). This is a $4,750 trade school scholarship which derived $4k of the funding from our district while $750 came from our club. Rebecca seemed overwhelmed when giving her acceptance speech. Since she will be attending cosmetology school she will no doubt fit in well with our crew once she graduates. This was all followed by the welcome song which I was coerced into leading.
On a more serious note – Jim spoke a few heartfelt words about our recently departed Rotarian John Evans. John passed away last week. He was born in 1929 and began his Rotary journey in 1949 when he joined the Los Altos Club. John initially transferred to our PVP Rotary club in the 1982 holding many offices including president in 1987-88. He was instrumental in establishing what has now become a very successful Concours D’ Elegance. He left for a short time but returned while I was president in 2008. He will be fondly remembered!
All the Conga line dancing and YMCA song singing must have exhausted me. I wish I could tell you what came next, but I must have fallen asleep. When I woke up I had some papers on me pertaining to what it takes to be a vibrant club and a PV Peninsula Rotary Club strategy plan. I guess I’ll wait until this movie comes out on DVD before I delve into that portion.
The Wrap-up was led by professional storyteller Alan Coleman and his rendition of “6 months of Inspirational messages” in one compellation, which left us strangely wanting more.
And that was it?!?! But alas, as with Groundhog Day, this story gets to keep playing on until President Jim eventually gets it right!
