Meeting Recap for February 3, 2014

Royalty abounded at ye olde Rotary Club this week, as we welcomed back the Past Presidents for their annual visit and well-deserved honoring.

Before paying tribute to our Rotary Big Kahunas (and Big Kahunaesses, in the case of the lovelies Beverly Brautigam and Diane Mizell), we engaged in the usual pre-gavel meet-and-greet, with the wine flowing courtesy of Rita (I throw harder than Bob) Gibson, and then President Thom called the meeting to (its usual early dis-) order, before beckoning Dick (Golden Pipes) Osen to the podium to lead us in song.

Sergeant-at-Arms, Susan Drack, then commenced with the introductory chores, including our new member greeters of the day, John O’Donnell, and Rob (Oh) Tannenbaum.  Rob pulled double-duty this week, greeting on the front-end, and providing us with a 3-minute reminder of the value that the Sacramento Philharmonic and Opera bring to our fair city (Rob being the recently installed General Director of both, don’t you know).  Rob was brought to us by Meeting Sponsor of the Day and arts patroness, Dee Hartzog, who put up the $300 for Rob’s informative tres minutos.

Next up was the introduction of our newest members to the club, Allison Cagley of the California Musical Theater (sponsored by Liz McClatchy and Susan Drack), and Frank Cook of the realty firm that bears his name (sponsored by Alan Markis and Bruce [the Professor] Hester).  Welcome to the club, Allison and Frank!

Before some conversation time, the gathered throng grew respectfully silent as that quintessential gentleman, Mead Kibbey, provided us with a poignant eulogy for his departed friend of 75 years, Past President Henry Teichert.  Mead and Henry were fraternity brothers and roommates at UC Berkeley in 1938, and their friendship remained strong from that year until Mead’s final visit with Henry on his penultimate day of life.  A touching tribute to a wonderful friendship.  Very nicely done, Mead.

Speaking of gentleman, another of our finest, Past President George Basye, provided President Thom with yet another donation (of $420) from the Rotary Rooters.  Over hundreds (if not thousands) of gigs, the Rotary Rooters have raised over $100,000 (estimated amount) for the Club since their founding – a tremendous effort from our most musical Rotarians.

And then it was time to pay tribute to the dozens of Past Presidents that graced our presence – from Good Time Charlie Gray (the longest-tenured past president, having ruled the Rotary Roost in 1972), right up to that Past Prez newbie, Peter Dannenfelser II (with a guest appearance by Sam Gilbert, the club’s first president, dating back to 1913 [and looking remarkably similar to another President named Gilbert, except for the antique clothing]).  Given the quality of the individuals who’ve led this club, it’s no wonder that it remains one of the most successful in all of Rotary.  We owe you our gratitude, one and all.