Meeting Recap for Sept. 17, 2012

   (DG Bob Deering - Camp Rotary)


(Cal Setzer, Mead Kibby & Henry Teichert)

Before the meeting was the customary pre-gavel meet-and-greet, with the wine graciously provided by Dave Higdon, while the club’s version of the Rolling Stones (Paul and Jeff) tickled the ivories, played the base (in that order), and were joined by a few members of the Rotary Rooters’ horn section.

We were then treated to a particularly fine Thought-of-the-Day by Eric Solis, who explained why we’d all be better off if we acted more like geese (hey, if you want full details, show up at the meeting!), and then we welcomed back to the club our newest member, Chris Bohannon, who hangs his proverbial hat at American River Bank (a finer gent you’ll never meet, so be sure to meet him).

Now about those milestones:  Two of Rotary’s finer elder statesmen were recognized by Prez Pete today for their (amazing) 60 years of membership in the club – Henry Teichert and Cal Setzer.  Joining Henry at table was his old college roommate – from 1938 – fellow Rotarian, Mead Kibbey (that’s 74 years of friendship for those keeping score at home).

Speaking of scores, on to the aforementioned dynasty.  New York has its Yankees, Green Bay has its Packers, but which dynasty has won the title in 7 of the last 10 years?  Why, that would be our own sultans of swat, known more formally as the Rotary Softball team, led by skipper John Swentowsky and a cadre of stars, including first base coach (and pinch runner) Ed (the Gazelle) Karnacki.  Well done, gents, there is joy in Mudville tonight.

For those who have made a trip or two around the sun as Rotarians, you may recall that when the District Governor visits, he or she usually bestows upon one of our own the “Quiet Rotarian” award.  This year, however, DG Bob Deering has changed the award to that Rotarian who best exemplifies the 4-Way Test (recite 4-way test here).

Now I ask you, could you possibly name a more appropriate recipient for this year’s award than the ever eloquent Brian Van Camp?  You can’t, which is why he won.  Congratulations, Brian, for a recognition richly deserved.

On the announcement front, Norm (quick, get the) Marshall reminds that Golf 4 Kids is fast approaching (October 22nd be the tourney date), so it’s time to levitate off that keester of yours and get your foursome put together (and, if you want to come stag with a bag, Norm and Co. will find a foursome for you).  By the way, for you history buffs, our assisting orthopedically challenged children is the longest running charity  in all of Rotary, in all the world.  So plan to get involved with this historic event in some way (support it financially, golf, show up for dinner, do something).

After raising well over a grand in some power tithing, Prez Pete welcomed back to the mic District Governor Bob, who shared some of the goings on at the district and international level.  Want to know why recruiting new members is vital?  In 1998, membership worldwide totaled 1.2 million Rotarians.  From 1998 to present, Rotary added 1.2 million additional members.  So what is total worldwide Rotary membership today?  1.2 million (now quick, how many Rotarians have we lost since 1998?).  DG Bob encouraged all in attendance to share the stories of Rotary so that non-members can see why they want to join Chris Bohannon and become new members.  So. . . go off and tell some Rotary stories (and get involved with G4K). 

Lastly, please plan on joining us at the District Conference up at the Hyatt North Shore in early May.  It will be a family friendly event based on a camping theme (only with warm showers). JBW  
(Photo's by Swentowsky Photography)