Meeting Recap for September 23, 2013
If you missed this week’s meeting, too bad, because the Governor stopped by to pay us a visit (I’m talking about District Governor Bill Short, of course – who did you think I meant?).
Before the Guvna updated us on the goings on at District 5180 and beyond, we had the usual pre-gavel meet-and-greet, with Marilyn Park providing the wine for the reception, Paul (he’s the youngest Rolling) Stone tickling the ivories, with an interlude from Richard Kowaleski, then President Thom (who is so rich he can afford letters in his name he doesn’t even need) rang the bell and got us on our way.
Rabbi David Wechsler-Azen provided the Invocation (formerly known as the Thought of the Day), and then Prez Thom led us in the pledge (formerly known as the pledge), before yielding his time to Rick Davis, who filled in for SAA Susan Drack and handled the introduction chores (a skill he honed during President Peter D’s term), including a deserved thanks to our Greeters for the day, newer members Joany Titherington and Michael Pearson.
Next up was our Executive Director-elect, Katrina Salazar, who introduced our newest member, Paul Cantelli, sponsored by Katrina and our Prez-Elect, Susan (I’m staying at the) Sheridan. Welcome to the club, Paul!
Rick Osen reported that Golf 4 Kids netted $27,000 this year – which, unfortunately, is $7,000 short of the $34,000 that we committed to our annual recipients who do such great work with Sacramento’s orthopedically challenged students. The proverbial hat was passed at the meeting, with the generous attendees kicking in another $2,250, reducing our “promise deficit” to $4,750. So, if you weren’t one of the golfers, or tee or other sponsors (or even if you were), here’s your chance to make a difference for the oldest fundraiser in all of Rotary anywhere. Call or e-mail the Rotary office (or Rick O), donate a C-Note, a Benjamin, or a dead president of appreciable size, and let’s make up the $4,750 shortfall and keep our Rotary promise to Sacramento’s physically challenged kids.
Speaking of giving, Jeanne Reeves and Dee Hartzog showed how, donating $300 as the Meeting Sponsors of the Day, and giving their 3 minutes of mic time to fellow Rotarian, Bob Herne, who shared with us the vital work being done at Sierra Forever Families to get kids out of foster care and into permanent and loving families.
John Kelley also knows how to give, completing a Paul Harris in celebration of his 45 years of marriage (all to the same woman). John was headed to the seminary when he saw his fair lass in the halls of Johnson High School and had an immediate change of heart and mind. Good call, John.
Also, kudos to Bruce (The Professor) Hester and Mik Miklaus, for picking up their 2nd and 7th Paul Harris Fellows, respectively. Speaking of Bruce, he advises that we’re 30 net members away from passing the Los Angeles club in size, so let’s all commit to finding one prospect to invite to a Rotary meeting between now and the end of the year and Beat LA.
Clayton Lee, Past Prez Peter Dannenfelser II and Roy Alexander will have spotty cell service for the next few weeks, as they will be in rural Ethiopia, installing water wells as part of Rotary’s World Community Service project. They’ll have trouble talking-the-talk, but this trio definitely knows how to walk-the-Rotary-walk. Safe travels, gents.
Like your travel with a bit more creature comfort? Join Prez-Elect Susan Sheridan in Australia and New Zealand at next year’s International Rotary Convention during the end of May/beginning of June. Susan has a big ‘ol trip planned, so ask her about it!
Closer to home (and the present), Gary McDonald advises that it’s Brown Bag next Monday (9/30), so traipse on over to the Rotary website and sign up. Then plan to join Steve Huffman at the October 5th Rotary bike ride (ending with food at Mateo’s – see Steve for details) and, after that, plan to party after work with Luann Richardson and your fellow Rotarians at the Red Rabbit on October 8th (for you newer members, all three of these events are great ways to make personal connections in the club).
All business dutifully handled by El Presidente, Thom beckoned to the podium Past President and bankruptcy attorney extraordinaire, Walter (if you’re totally in hawk, let’s talk) Dahl, who introduced District Governor, Bill Short.
In addition to giving us some facts on Rotary worldwide (e.g. there are1.2 million Rotarians,, but less than 20% are women, and only 12% are under the age of 40), he advised that we need to make another push for Polio Plus, as there has been an outbreak in Africa over the summer and the battle is on to contain the spread. Closer to home, DG Short bestowed the “Energizer” award to two of our own, in honor of the high level of activity and energy that they’ve brought to the club as newer members. Congratulations, Bob Miller and Tanya Kravchuk!
Sign up for Brown Bag this week, and plan to invite to a Rotary lunch anyone in their 40s or younger, or a woman of any age. JBW