It was yet another peaceful transfer of power at ye olde Rotary Club this week, as we ushered in the Keefer Era with the official installation of Paul, the most popular Beatle.
Speaking of the Beatles, our own “Fab 4” (make that “Fab 8”) – the Roadies – were in fine form at Tuesday’s meeting, bringing the musical energy that makes their appearance at any Rotary confab special.
No stranger to the seat of power, Past President Todd Koolakian was the MC for the day, carrying out his duties with his usual silky smoothness, and covering the meeting duties until Paul was officially installed, starting with thank you’s for the meeting crew (Greeters Hayden Nabers and the three PP’s – Linda Geery, Bob Miller, and The Emperor, Wes Yee; Nancy Smith-Fagan at the wine bar, John Swentowksy on camera, and yours unruly, John Wood, with the Pulse reporting pen).
Next we heard from our newest Sergeant-at-Arms, Maggie Hopkins, who took care of the guest intros (including Paul’s lovely wife and mom), and then Past Prez Jim Leet provided the Thought of the Day.
Elfrena Foord soon followed, with her new “get to know your Rotarians” theme for the year – this one entitled “Get to Know Your Working Rotarians”, where the focus this year will be in acquainting the membership with all of the fine business people in our club that you know would take good care of you if you were in need of their services.
Elfrena reminded that Paul Harris founded Rotary not only as a service club, but as a business network, and we’ll celebrate this part of our history in the Keefer Era.
And, as a reminder, if you want to benefit our club directly, and update or educate your fellow Rotarians on your business or non-profit, be a Meeting Sponsor this year, and use your “$350 and 3 (minutes)” to tell us your business or nonprofit story.
To sign up to be sponsor a meeting contact the Meeting Sponsor Committee Chair, Josh Pelz.
After some fellowship time, and a couple of more hits from the Roadies (including an excellent, original piece called “Keefer”, set to the classic “Fever” bass ostinato, courtesy of Jeff [Like a Rolling] Stone), we got to know a bit about Paul and his wonderful family by way of a Sarah Hodge-produced video (well done, Sarah!), and then we heard from the “Official Trash Collector of the Sac Century,” President Paul.
If you’ve spent time with Paul, you know that batteries are plugged into him to be recharged, and he shared a bit of where he’ll be directing his presidential energy this year, which includes increasing our membership from the current 171 members to a year-end goal of 181, pursuing more public-facing service projects to promote our club to the population at large, increasing our opportunities for friendship among the members, and leading the district in Polio Plus giving this year. Paul cordially invites you to get involved with one or all of these efforts in the year ahead (don’t make him find you!).
Levels of Giving
On the giving levels front, Paul has an expanded menu this year that ranges from $50 to $2,500, with all levels being bike-themed, and a peloton of donations were received on Day 1 in honor of Paul and his presidency – including a notable “Handlebar” donation of $100 by Peter Coyl, in honor of his mustache.
Past President Kerry Wood (arguably, the happiest Rotarian in the room Tuesday), then stepped forward to officially adorn Paul with his presidential pin, and the club is now officially in the hands of a 2nd generation Eagle Scout, so we’re golden.
Sarge-at-Arms Maggie advised that journalist and Pulitzer Prize winner, Renee Byer, will be our speaker at next week’s meeting, so we’ll have two Pulitzer laureates in the room assuming Nancy Teichert attends.
