Induction of New Members
by Lorine Parks INDUCTION OF NEW MEMBERS
Ray Brown came forward to conduct the ceremonies for taking in two new members, Michael Berdelis and Gary Wright. “It is my honor and privilege,” Ray began. “Rotary is about many things. You may find yourself going to Mulege in Baja to help out in a dental clinic. We do that.”
“Or,” Ray went on, “you may wake up at 6 am so you can mix the batter for our Pancake Breakfast. Or you may find yourself at a Happy Hour at the Embassy Suites, getting to know your fellow Rotarians a little better. We are all that.”
“You may find yourself at lunch, sitting with your best friends, a CPA or an attorney. Again,” said Ray, “that is Downey Rotary.” The sponsors then put on their proteges’ new Rotary pins, Rich Strayer doing the honors for Michael Berdelis, and Tony Diep for the long-suffering Gary Wright, and they were given plaques proclaiming the Rotary ideals.
The only perk of being a newly-inducted Rotarian is being able to give a two minute non-finable speech telling the club a little about yourself. Michael went first, and noted that he grew up in Downey, went to Maud Price School and Warren. He is married with two children 13 and 10, and he is a realtor, his mother and father having sold real estate “since forever.”
“Two years ago I made a New Year’s resolution to join a service club,” Michael said. “And though some other clubs texted me and asked me to join, I wanted to be a Rotarian. Here I am.”
Gary began by speaking of his patient “year and a half journey” of coming to luncheons and being introduced, but never inducted. A graduate of Downey High, he has been married for 14 years, and loves baseball. Gary is the CEO of a document shredding company. “I’ve been a ‘special guest” more times than anybody,” he said. “It was worth the wait.”
Congratulations, Michael and Gary. We are now richer by two members. We’ll expect to see both of you doing duty in the pancake and sausage line.