It's a Wrap

by Lorine Parks

“Fantastic! Fantastic year!”, is what Exiting-President Larry Garces was saying from his perch atop a picnic table.

The setting was Furman Park and the occasion, our traditional end of the year picnic in the park. “It was easy, because of you guys,” Larry said, and that was the end of his speech. Thank you, for a good year, Larry.

Dale Self announced a fishing trip on August 8 from Long Beach, and that was the only Announcement.

Bill Kirkwood introduced a special guest, someone who would be a third generation Downey Rotarian: Jim Morris, son of our long-time buddy Art, and grandson of former club president J. Arch Morris, 1941-42.

Bill also recalled for us that this picnic was originally the idea of Dominick DiMario, who single-handedly shopped for, marinated, grilled and served the first steaks, with Italian salad and garlic bread to round out the extravaganza. Strawberry shortcake ended that first feast.

This year we were served by Taco Man and had fruit popsicles for dessert. Dee was present along with his wife Carolyn, and contrary to expectations, did not tell a joke.

We gathered in the shade of a big tree so Dan Fox could take our picture (see below). Jim Morris took on his father’s role by telling our group how to space ourselves, and then Dan’s daughter Lauren, who was there with her two babes, did the actual honors with the camera, so Dan could be in the picture too. Look for it as the masthead for this club’s Hubbub newsletter, if it turns out well.

Larry turned the club over to Entering-President Willie Medina. And so with traditions firmly in place, and new generations for continuity, plus a few changes for the fun of innovation, we ended the old year. As the Portuguese at the International Convention said, “fora com o velho, dentro com o novo.”

The last words this reporter heard being exchanged as she left were, “See you next week.”