Weekly News & Views by: Michael Lairmore
Photographs by: Jim Belenis & Bud Harmon
 
     The meeting got started with a robust version of our opening songs to the delight of the students in attendance for the Student of the Month celebration.  After our president, Gary Johns opened the meeting by welcoming the students, teachers, and parents present for meeting.  He noted that our club has approximately 25 members who are teachers, education professionals, or professors.  Nancy Storm served as master-of-ceremonies to honor the students.  She provided an excellent overview of the history of the Rotary Club and our many charitable and community activities.  The summary included a list of projects ranging from Polio-plus to providing backpacks to local students.  Interestingly, our Club has sponsored the Student of the Month event for over 10 years, demonstrating our strong support of local youth.  Students were honored from King, Da Vinci, and Davis High Schools.  As the teachers introduced their nominee, students nervously stood before the adoring audience of members, parents, and teachers.  As each teacher described each student, common themes emerged.   Character traits were listed for the students and included descriptors such as persistent, diligent, hard-working, leaders, role models, dedication, and integrity.  It was clear from the choices of the teachers, that the students were a special group and future leaders in our society.  A love of learning was a commonly expressed trait among the students, warming the hearts of their parents in attendance.  Equally clear was the affection of the teachers who were strong advocates for the students, providing funny and interesting anecdotes about the students to complement their nominations. 
     After a brief break to allow a photo opportunity for the students to exit, the meeting was continued after a noisy interlude.  President Johns tried his best to settle the crowd and called on Gretchen Peralta to gain control of the situation.   Gretchen enthusiastically brought order to the meeting and began her duties as Sergeant of the day by asking for happy bucks.  Highlights of happy bucks included a warm thank you from Vanessa Errecarte for the outstanding work of John Reed, who has applied his tools and considerable talent to many recent projects.  Nancy Storm provided a heart-warming description of her daughter’s wedding; congratulations NancyChuck Snipes found a way to include the University of Georgia into the happiness, by informing everyone that their equestrian team was top ranked.  Chuck if the team needs veterinary care, I know an outstanding place to take them to in Davis. 
     Gretchen then took off the gloves to issue fines that included this poor author for writing an op-ed in the Sacramento Bee endorsing the newly minted state law that will eliminate antibiotics as a growth promoting feed additive for livestock, so much for advocacy on the behalf of public health.  She then provided a modified version of Playboy magazine with our illustrious president on the cover, honoring the recent decision by the magazine to stop using pictures of naked women.  I am not sure how Gary was connected to Playboy magazine and based on the look on his face, he was also confused.  This was followed by a sight gag joke about finger cots and body parts, which was censored due to the youth in the audience.  Rea Nakanishi was singled out for praise for her exceptional work with Meals on Wheels featured in the Davis Enterprise.  
     The meeting was drawn to a close with a reminder of our next meeting speaker discussing Kenya and the draw of the day.  Alas, another unsuccessful draw means the pot gets larger this week, so keep entering to win big!