Changeover Banquet: Since incoming President Len Golding hales from Australia, it made perfect sense that the banquet meal should be a barbee (sp?), which is what Americans call a barbeque.    Between the chicken, brats and burgers, potato salad, baked beans and chips, there was plenty for all. Dessert was bread pudding, bread pudding ala mode, or make-your-own ice cream cone or sundae with all the fixings. Best of all, the bar was free. 

Dick Hills told a joke about a test for Alzheimer’s and HIV.  Punch line:  “If he makes it home, don’t sleep with him.”

Programs:  Kathy Rose announced that next week we will be at Punderson Manor House where we will welcome our third scholarship winner.  Heather Baker has chaired our Club’s scholarship awards project for 2010-2011.

Year in Review:  Outgoing President Dan McClelland summarized all the projects members did to make it a very successful Club year, in keeping with our Rotary motto of Service above Self.  Among the projects listed were:  Scholarships, the Dictionary Project, attending a Captains game, construction of the storage building at the Geauga County Fairgrounds, Meals-on-Wheels delivery, Hometown Hoe Down, Christmas party; Bell ringing for the Salvation Army, Interact Club, Pancake Breakfasts every Sunday in March, a substantial donation to the Behr family who lost their father and husband and their home in a house fire, spearheading the updating of the County Home as a cluster project with other local Rotary Clubs, the Clambake for the clubs in the cluster, Paul Harris recognitions, the Patagonia Project, successful delivery of wheelchairs to Brazil, 100% Club participation in the Every Rotarian Every Year donations, many smaller donations to various agencies, organizations and individuals in the county, and the  Motorcycle Ride.  Dan credited the successes achieved in 2010-2011 to the members.  Several projects had no designated chairperson yet things got done, he said.  He thanked everyone for their support during the past year.

Perfect Attendance Awards:  Dan gave Perfect Attendance Certificates to 19 members.  They were:  Jim Croup, Jodie Swartwout and Dave Terrill with two years each.  Chris Livers, three years.  Dan McClelland, four years.  Tom Blair, Dave Brigham and Len Golding with six years each.  Larry Cashion and Bob Johnson, seven years each.  Jim Eldridge, eight years.  Michaelean Pesek, 14 years.  Al Skinner, 21 years.  Tom Buckles, 25 years.  Fred Bemberg, 28 years.  Brian Brockway, 30 years, and John Gander with an amazing 57 years.

Sixth Annual Motorcycle Ride:  Dan reported that this year’s Motorcycle Ride was a resounding success.  From the beginning this event was tied to benefiting veterans, he said.  For example, supporting the construction of the Veterans’ Memorial and aiding veterans in our county who were experiencing financial difficulty.  The goal this year was to pay off the balance of the debt on the Veterans’ Memorial, which was $7000.  There was no one person in charge.  Everyone just did things.  There were an estimated 150 riders, the largest turnout we’ve ever had.  We never made that much money before either.  “We surpassed our goal.” Dan said.  We cleared $8000 after minimal expenses.  So we not only have enough to pay off the Veterans’ Memorial debt but also have some extra money for later use, e.g. adding more veterans’ names to the memorial in the future. 

Transferred New Members:  Dan welcomed Tom and Fran Bayless to our Club.  He stated that they have been fully accepted into BMR.  Fran is a former Past District Governor.  She and Tom recently moved to South Russell Village.  In response Fran said that when she was District Governor, Burton-Middlefield Rotary Club was always at the top of her list.  She called both our community and international projects “awesome”.  She thanked us for making her year as District Governor easier, noting that only once did we scare her.  That was when BMR decided to drive the Bookmobile to Mexico.    However, BMR made it and all was well.  She is now chair of the District’s Vocation Committee.  The Committee’s goal is “Rotarians for Rotarians:  helping our members both personally and professionally. The District is also redoing the Literacy Program, directing its efforts to all homes sheltering abused women and children in the District.  One of their goals is providing materials needed for learning.

NEW MEMBER INDUCTION:  Sponsored by Ralph Hurd, Chris Zaumeyer was inducted as the newest member of Burton-Middlefield Rotary Club. “Rotary,” said Dan, “is the oldest and largest international service club in the world.”   Chris is the son-in-law of John Hurd and grandson of Ralph.

New Officer & Directors Sworn In:  Dan McClelland thanked all the officers and directors for their efforts this year on behalf of our Club.  Jack McCartney invited all the officers and directors for 2011-2012 to come forward.  Jack congratulated them all.  “It is an honor to be an officer, a leader in the Club.” he said, “to maintain it and make it grow.”  However, he continued, “every honor creates new duties.  No organization outruns its leadership.”  Then Jack led the officers and directors in swearing to and affirming their oath of office.  “Renew your own personal dedication to your Club.” he stated. The avenue between officers, directors and members is a two-way street.  All have responsibility to each other, he concluded.  Then Len Golding was sworn in as our Rotary Club president for the coming year.  He received his gavel and his president’s pin.  Dan received his past-president’s pin.  Burton-Middlefield Rotary Club’s year 2011-2012 had begun.