President Elect John made his debut today as leader, and did an outstanding job of herding the cats or otherwise referred to as the Downtown Rotary Club. He rang the bell sharply at the appropriate time and turned to Father Dave for spiritual guidance and thanks for our beautifully laid out meal. PP Arnold then led us in the pledge to our great flag and a wonderful song accompanied by our pianist, Susan Cusenbary, who has been so faithful these many years and is such an accomplished musician. We are indeed lucky to have her on a weekly basis!!
We love having guests and today we were especially proud to welcome Pam Leonardi’s sister all the way from Lima, Peru. Birthdays were celebrated and these special individuals included PP Noel, Doug, Carol, and Jeremy. I’m sure they would be glad to tell you what time it is.
Brother Dave gave us a report on our friend, John Deason, and we all agreed to put him on the top of our prayer list. At last report doctors are working to get that lung back in working order, and we are looking forward to a full recovery.
Cara introduced the “Youth of the Month,” Miss Penelope Sauceda. Penelope is a member of Southwest Branch where she does it all according to the leaders there. She’s active in school and home, speaks German and Latin, helps in the Food Bank, and is active in her church. With this foundation how could she turn out anyway but something extraordinary and probably even President someday.
The “Brag Bucket” was then passed around by our own Carol Murray. Whoever thought of this bucket business needs a standing ovation. (Alex Pappas!) This has turned into a financial homerun. {Expression used for you Texas Ranger Fans.} We even got money from PP Noros because he could hear what was being said.
President Elect John continued on the microphone by being the “Member Spotlight,” and he is an interesting member! John was born in Las Vegas while his father served in the Air Force. He came to Wichita Falls in 2018 and runs the local Mayfield Company. He and his wife have two children, a son in the Air Force and a daughter at MSU. He will be President of Rotary next year and is extremely active and loyal to his flag team.
Josh then introduced today’s program, and it was a very unique program! In my 51 years as a Rotarian I don’t recall anything like it. It was a musical presentation, but just saying that leaves out the overall impact of sitting and listening to such gifted talent. The presenters were Dr. Ruth Morrow on the piano providing music for the vocalist, Dr. Darla Diltz. Everyone knows Dr. Morrow, as she holds the Bolin Distinguished Chair of Piano at MSU Texas, and teaches and judges piano throughout Texas for various organizations. Dr. Diltz on the other hand is a former Wichitan who has been gone for 22 years. During that time, she earned her doctorate degree at the University of Kentucky, she taught and sang in New York for 15 years, and recently returned from an international performance as a soloist with the Kiev Philharmonic in Ukraine. She is the daughter of Judy and Bobby Diltz, and I know they are extremely proud! Together these ladies presented two musical pieces each with a history. One was about a cowboy and his suspenders as Dr. Diltz referred to as “Red River Opera.” The other was about a pilot shot down in Vietnam. The background to this song Dr. Diltz referred to a book entitled Glory Denied by Tom Philpott. It is hard for an old country boy to describe the music heard last Thursday, but let me tell you that it was electrifying and everyone’s attention was on the soloist. Unique is my choice of words and congratulations Josh for your broad array of programs!
Pres Elect John encouraged the Red Badge members to have the people at their table sign the Spokesman as one task towards their Blue Badge. PE John then with closed with the 4-Way Test.