Pres. Elect Jean's May 6 Message

What a fantastic meeting on May 2!

I felt very honored to run last week’s meeting while Pres. Sue was on vacation … we had nearly a “standing room only” crowd on hand to enjoy Retief’s great presentation! It’s hard to believe that English is not his native tongue. After giving background on South Africa, Retief shared information about his life and exchange experience. He also graciously handled a wide diversity of questions from the audience. Thanks, Retief!

Heartfelt appreciation also to Tom & Janet Kolepp for keeping Morning Star in the Youth Exchange Program this year, and to the Eighmy family for hosting. Host Mom Kate and host brothers Tucker and Stowe joined us to hear Retief, and Carl Kolepp was there, too. Carl is joining a Rotary e-club!

Geoff Wright brought wife BethAnn, father in law Don Smith (an Honorary Morning Star member), and Minori Kawai – a Youth Exchange Student who stayed with the Wrights many years ago! We heard a hearty OORAH after the pledge from Honorary member Tom Mohr, and former member Judi Dexter visited. (I’m delighted to tell you that Tom will be rejoining our “Active” ranks for the new Rotary year starting in July.) Happy dollars were in abundance and spirits ran high.

From a show of hands, it appears that Morning Star will be well represented at the District Assembly this Saturday at DeSales. We’ll let you know what we learn.

The Spaghetti Dinner last Friday was an awesome “FUN-raiser” as well as fundraiser! Details to come after chair Val Walk recovers from the weekend – she helped at another major charitable event early Saturday morning. We had much more help this year including our new members, many with their families – thank you!

Note: Val is automatically giving attendance make-up credit to any Spaghetti Dinner helpers who need it – you don’t have to send a request.

Jeff Kicska is asking for a volunteer to be “Food Czar” for this year’s 5K/10K Race. Barb Garrison isn’t able to do it this year, but will share her copious notes to help the new person.

See the separate stories about our Hogar Crea Garden Planting, Golf Tournament, and New Member Soiree.

To repeat a line quoted last Thursday … “Volunteers are unpaid not because they are worthless, but because they are priceless.” – Anonymous

Thanks for all you do for Rotary! Jean