Rotary Log for October 26, 2017
The crowd arrived with energy in anticipation of a hoot of a meeting. President Ben opened with the ringing of the bell. This was followed by the Pledge. Next, Al Lantinen led us in the patriotic song with no members taking a knee. Today’s Greeter, the affable Rich Greulich, led out the Four-Way Test. And Senor John Rice, Ye Editor de Bitácora por excelencia, offered the Invocation.
There were numerous Guests and visiting Rotarians. President Ben noticed that long-time member Bob Field was in the audience again this week. Very nice to see!
Announcements
As is the custom in our extraordinarily engaged Club there were a plethora of announcements. The Prez invited any member so inclined to attend monthly board meetings at the Service Credit Union boardroom. They are held the first Wednesday of the month at 11:45. The lunch is very good, and free, owing to the generosity of our friends at that institution.
Joannie Dickinson gave an Interact Club update. That vibrant group is looking for Flash Mob dancers at the Halloween parade. Past-President Tony Delyani will be glad to fill you in on what that entails.
The ever-present and highly-achieving Rotarian, Leo Gagnon, pointed out the sign-ups for the upcoming Christmas Tree Sale. He reminded us that all members are expected to do three shifts, unless they have special circumstances.
The Thanksgiving Holiday arrives before that, however. For 46 consecutive years our club will be serving dinner at a festive Jarvis Center, and with home deliveries. Priscilla MacInnis, the Committee Chair, and another Club Superstar, requested volunteers to cook turkeys, bake pies, and serve on Thanksgiving Day.
New Member Induction
Adding a new member to our club is always a special occasion. Today, Basil Richardson took the microphone to welcome Judy Loto, who offered very gracious introductory remarks. Welcome to the Club, Judy!
The Annual Poetry Hoot
Master of Ceremonies David Holden turned out a record number of poets and reciters for this edition of the Poetry Hoot. Al Lantinen led off with an amusing play on the poem “Nevermore.” We were also entertained by the likes of President Ben, and Judy Ringer, who read a poem by her mother. Steve Taylor, Paris Khavari, and Jim Rini, each recited a wide range of enjoyable, thoughtful selections.
Stanford Cross read two short poems of his own creation. Not to be outdone, Peg Millar composed an original on the spot and commandeered Justin Finn to step to the podium. Our newest Rotarian, Judy Loto, quickly established herself as a Not Ready for Prime Time Player. She offered a pair of clever self-penned works.
Tricia Cummings always writes something for the Hoot. In the Halloween spirit, she donned a black pointed witch’s hat, which some call a heretic’s cap. Tricia…?
Of course, it isn’t a poetry hoot without a limerick about the “Man from Nantucket.” Leonard Seagren took the chance, entertaining but offending no one. A fine line was walked by the next reader, Larry Grey, with his offering on plastic surgery and liposuction. However, he had redeemed himself in advance with a very touching poem about his dearly departed dog.
The usually funny, often quirky, James Petersen certainly didn’t disappoint. He concocted an unusual, thinly-disguised politically-inspired poem.
However, the very best was saved for last. Basil Richardson offered tongue-in-cheek rhyming couplets as a back-handed complement to our Poetry Hoot Producer Extraordinaire. It was a fun meeting, Dave. Well done!
Respectfully submitted, Neal Ouellett
Photos by Alan Chadwick
