President Larry Neal rang the meeting bell to get things started. With temperatures near zero outside, we all were glad to be indoors with the promise of warm food and fellowship.
Bill Furest led the Pledge and national anthem. Steve Krankota followed with an enthusiastic “Four-Way Test,” and Tom Davies offered a prayer of thanksgiving and safe travels for all who needed to be outside.
Today’s menu was chicken Parmesan, rigatoni, mixed vegetables, salad and then two flavors of cake for dessert.
PRESIDENT’S COMMENTS
President Larry started with a word of thanks to our weekly hosts, the Italian American Cultural Center. Today we were scheduled to meet at the Pankow Center but a last-minute cancellation brought us back home. They very graciously accommodated us.
He also thanked Ken Kish who had loaded up all the club equipment for the off-site meeting and had to bring it back in. He thanked Gloria Murray for organizing the feather bowling event this week. Gloria reported that it was a good time.
GUESTS
Jeff Furest introduced Kevin Kelly, former member and visiting Rotarian. Then he almost missed another guest, Larry Moloney (guest of Cecilia.) Jeff’s excuse was that he couldn’t tell one bald head from all the others.
Eric Pierson recognized the birthdays this week then proceeded to sell a large bag of flowers. Ken Steele bought the first one for Karan hoping that her voice returns soon. Then, Mark Z for Ken Kish for hauling all the club stuff; Sal for Gloria for organizing the feather bowling; Larry for Tina, our regular server; Sal for Gary, our talented pianist; Gary for Ken Kish for his help; Ken passed it on to Cecilia; Ryan Murphy for our visitor Kevin Kelly.
TOM DAVIES LED THE MUSIC First up: “Oh What a Beautiful Morning.” It was a total bust. We never made it through one verse or chorus before Tom waved it off in disgust. “Moving on,” he said. Next was “Vive Le Rotary” which went much better.
SUNSHINE REPORTS
Tom Davies noted that his granddaughter was doing well recovering at home after surgery at Children’s Hospital.
ANNOUNCEMENTS/RECOGNITION
Tom Davies started with an announcement about the club’s spring fundraiser. Get your tickets early. There will be heavy demand for them with the other participating groups. The best seating on the lower level will sell out first.
Tom first acknowledged Kevin Kelly as a very important guest. He then noted that “guests and visitors first” is the enshrined rule for the food line. Yet today, Kevin was not first in line but third behind Eric Pierson and Gary Felts. Eric tried to say Kevin was so important to Rotary that he needed a personal food taster. Gary stated he just thought piano players should go first. Both paid fines.
Kevin paid too for the being the most-missed Rotarian. Jeff Furest paid for offending a guest. Larry Moloney agreed that he was offended by Jeff’s bald remark.
Then it was quiz time. Tom said “Today is National Backward Day” (no BS; it really is!) Doc Murphy paid for not knowing who ran the fastest mile backward and how fast (5 min. 54 secs)
Ken Kish paid because John Calhoun, not Spiro Agnew was the first VP to resign. Then Ted DeVantier guessed correctly that Minneapolis was colder today than Anchorage or Sioux Falls. His tablemates paid $1.
PROGRAM
Larry Neal was our speaker today. With the cancellation of our planned off-site meeting, Larry stepped up with a program of his own. He gave an enthusiastic photo presentation of his recent trip to Greece.
He started with a little travel advice. If you are planning a trip, check out the Rick Steves’ travel guides. Larry has found these to be excellent. Also, “go as if you plan to return” meaning don’t try to pack too much into one trip.
Highlights included visiting Athens and the islands of Hydra and Santorini.
They saw the Acropolis, the Parthenon and numerous museums and historical sites.
· Tourism is by far the biggest part of the Greek economy
· Getting around is easy; you drive on the right
· The average Greek citizen eats 60 lbs. of cheese annually, mostly feta.
· There are cats everywhere.
· A Medicane is a Mediterranean hurricane.
Currently the economy of Greece is in dire straits. Tourism is very important to them so it’s a good time to go. Visitors will find the country very welcoming.
Thanks Larry, for a great program.
The 50/50 prize was $20 won by lucky Bill Furest.
February 7
L'Anse Creuse Leader in Me program
February 14
Nicole Gastelewicz, Consumers Energy
Tips for small to medium businesses
February 21
Wesley Berry, West Bloomfield Rotarian and Author
"Big Things Have Small Beginnings"
March 7
Macombers - Offsite meeting at Emerald Theater
Dress rehearsal for fundraiser event!
March 21
Public Works 101
March 28
Kate Mazzara, Adult Services Librarian, CMPL
Michigan 2019 Notable Books
May 3-4
District 6380 Conference 2019 River Queen Boat
May 17 6 p.m.- 11:59 p.m.
Cabaret 'n' Cuisine Fundraiser Emerald Theatre
