President Valerie Miller called the Mount Clemens Rotary Club to order at 12:15 p.m.
Don Carnaghi led us in the Pledge of Allegiance and Bill Patterson led the club in “The Four-Way Test.” Sarah Lee gave the benediction.
The day's menu featured a sit-down lunch of rolls, tossed salad, chicken Parmesan, roasted potatoes, green beans, and "birthdays" cake slices.
- President Valerie Miller noted that special Rotary-logo stickers are on order as Bill Patterson requested for his luggage for someday in the future when travel resumes.
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- Valerie thanked all of the Rotarians who wore special hats for the big birthday/anniversary/club anniversary celebration for the past four months or so. Balloons were handed out as part of today's special-themed meeting as well.
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- Every club member will be receiving a new baseball hat with the Rotary logo. New T-shirts are also being ordered at $15 apiece. Jeff Furest even brought his as a testimonial as to what a great shirt it is! He also received a special certificate for one year of perfect attendance. Needless to say it feels like President Valerie is getting everyone's wardrobe in shape for future volunteer opportunities!
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GUESTS * CELEBRATIONS * FLOWERS
Scott Chabot welcomed guests Susan Painter, Doug Kaherl (next week's speaker), Gigi, guest of Ed Mastry, Barb Dempsey, and speaker Ross Champion. We spoke the words to our song, "We are Glad to See You Here at Rotary."
Amanda Oparka had a laundry list of names to read for all of the birthdays, wedding anniversaries, and club anniversaries that had been missed during our pandemic hibernation period.
Jeff Furest bought a flower to celebrate his son's birthday (back in March), Ed Mastry (a.k.a. Donald Duck) purchased one for his Mini Mouse, Gigi, Valerie Miller bought one for Tina, Larry Neal bought one for Amanda and then three were sent to the flower compost pile.
There was no singing for you, me or us.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
- Bill Patterson is about to become a grandad! Valerie Miller's granddaughter, Lauren, won two Michigan State golf championships at the age of just 13!
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- Bob Lee's wife passed away. There will be no service. Please keep Bob in your prayers during this difficult time.
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- Don Carnaghi reminded everyone that today was the deadline to turn in unsold 50/50 fundraiser tickets (everyone was given three to sell at $100 each). You may drop them in the mail to Don, but please let him know ASAP!
RECOGNITION
Sarah Lee made the rounds making up for lost time to collect from a variety of Rotarians.
Bill Patterson paid $5 for a grandchild he had not yet seen (s)he has not yet been born.
Ed Mastry paid $4 for the Donald and Mini coordinated hats.
Steve Krankota paid $5 for the turkey hat. Jeff Furest was wearing his wife's monogrammed beach hat, $2. [Sarah, why didn't you shake him down for $5 by threatening to call Angela and let her know what he did??]
Stephanie Mirabile paid $1 for her very elegant hat. Paul Woodring paid $5 for the authentic Russian Cossack he was wearing.
Sarah then quizzed several tables with fun facts about the beneficiaries of the Party of the Century fundraiser to be held August 14, 2021.
SPEAKER PRESENTATION
- ROSS CHAMPION a.k.a. ROSCO THE CLOWN
President Valerie Miller introduced Ross Champion, better known in these parts as Rosco The Clown. He is a lifelong resident of Mount Clemens who started out by getting his degree in landscaping from Michigan State University but then made a sharp detour after taking a clown class at Lansing Community College.
He was surprised to meet a neighbor, Bill Lockwood, who became his clown mentor. Rosco has performed at over 50 festivals around Michigan, countless birthday and other special parties. His fan base grows every year, knowing what it means to "get a free shake."
He provided a brief overview of the types of clowns and their traits. Rosco is an auguste clown with modifications. As always, it was fun to watch Ross transition into Rosco, with his laughter, corny jokes, and outgoing personality lighting up the room and giving everyone a break from the not-so-lovable clowns in the world around us.
The Rotary Board awarded a prize to Steve Krankota for the best hat. In other words, the turkey had the last laugh.
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Barb Dempsey won $27 in the 50/50.
The meeting was adjourned at 1:32½ p.m.
