Scott Chabot, standing in for Jeff Furest, called the meeting to order promptly at 12:15 p.m. Joe Casasanta led us in the Pledge of Allegiance and the singing of the national anthem. Karan Bates-Gasior helped us recite “The Four-Way Test.” Bob Lee said a heartfelt prayer before we proceeded to dine on pepper steak, rice, and green beans. A piece of cake topped off the meal. A couple of Rotarians, who will remain nameless, created quite the faux pas by rushing to the buffet line ahead of our guests. Somehow they managed not to get fined.
GUESTS & VISITORS Once again Ed Mastry handled the guests and visitors – the widely known motivational speaker Michael Wickett, guest of Louise Rallis, and his sidekick and dear friend John Emerson.
FLOWERS, BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES Ted DeVantier was on flower duty today. He recognized the birthday of the absent but not forgotten Tom Davies and the club anniversary of the long lost Kolby Miller. Ted went on to quickly sell the full load flowers.
MUSIC A loud rendition of “Singing in the Rain” was performed, followed by “Roll Rotary.” Our guests were very impressed!
SUNSHINE, GOODWILL and ANNOUNCEMENTS w Gary Felts asked for prayers for his friend Big Daddy Marshall the Polka King, who just entered hospice care.
w Scott C. brought up the Anchor Bay Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser for the victims of Ukraine. The dinner is on April 19 at Little Camille’s on the Green. Please let Valerie Miller know if you plan to attend.
wScott also spent a few minutes going over the event website, letting us know it was now live, and encouraging us to buy, buy, buy!
RECOGNITION
Larry Neal had recognition duties again this week, this time leaning on Sam Wireman to help decide the proper fine level for the Rotarian miscreants. It turns out Sam is the “baddest” finer in the land:
Bill Furest was chided about asking for a second piece of cake, but he revealed his first piece was stolen by someone at the table. No one fessed up. In fact, Bill’s table mates vehemently objected to his claim of a stolen piece of cake. Alas, they were not believed, and were fined $1 each.
Kathleen Best was pronounced “Best Dressed.” She also picked up on Ken and Ed’s habit of imbibing in wine during lunch, ordering three glasses for herself and friends. Total fine was $3.
Speaking of wine, Larry fined Ed $3 for not buying him a glass of it.
Karan was designated as most missed Rotarian and was nicked for $4.99.
At this point Larry got very aggressive in seeking out those who didn’t have the finer points of Rotary history memorized, asking questions about district numbers, first president, second president, more past presidents, current president, next president, yada yada yada. Louis, Jessie, MaKaya and Ted provided incorrect answers and were fined $1 each. Scott, Kim, and Mary Ann had correct answers.
Unfortunately Mary Ann’s knowledge of presidential history did not save her from Larry’s grasp. She had the misfortune of spending some time in warm climate and had to pay $4.99 for the privilege. Kathleen Best received an additional fine for her spring travel to Florida as well.
Bob Lee was asked a True/False question – is there a Rotary Club of Grand Canyon. He answered truthfully that this is true.
SPEAKER
Our official speaker had to cancel due to the death of a close friend, so our guest and future speaker Michael Wickett stepped right up and filled the void. By the end of the meeting he had us all convinced that we have enormous capacity to be great, given we have 18 million brain cells (maybe a few less for those drinking wine at lunch.) He spoke about the greatest skill of all – asking questions. Michael had us on the edge of our collective seats, and we are looking forward to a full dose of his wisdom when he returns in four weeks.
Scott shared a brief update of grants our foundation will be bestowing to help the community:
w YMCA for a covered outdoor area. Volunteers will be solicited at a later date to help set things up.
w A combined club/district grant to help build the inclusive playground.
w To the Challenger Baseball Program (presented by Marilyn Wittstock at a previous meeting) to build an adult ball field.
50/50
As if it wasn’t enough that he avoided a fine for requesting a second piece of cake, Bill Furest won the 50/50 drawing for $52.
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