Well, last week was the most fun meeting yet and mostly
at my expense. So I mixed up Fred Heuser and Larry
Undercoffer (they are both clowns, due to my recent increased
sensitivity, I am forgoing the obvious comments about their height challanges)
and Jeff Wenzel and Eric Trygg (sorry,
Eric --I just thought you would look better in a pony-tail).
Anyway, we are committed to the idea that Rotary meetings
should be fun, even at the President's expense. However, I set the protocol
during this reign concerning the bell. The bell is fair game between
the time it is rung to start the meeting and when it is rung to end
the meeting. I expect to pay a hefty ransom for kidnappings taking place
during that interval. Any other theft will be dealt with according to
my mood. I thought PDG Bob Kings lived up to my expectations
and gave us an inspiring talk on why we should be proud to be Rotarians,
even as he entered into the fun of making disparaging remarks about
yours truly.
Now, for more serious stuff. It is not too early to
start thinking about your contribution to The Rotary Foundation.
Last year, we had an exceptional year, thanks to all the donations for
"On to Uganda". I think we can do as well this year. Already,
several members have already pledged a $1,000 annual gift to become
members of the Paul Harris Society. I know that a number of you plan
to complete your first, second or even third PH this year. Everyone
in Rotary should make an effort to at least support the foundation as
a sustaining member for $100. Just make out your checks to "TRF"
and give them to either Shirl Mendonca or myself. She
will complete the paperwork and make sure it gets to RI and credited
to your account. I just counted my " spare change" again this
year ... and will turn in $260 this Thursday. This is a very simple
way to accumulate recognition as a Paul Harris Fellow. Remember 50%
of the funds we donate come back to our district and are used to fund
Ambasadorial Scholars, G.S.E. teams, and matching grants for our local
as well as international projects. The balance of the funds are used
to provide money to such projects as our own " On to Uganda"
effort. Remember, Shirl needs to send your Check to RI in early October
for you to receive your recognition at the Foundation Dinner
on November 2. Our District Governor, Dave
Bianchi, will be with us on September 22,
and we would like to make sure that our club will make the $250 average
goal we set this year. Also, we already have a full table at the RI
President's Dinner on September 24, but we
can always start a second one.
Our Board Meeting will at John Woodford's
office at 5:30 on Monday, September 12. They will be
selecting the Member of the Month for August, and I
am sure the board members would welcome any suggestions. Also , it is
that time of the year for our District Governor to make the Quiet
Rotarian Award to some hardworking member of our club. I am
checking the Manual of Procedures to see if I can veto members who have
been mouthing off during the meetings. Again, this person will be selected
by the board (perhaps over my objections). All members are encouraged
to attend. You will see that your board has no respect for the crown
as well. I am lucky that my strong ego ignores these attacks on my sovereign
rule.
His Exalted Highness, the Great Doctor Bwana, the First.
- fultzee