I had the honor of standing in for President Morris this week and, humbly, feel I totally crushed it!
Thank you to Tuesday's lunch sponsor, President Morris and Talon Grips!
We began with Brett subbing for Joanna Allison, presenting our Commitment of Gathering COVID rules. After the Pledge and 4 Way Test, we welcomed five visitors joining us for lunch!
Marje Tracy's Thought for the day was about empathy:
Learning to stand in somebody else’s shoes to see through their eyes, that’s how peace begins. And it’s up to you to make that happen. Empathy is a quality of character that can change the world.
True empathy requires that you step outside your own emotions to view things entirely from the perspective of the other person.
An empathetic person is a good listener, patient, understanding and kind.
We had several announcements:
- Ian Engle was looking for service-minded Rotarians to help a moving client,
- Ellen thanked our membership for their help in last week's Farmer's Market,
- Ellen shared details about our club's new "Information Cards",
- Jim Moylan invited the membership to participate in the online District Assembly,
- For Filip Boelen, I shared that we were $270 short of the $1500 required to "name" a peak in Britt's ShelterBox 14ers challenge - one of our visitors stepped up to fulfill the shortfall!
Scott Marr followed announcements with special recognition of (now) Honorary club member Steve Hitchcock, who has sold his Steamboat home and is building a new home in Ridgway, CO.
Tuesday's program was presented by a consortium of long-tenured club members, including Scott Marr, Paula Cooper Black, Steve Hitchcock, Ellen Kendall, and Jim Moylan. The group shared information about the humble beginnings of our local Foundation, how it has grown over time, and the good that it has done. Ellen proposed referring to it as the Endowment from now on, as a way of distinguishing our local funds from the Rotary International Foundation. A fine idea, Ellen.
Reach out to Ange Catterson to update your quarterly Endowment contribution.
Two new Jack Black Fellows were recognized, Cruse Holloway and yours truly.
A raucous round of Good News followed, and though we didn't match last week's $533 raised, we did collect a respectable $374, which will fund this year's Scholarship program. Waste Management was once again kind enough to provide background music. Thanks to emcee Jim Moylan and camera operator Steve Sehnert. The club recognized and thanked Marci Valicenti for her important work as the Rotary Cares Committee Chair.
By my estimation, we were joined by about 12 Rotarians on Zoom.
Next Week
Next week' meeting will be at Rex' once again (and on Zoom, too).
Our program next week will be from Karen Schneider, about the 2019/2020 Outbound Exchange student
Lunch will be provided by Susie Wilkinson and Tara Weaver.
Scott Marr and Rex have stepped forward as sponsors for the following meeting.
Other Happenings
Ashley Kane and I will be hosting the August Board Happy Hour on Monday the 24th from 5:00pm-6:30pm at Stehley Park (aka Butcherknife park). BYO beverages, seats, and snacks and join us for some fellowship!
Personal Note from your President-Elect
Thank you for your kindness as I struggled through leading the meeting. Tara Weaver and her constructive criticism were, well, received, as she was kind enough to let me know just how far I have to go before I am ready. I hope you all will join with me welcoming Gillian back next Tuesday. :)
Until next time,
Mark Fitzgerald