SPOKES VOL. LXV NO. 2 July 10, 2018
Jeff Melvin and Glenn Pietenpol were our scheduled greeters this morning.
President Mark Odland opened his first meeting with the “America the Beautiful” and Art Ayers offered our invocation.
Guests:
Prospective member Steve Miles, Eagle Scout Elian Garcia and our speaker Danae Donatello were our guests this morning.
Spotlight:
President Odland asked Elian Garcia and Art Ayers to recreate the ceremony in which Elian thanked Art for being his mentor during his Eagle Scout year and Art read the thank you plaque he was presented at the ceremony. President Odland also thanked Art for his work and reminded us all that that was a perfect example of Rotarians giving to the community.
Music:
There was more discussion of our music and the possibility of added some new songs to our repertoire. Kanye West’s name was brought up. Bob Boerma, our song leader today will continue to investigate possibilities. There is much history in our current song list; especially the role of “Dottie” and a future issue of Spokes will detail that part of our musical history. Today’s songs included the melancholy “Me and My Shadow” and the much more upbeat “Side by Side” and we finished with “Sing Rotarians”. The quality of our singing seems exceptional lately!
Announcements:.
- Our District Governor’s annual visit will be August 7th.
- Don Hixson, who is recovering successfully from surgery, needs help distributing posters about the car show at the Blueberry Festival pancake breakfast. See President Mark if you can help.
- Special thanks to all of the folks who volunteered and worked at the parade last week. Another job well done!
- Bob Stickland repeated that We Care still needs drivers for their programs that helps folks get to important appointments when they don’t have transportation. It is not a high demand situation for volunteers but is critical for We Care clients. Contact Bob or We Care if you can help.
- We received a very nice thank you from our Citizens of the year, John and Sue Gillette.
- It was announced that the performance series presentation of Ikuro Nakamichi has been moved from August 4th to the next night, August 5th.
50/50
Tom Ruesink resumed his duties as Sargent-at-Arms this week and President Mark Odland took advantage of his position to hold the lucky ticket. However he failed to draw the 2 of the 4 and returned to the podium empty handed. Larry Wittkop had the $2 winner.
Fines:
- Larry Wittkop celebrated daughter Susan’s birthday and his 54th anniversary to the lovely Barb.
- Larry Lewis also celebrated a birthday this week.
- Steve Miles also joined the birthday bash this week.
- Deb Davidson spent last week in Indiana with her whole family celebrating her father’s 80th birthday.
- We sang a more traditional birthday/anniversary song this week, much to the relief of our guests.
- Bob Copping had an interesting birthday story even as we were anticipating another segment in the story of the bell ringers of Notre Dame.
- Tom Renner also thanked the parade workers.
- Paul Hemmeter thanked Gail and Bob Brickman for their continued work on our directory. By acclamation the club asked them to continue this project as it is well appreciated.
- Dan Thompson was pleased to have all three of their kids and families visiting last week.
- Art Ayers celebrated a visit from his son, daughter and grandkids.
Paul Hemmeter introduced our speaker this morning, Director of Volunteer Services for the Sr. PGA Championship, Danae Donatello.
Danae began by thanking us for marshalling hole #2 and our work over the past four championships.She said that it takes 1700 volunteers to run the event and about 500 of those volunteers have worked all four of the Harbor Shores tournaments.Volunteers range in age from 14 to 91 and come from28 states and 2 countries and log 35,000 hours of work.
She outlined the improvements made in 2018, including a new main entrance, stage area and video screen.Also added were a community showcase that featured local art and even a wine tasting experience.
Jean Klock Park was the site of a Kids Zone area that, in conjunction with the YMCA provided a variety of activities for kids during the tournament.
Also a big hit was the Miller Lite Pavilion near the 11th hole.
The volunteer appreciation party was moved to earlier in the week and the volunteer hospitality experience at M-Tec was significantly improved and included a terrific breakfast opportunity.
Donae went on to talk about the 2020 planning already taking place.Corporate hospitality and sponsorships are being locked in and volunteer recruitment is ongoing.Sign up for volunteering will begin next spring.They are always looking for ways to grow and improve the tournament which continues to draw positive comments from players, television commentators and spectators.
Paul and Mark thanked Danea for her informative presentation and wished her luck for future events.
We closed our meeting with the Four Way Test.
Next week’s program: Bob Brickman: My Rotary Story & Special Paul Harris presentation.
Next week’s Greeters: Jerry Portman and Paul Hemmeter
Editarian: Dene Hadden