In the Beginning…
Bill Prather began by inquiring about the masks and face guards members have been asked to wear. President Cheree then gaveled our Zoom meeting to order – and again welcomed us to “the best Rotary Club I know.”
She invited Mike Weaver to lead the flag salute, and
Leslie Bouche to give an insightful and heartfelt Invocation:
Let’s pause here – take a moment to turn within… Here we are at the end of another Rotary year – and what an extraordinary year it has been! We have lost people we care about, we have lost the ability to gather in person, but we’ve also made new friends and found new ways to connect.
Global events have forced us to slow down, stay home, face our own vulnerabilities - and also to face our own prejudices and reactivity.
LIFE is asking that we become more adaptable in how we live, and more flexible in how we think – to take greater responsibility for our own thoughts, our own words, and our own actions – to broaden our minds and deepen our ability to love and connect – to truly embody the path of compassion. Is this not the very essence of being a Rotarian? The very soul of Service Above Self?
And so we pray… As we look forward now to our upcoming Rotary year, may we have the strength of character to never avert our eyes – but to see what IS and, when possible, to help – to care deeply. May we be filled with gratitude for each other – for our loved ones – for the air we breathe, our verdant valley, water in the lake! AND may we be grateful for the challenges that help us to grow - as we learn to truly regard the whole of humankind as our family.
Guide us, dear Lord, to know the right actions at the right time, whether small or large, knowing that any little service performed with genuine love is enough. It is the inner joy, it is the love that counts.
Amen
She thanked Tara Saylor and others for their help in making the meeting possible, and began with the following announcements:
Announcements…
- Rotary International’s virtual convention starts tomorrow.
- The District Governor’s Step Down will be next Saturday.
- There will be a hike to celebrate Alan Jacobs and his trail. Hikers will meet at the Rancho Matilija Gate @ 8:00 tomorrow morning. Following the hike, from 11:00 to 1:00, birthday cupcakes and beer will be served at President Cheree’s home.
- Sue Gilbreth was awarded the April Parachute Loader of the Month, and Dierdre Daly was given the June award.
- Deirdre reminded everyone to respond to the Evite for President Cheree’s Demotion.
Peace and Justice…
Mike Weaver, as Chair of our Peace Committee, read the following brief (and timely) statement from Rotary International:
“At Rotary, we have no tolerance for racism. Promoting respect, celebrating diversity, demanding ethical leadership, and working tirelessly to advance peace are central tenets of our work.
“We have more work to do to create more just, open, and welcoming communities for all people.
“We know there are no easy fixes and that challenging conversations and work lie before all of us. Rotary’s strength has long been our ability and commitment to bringing people together. We will tap into that strength now as we stand with those who are working for peace and justice.
“Rotary will do our part to listen, learn and take action to ensure that we continue to contribute to making positive change.”
Fred Clapp Award…
Deirdre presented the Fred Clapp Ethics in Business Award to Heather Stobo and Lisa Casoni, the co-owners of the Porch Gallery.
Fining…
President Cheree extracted a number of confessions… from Don Reed and Tony Thacher for 55th wedding anniversaries, from Bill Prather for his 72nd birthday, from Bob Davis for his grandson’s admission to the University of Washington, and from Bill Weirick for his birthday and his parent’s anniversary.
Program…
Our own renaissance man,
Andy Gilman, brought us up to date on the history and storied accomplishments of the
Agora Foundation and their several programs – including their forthcoming programs on racial history, justice and harmony.
President Cheree recognized Andy’s service to the community by naming him as a much-deserved Paul Harris Fellow.
Closing….This, the last meeting of Cheree's year, take the time to reflect on our challenges, adaptation to a new world, and the wonderful accomplishments of this past year. Cheree, we want to thank you for all that you have done and will do by "Service above Self"
President Cheree concluded the meeting by quoting Dr. Martin Luther King:
“Everybody can be great, anybody can serve.”
