With a little help from his friends, President Wells rang in the new Rotary year. With a good crowd on hand the new Rotary year began with a little ribbing. As the meeting got underway President Wells was anxious to get started. He had arrived early and had things ready to go. With a couple of perspective new members in attendance and 24 members, our attendance for the first meeting of the year was equal or greater to all but 5 meetings last year.
Fresh off of Charter Night President Wells called the meeting to order. He was reminded by several in the crowd to “ring the bell”. After ringing the bell the new year began. We said the Pledge to the Flag, Darrell Mount lead us in prayer, and then President Wells asked us to be seated before Steve Shute quickly told us to remain standing and joked that John had made mistake number one of his presidency. We all sang “You’re a Grand Old Flag” and were then seated.
The fellowship and happy bucks, as always, were one of the highlights of the meeting. We also had two prospective club members in attendance. New Glenwood Springs City Manager, and Rotarian, Beverli Marshall stated her desire to transfer her membership to our club. John Haines reminded us that Beverly would be the second city manager to be a member. Also in attendance and expressing his desire for membership was Noel Bismarck. Noel, originally from Zimbabwe, is now the owner of two businesses in downtown Glenwood Springs. Noel and his family operate the Dancing Bear and the Toy Store, both downtown on Grand Avenue. The new district governor has made membership growth one of his goals; two new members would get us off to a great start.
During happy bucks, secretary, Adams congratulated all members in attendance on having perfect attendance this year. With one meeting down and a bunch more to go, who can guess the day the perfect attendance string will be broken for everyone? Currently, we have 24 people in the running. Membership Chair, Deb Wilde, has plans for membership initiatives in the upcoming year and I am sure she will have a great prize for the winner. Keep in mind there are 24 people who can control their own guess.
Our speaker for the meeting was Rachael Windh. Rachel is a long time resident of Glenwood Springs and spoke to us about bucket lists, goals, and dreams. Rachel shared her story of goals and dreams and told us she was now on her second bucket list.
In addition to guessing the date, or if, perfect attendance will be broken by everyone, I am also open to song ideas for each meeting. Steve Shute does a wonderful job of leading us; and often carrying us. That said, song ideas are always welcome from everyone except Steve Reynolds. Actually Steve, I will take ideas, but will just have to scrutinize.
The first meeting of the year is in the books. It was great to see so many in attendance. Don’t forget, our meeting in two weeks, July 21, will be at Two Rivers Park at the playground pavilion. Did you know our club was instrumental in the development of Two Rivers Park?
Congratulations to Pat Peel on the lucky blue ticket and to President Wells on the start of the new Rotary Year.