The principal duty of the Sergeant-at-Arms Committee is to roast the Club’s outgoing President at the “Changing-of-the-Guard” Ceremony. In most years, this Ceremony constitutes the full program during the last meeting in the month of June. Although there is no set format, the program typically involves four “roasters” who are asked to prepare five minutes each.
The Committee should endeavor to be humorous and entertaining, without being offensive. In order to provide the President with an opportunity to respond to the roasters, pass the gavel to the new President, and make farewell remarks, the Committee’s program should last no more than 25 minutes (i.e., from 1:00 p.m. until no later than 1:25 p.m.). This also allows time for the new incoming President to thank the out-going President and present him/her with the past President’s pin.
If any audio-visual equipment will be necessary in connection with the program, the Chairman should notify the Club Administrator in advance so that appropriate arrangements can be made. In addition to roasting the outgoing President, the Sergeant-at-Arms Committee is sometimes called upon by the President to provide other humorous entertainment for the members during the year. For example, some presidents have asked the Committee to tell jokes, stage a simulated coup or introduce a fake “student guest”.
Richard Gleason will be 90 years old July 8, 2015. A Celebration will be held Friday, June 26th, 2015, from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Eagles Hall, 4700 North Grand River, Lansing. Those of us wishing to extend birthday greetings to Dick are invited to share in the celebration.
Dick joined Rotary April 9th, 1976 as the Police Chief, Claud Erickson was his sponsor.
In anticipation of the agenda of today’s meeting our strolling pianist maestro JD Smith’s choice was “three coins in a fountain” which would prove to be an understatement, more later. His parting gone-hammer in hand President John Pence brought us to our feet as Julie Pingston’s invocation, penned by a Rotarian as a homage to humility, set the tone for the remainder of the meeting. Future President Lisa Smith carried the vocal beacon to visiting guests and future Rotarians. Pat Munshaw pronounced the club healthy if you didn’t count Tobi Lyon-Moore being run over by a motorcycle which, thankfully, doesn’t appear to be serious if you aren’t her collarbone.
Announcements:
New member orientation, Wednesday, June 24th at the Greater Lansing Convention Center 3;00 to 5:00 PM.
The cost of Lunch will be going up $2.00 per in July bringing the quarterly bill to $260.
District Governor Briscoe’s instillation in Kalamazoo, June 25, 2015. Interested? See Cathy
Mark Hooper’s twin granddaughters qualitied him for two silver spoons, reviving a tradition your scribe thought forgotten.
Special music from a Rotary regular performer, D.J. Shafer included a Glen Campbell favorite “Gentile on my mind” sung in GC style, and “I’ve got the world on a string” sung, you would have sworn, by Frank Sinatra himself accompanied by the maestro. It was ear candy for us all.
Foundation President, outgoing, Julie Pingston started the ball rolling introducing the incoming President Michelle Reynaert and new directors; Melanie Dart, Jim Dixon, Kurt Hanus and Sam Tucker and then turning the meeting over to Treasurer Jessica Starks. We were told we have $298 K current funds and $1400 K in the endowment allowing $52 K to be distributed (Granted). Board members Scott Watkins allowed as how 17% of applicants were chosen this year the lion’s share, $35 K, going to ITEC and Nick Heriford told of the $15 K being granted internationally. Matthew Anderson the student guest specialist introduced a new grant. This to the students themselves to the tune of $2.5 K each. Michelle Reynaert is looking forward to future grants of at least $35 K whereupon Sue Mills thanked us for 86% participation in the three giving opportunities; Xmas, Birthdays, and Paul Harris day. Craig Galecka charged with helping us forget our last round, thanked the sponsors responsible for 2/3 of the revenue of the golf outing. This year we’ll be decorating Timber Ridge with our lost balls. Finally Dave Trumpie put a good face on the 51% participation in the Paul Harris day giving.
NEXT WEEK; SERGEANT @ ARMS COMMITTEE says goodbye to President Pence in their inimitable fashion. Don’t miss it, see you at the Lansing Center. It’s been a great year.
Richard Gleason will be 90 years old July 8, 2015. A Celebration will be held Friday, June 26th, 2015, from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Eagles Hall, 4700 North Grand River, Lansing. Those of us wishing to extend birthday greetings to Dick are invited to share in the celebration.