Traditions are important to organizations like our Rotary club. They can maintain understood decorum, they can provide continuity of purpose, and they can also nourish fun.
They can be subtle, or significant.
Sometimes major events, such as the pandemic, can interrupt such traditions.
Recently one tradition was revived when Membership Chair Paul Klose revived having Greeters at our meetings. This had always been a great way to welcome members and guests. Another under the subtle category was ridding of the clapping during the Welcome Song and bringing back the tapping of the glasses.
Here are three traditions that seemed to have gotten lost over the last few years and we want to bring them back!
1) When going around the room celebrating our club’s fellowship after the Welcome Song, make sure to give a big welcome to the speaker, and if you know you must leave the meeting early, let them know so they don’t get the wrong idea why you are leaving in the middle of their presentation.
2) This next one is actually what prompted this column’s topic.
When guests are introduced, if a specific guest is considered a prospective member, they are introduced as a “Special Guest.” This lets everyone know about our probable future inductee and fellow member. In last week’s meeting the term was used and I realized that it wasn’t understood by a few of the newer members.
3) And this one is definitely under the “fun” category. I’ve worked on it a couple of times this year, and want to make sure it catches on with every member. That is, when a speaker asks a question such as, Did any one here ever travel to Africa, or, is anyone in the room a licensed pilot, or is anyone here an alumni of Harvard University, we want everyone, without hesitation, to shoot up their hand with great enthusiasm! It was always a great gag that made it fun for everyone.
So let’s celebrate our meetings with old traditions, and along the way, create new ones.
Resignation
We are saddened to announce the resignation from our club, Past President Eileen Hupp effective August 31.
Eileen asked the following to be shared.
“Eileen has a serious health condition. She greatly appreciates your kind thoughts and prayers. You are welcome to contact her of course but please understand if she is not able to reply. Eileenhupp@gmail.com. 310-717-4334 cell. 3 Lago Norte, Irvine CA 92612. She misses you all!”
Second and final announcement for new prospective member.
Patrick Stednitz has been voted as approved for publication as a prospective member. Barring any concerns brought up by membership, Patrick will be inducted in 7 days at our WNL at the Portuguese Bend Beach Club.
