Burl 7/21/14
You could tell that things were going to be different this year, the year of President Gregg Gardiner, when what appeared to be secret service agents greeted us at the door. Inside, once you got past the table heaped with 101 Things to Do publications, lapel pins and new rosters, all the dining tables had tablecloths and real napkins. On the podium was the great seal of the President of Eureka Rotary. The food hadn’t changed. Fried Chicken, beef tenderloin, scalloped potatoes, mixed vegetables, salad bar and chocolate cake. Steve Allen was standing at the podium. He said he was Gregg Gardiner’s press secretary and proceeded to announce the arrival of the President and his entourage.
“Hail to the Chief” played over the loudspeakers as Gregg entered flanked by ersatz secret service agents played by Rotaract members. We all stood as “God bless America” played and he tried to get the club to sing along. They were awful. He called on Ken Stodder to lead the pledge, and Lisa Slack then gave the invocation, which was preceded by an Ode To Gregg. It went something like this: “I’m the president of Rotary, and my name has not two g’s but three. When they say “It’s spelled Gregg? You are pulling my legg!” I say that it’s gnus to mee.” Then Gregg was sworn into office by PP Will Kay, who used a copy of Alice in Wonderland in lieu of a bible. President Gregg said that due to a tight budget this year’s roster was privately funded by Greg and Hank Pierson, Glenn Goldan, and Lane Strope. PP Kim Bauriedel then commented that the great seal should say “President of the Rotary Club of Eureka” rather than “President of Eureka Rotary”. PP Pat Folkins concurred and fined Gregg 101 dollars.
Gregg reminded us of the District Governor’s visit on August 4th. Also this coming Friday at The Ingomar Club pool there will be an opportunity for fellowship from 5pm until someone falls in the pool. It counts as a make-up. Keith Crossley brought Kathy Cloney Gardiner and her daughter Kate Dimmick to the podium. Kate was presented with a Paul Harris Fellowship by her stepfather Gregg. Finally Gregg asked everyone who had picked up one of his publications at the entrance table to stand. Those who remained seated had to put $5 on the table. Then it was time for the Spengler Howard Science Fair drawing. It’s different this year. The first winner gets a bottle of wine. The second winner gets to draw from a deck of cards. If he draws the joker he gets the pot. If not $10 is added to the pot.
Our speaker was Superintendent of Eureka City Schools Dr. Fred VanVleck. He talked about the need for funds to renovate facilities. There are 10 school sites in the Eureka District and all are over 50 years old. They have leaky roofs, outdated electrical systems and funky restrooms. He stressed the need for up to date classrooms that can help students prepare for and compete in the competitive job market. He would like to bolster our vocational training: Mechanics, culinary arts, welding and woodworking. A bond measure is being proposed for the November ballot. Measure S will provide funds to improve and update facilities and equipment. Anyone with questions can contact him at vanvleckf@eurekacityschools.org. Gregg closed with a quote from Benjamin Franklin and asked us all to bring a guest to Rotary. The meeting ended on time. Submitted by Hank Ingham
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