FINAL EDITION
It just does not seem possible. An entire year has passed since I published my first journal in Spoke on June 27, 2012. My stated intention at that time was to have this journal appear "fairly often" in Spoke. As I now review the year, I have not missed a week. This form of communication with you has been a wonderful experience for me. It has caused me to constantly think about what's going on in the club and to remember to mention those that deserve attention for their generous deeds of time and treasure. Writing this every week was intended to convey that even though you may not attend a meeting or function, you were included in the happenings of the club. So whether you missed a meeting or two or every one of them, I hope that you found value in reading about what your fellow Rotarians were up to and felt a sense of belonging. I wanted each of you to know that you were missed, but not left out.
=============
My last meeting as President was totally awesome. I had the time of my life being the "Phantom of the Rotary" and want to thank all in attendance for putting up with this final antic of my year. I also need to thank Beth Cross-Wilhelm for being my voice coach, Tom Parrish for lending me the cape from Geva, and my wife, Sandy for listening to me practice the song 100 times to remember the words while trying, often in vain, to hit the notes.
And how about a round of applause for the Bow Tie Brigade! What a wonderful sight it was to look out over all those Bow Ties! You looked MahVelous Dahlings!
Past President Linda O'Neil did a terrific job of "honoring" me and my memories of the day will last forever. What a great time we had didn't we? Framing the shreds of a shirt I ripped off at the Sabres program was amazing but then . . .Red women's shoes that actually fit me? What a riot! You had to be there to understand the meaning - way too complicated to explain here. Thanks Linda! You did a lot of work to make my final meeting a fun filled event and I truly appreciate it. Very well done!
=============
Just prior to the luncheon meeting, we gathered by the Rotary Centennial Clock to dedicate the stunning bronze and granite plaque honoring those who contributed directly to funding the clock, and to all those Rotarians whose Service Above Self will represent forever that community service by Rotarians is timeless. Special thanks and honors are due to Past President Linda O'Neil, our Centennial President who mobilized the project, to Tim O'Neil, Chair of our Charitable Trust Board who spearheaded the fund raising, and to Past President Joe Floreano who made all the arrangements for the donation and the installation of the Clock and the Plaque. This Clock is a lasting tribute to the commitment we have as Rochester Rotarians to our community.
=============
Judge Johnny's Fines and Recognition Report:
As I transition from Presiding on the Bench to simply Sitting on the bench, I couldn't help but to levy a couple of Final Fines.
- Alan Vitberg volunteered four, that's right 4 $25 fines recognizing the following: 1. The birth of his first grandchild, Pearl Scipione. 2. His June 21st birthday and his newfound right to now attend the NYS Fair for free. 3. Rolling off as co-chair of the B2B Committee. And 4. Just a bit of generosity to round up the amount to $100. Thanks Alan!
- While presiding over Judge Johnny's Court for the final session, it occurred to me that I had not fined President Elect Bob Attardo for any personal transgressions all year! So, even though he has the perfect excuse for missing my last meeting (he's at the RI convention in Lisbon) the fact is that he missed the meeting. Pony Up Bob! $25 will go to Rotary International to support your loyalty!
=============
My final words of wisdom:
Make a ONE DEGREE difference pledge every year to benefit Rochester Rotary.
Growing our Membership is mission critical so "go forth and multiply".
Wear your Rotary Pin as a sign to all, that you Give More Than You Take!
It has been an honor and a privilege to serve you,
John
