ROTARY RAMBLINGS 7-8-08

[Ellie Lowery]

Ramblin's by Ellie
Finale 

  _____  

ROTARY RAMBLINGS

ROTARY CLUB OF DELRAY BEACH

 

July 8, 2008

 

Today was a very special day at Rotary Club of Delray Beach.  Our new
officers and board of directors were installed for 2008-09.

 

Gerry Meeks did a mighty fine job welcoming all, and leading the salute to
our American Flag.  He also led us acappella in My Country 'Tis of Thee,
since Bruce Williams was AWOL; guess he couldn't face the music!  (Actually,
Bruce and Joan are on vacation.)  Jim Pignato gave a beautiful invocation.

 

We had one visitor from Oberhausen, Germany who presented us with his Rotary
banner.  We also had the "Bahamas Boy" Jeff Dennis, who landed just in time
for the meeting.  In attendance today were three proud spouses: Denise
Godfrey, Peggy Bates and Mike Owen.

 

Gerry Meeks presented our District Governor for 2007-08, Immediate Past
Governor Phil Lustig, who presented our club with the Home Club District
6930 District Governor Banner.  We will qualify for it for two years!  (Is
Leo next?)

 

Then, District Governor for 2008-09, Betsy Owen, was presented.  Betsy's
husband Mike had a special surprise gift for her, her third "Paul Harris
Award."  She, in turn, called Bill Adams to the podium, and presented him
with wonderful surprise checks for our "Polio Plus" Project.  She gave him a
check for $10,000.00 from Betsy and Mike Owen.  She also presented a check
from Dr. Chas. Edward, (Dr. Virgin is Betsy's brother) and wife, Dr. Connie
Virgin, for $5,000.00 for Polio Plus.  The third check was from Dr. Herbert
W. Virgin, IV, for $1,500.00. (Betsy's deceased brother's son). The fourth
check was from Cindy Booth, for $200.00 (a close friend of Betsy, from D.
C.)  

 

The "Polio Plus" Project is very near and dear to this family.  Betsy
surprised many of us by relating that she and her siblings are victims of
Polio.  We can now understand why this courageous person spends so much time
on such a worthwhile project.  Betsy, my hat is off to you and your family.


 

Gerry Meeks gave recognition of Past Presidents of this club, which now
includes Kurt Godfrey.  Those in attendance today were Jim Pignato (2x's),
Ernest Simon, Tony Allerton, Gerry Meeks, Nancy Owens, David O'Connell, Bill
Adams and David Armstrong.

 

Immediate Past President Kurt Godfrey gave recognition to all his officers
and board of directors, thanking each one for his/her service during his
tenure.  

Ernie Simon gave charge and Installation of Officers and Board of Directors.
District Governor Betsy Owen installed President Steve Bates.

 

 President Steve Bates presented plaque and pin to 2007-08 President Kurt
Godfrey.  Kurt, in turn presented pin and gavel to 2008-09 President Steve
Bates.  

 

We thank Kurt Godfrey for a wonderful "Rotary Year."  We are now looking
forward to having Steve Bates "in charge of the gavel."  Steve, you are a
true Rotarian; we are all proud of having you as our leader.

 

 

Dear Friends and Fellow Rotarians:

 

The time has come for me to say goodbye to Rotary Club of Delray Beach and
the many friends I have made through the years I have lived, loved and
danced in Delray Beach.  I will be moving to Mt. Dora, FL at the end of this
month.  My son thinks it is time for me to be near him and his family, to
watch my only grandchild grow up.  She is now ten, and growing up quickly.
He has bought me a beautiful villa, overlooking Lake Dora.   I have made
this decision with very mixed emotions.  Part of my heart will always be
with you, my friends, in Delray Beach.  I must keep my priorities in order:
God, Family, Friends (and the dance floor). Always remember and practice the
Four Way Test.  

 

I will keep in touch; please do the same.  

 

Your Fellow Rotarian,

Ellie Lowery

 

 

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