The new Rotary year kicked off with a delicious assortment of grilled items and other delectable delicacies, complements of Rotary Grove BBQ Co-Chairs Dave Bennett and Shawn DeLuna, who were ably assisted in their efforts by Dick Bennett, Joy Rudkin, and John Barrett, Jr. at the grill.

 

 

 

Kudos to the ever-helpful Sheila Canzian, who took care of last-minute details, and to the prep and clean-up crews composed of Bruce Bean, Carol Boes, Tom Door, Kitty Lopez, Jeff Lowenstein, Mike Peterson, Steve Way, Sue Winks and everyone else who pitched in to help the festivities run smoothly.

John DeRussy led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance and, in honor of Independence Day, I was honored to provide the year’s first Thought of the Day, quoting two of America’s Founding Fathers.

First up: a remark from Benjamin Franklin:  “The Constitution only guarantees the American people the right to pursue happiness.  You have to catch it yourself.”

And words from Thomas Jefferson that aptly summarize our mission as Rotarians:  “Determine never to be idle….It is wonderful how much may be done if we are always doing.”

Dick Bennett reminded everyone of the Music in the Park Potluck on July 18th back at Central Park’s Chalmers Grove - 5:00 p.m. Potluck; 6:00 Music in the Park. Drop Dick an e-mail at dickwbennett@aol.com and let him know if you’ll be bringing an appetizer, salad, or dessert.  Hot dogs and hamburgers provided.  BYOB.

President Anne led Past-Presidents Margaret Taylor, Bruce Bean, Kitty Lopez, Mike Peterson, and Tony Villanueva in a spirited 4th of July reminiscence, complete with summer treats of watermelon, s’mores, rose, beer, and an Uncle Sam hat which Mike Peterson wore with great aplomb!

 

Everyone then enjoyed a wonderfully delicious BBQ lunch and congenial lunchtime conversation.  Shade was at a premium!