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President Dick Troncone opened the meeting and introduced Mark Trotter for the Inspirational Moment. Mark quipped that he felt like the priest escorting the condemned man to the execution when presiding over a roast which he defined as “thanking and honoring those we respect and love by humiliating them!”
Former Miss California Melissa Chaty rocked the house, belting out the Star Spangled Banner and putting Steve Hubbard on notice that there may be more than one new sheriff in town. The girl can sing! The incomparable Bert Wahlen took us back to 1911 in San Diego, the year Club 33 was founded. Plans for a zoo were underway, San Diego has a population of 39,500 and housing lots were for sale in “North County” which at that time meant Clairemont, and believe it or not the Sheriff was not Bill Kolender. Bert then brought us up to speed on the news of the day, highlighted by Obama crediting Obama for saving or creating 1 million jobs.
President Dick then introduced the Rotaractors from San Diego State. Newest member Heather Rosing, sponsored by Andy Hewitt, "Law - Litigation Practice, A.A," did a fine job of introducing herself and shared the story of meeting her husband at a Rotaract meeting. A true Rotary family - husband & wife Rotarians.
Ray Uzeta announced the Senior Committee Clothing drive. Salvation Army volunteers will be at next week’s Rotary meeting to collect your items. Keith McKenzie suggested the drive start in Jack Berkman’s closet.
The Chair of the Day was Bob Arnhym who needs no introduction but continues to deny he is BFF’s with Carrie Prejean. Bob gave a bottle of wine, a signed photo of Melissa and absolutely no DVD’s to the Rotarian visiting from the farthest distance-Rancho Bernardo.
The main show of course was the roast of retiring Sheriff Bill Kolender. Bill’s wife Lois was in the crowd as were a huge number of friends, family and folks seeking last minute pardons.
After 53 years of service in law enforcement, it was no surprise that those doing the roasting and toasting read like a Who’s Who of San Diego. Roasting Sheriff Kolender were Dick Green, Bonnie Dumanis, the Coronado Police Chief Lou Scanlon who referred to Bill as the Dick Clark of law enforcement. Bill Landsdowne, Greg Cox, Mayor Jerry Sanders, Carol LeBeau, Bill Gore and finally Pat Crowell took their turns making fun of the Sheriff. See page 8 of the Rotator for a list of all the funny jokes told by the panel.
Bob Arnhym warned us the gloves would come off, but the real testimony to Bill Kolender was that none of them could really bring themselves to do it. It was clear how much love, respect and appreciation each of these folks have for Bill Kolender: as hard as they tried, not a single one could really bring themselves to roast him. A little good-natured ribbing but mostly it was congratulations and admiration – either that or they all knew he still gets to carry his gun in retirement.
Editor of the Day: Craig Nelson
Photography by Paul Nestor
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