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Rotarian Valentines marched two by two into the Sheraton West to celebrate a day together and time with friends. The color red was the favorite and the chocolate truffles, presented so beautifully by Claudia Johnson’s Great Exclamations, were met with smiles. President Dick Troncone opened the festivities by wisely recognizing his wife of 35 years, Stephanie, as well as his interim and temporary #2 wife, Pauline Hill. The “wives’ were sitting together amiably. Richard Kwiatkowski inspired us with a “once in a lifetime you find someone special” Valentine’s Day poem. The amazing Shelly Brockett led us in our National Anthem accompanied by Larry Showley, and then continued the musical moment by singing “Let Me Call You Sweetheart.” Bert Wahlen regaled us with moments past in our club history and also brought us the news of today.
Rotarian of the Quarter, Craig Blower, known as an energetic worker and sometimes Elf, came to the podium to receive his award for exemplary actions. Craig has been instrumental in so many important events in our club and gives generously of his time and many talents. Congrats, Craig…you are the man! Tom Karlo will find his wallet lightened by $250 in abstentia as that is the price one pays for giving your announcement duties to the President. Pres Dick managed to get all the details out for the upcoming Grotarian event. April Langwell encouraged all to show up for the March 6th Rotary Walk at Mission Bay. Starbucks shows up to fuel the energy needed. It is a great way to start a weekend with lots of laughter and good fellowship. (It will also help re-engage your New Year’s resolution to find your pedometers). Tom Gehring reported that April 24th will find Rotarians at Work….somewhere. Please submit your project ideas via the RAW link on our website so they can be scheduled.
A glowing Marlee J Ehrenfeld came to the podium as Chair of the Day and gave praise to her Sweetheart’s Day program committee. She introduced our brilliant Club 33 poet-in-residence, Natasha Josefowitz, who shared her words of wisdom. No one can get to the essence of life and relationships better. Through the gift of words, she cleverly, humorously and insightfully reminded us that our priorities should be each other. Love does not always wait for our rushed lives to quiet.
Ward Gill proudly touted his San Diego Symphony and its upcoming Centennial year’s scheduled performances. He introduced two highly talented and professional women musicians, a violinist and a bassist, who held our attention with wonderfully melodic and liltingly clear rhapsodies. Today’s musical program was superb in every way. They ended their performance with jazz numbers including a haunting ‘Summertime.” It was an elegant event and worthy of applause not only to the performers but also the Rotarians that worked hard to make this program so special.
Editor of the Day: Geri Ann Warnke
Photography by Paul Nestor
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