Meeting Notes

The anthems began with “God Bless America” and ended with “O Canada.” Joan Knoertzer’s virtuosity was decidedly on tap as the latter song was a spontaneous request from President John, a result of his remembering our contingent of Canadian brass — District Governor Barry Fraser and his wife, Carolyn. The Frasers, along with past Assistant […]

Photos by Fred Beutler A SPECIAL DAY Inaugurating its two-year sojourn at Weber’s Restaurant and Hotel while the Michigan Union undergoes its renovation, the Rotary Club of Ann Arbor was called to order by President John’s familiar ringing of the bell. That bell, symbol of our club, was the subject of a memorable celebration last […]

Notes by Ed Hoffman; Photos by Fred Beutler Transitions – The Rotary bell was rung. Everyone stood as voices rose to meet the perennial challenge of “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Indeed, it was done with gusto, if it’s all right to revive a somewhat loathsome word born of the Brut cologne era. Inspiration: Doug Moffat came […]

Notes by Ed Hoffman; Photos by Fred Beutler Joanie Knoertzer provided a wonderful piano prelude to the luncheon meeting as President John hovered nearby, with truncated tie, swaying to the music. Suddenly he grasped the gavel and gave the bell a hearty whack. Your reporter made a special note of watching the bell-ringing this meeting: […]

Notes by Ed Hoffman; Photos by Fred Beutler President John struck the Rotary bell a good one, and a full Anderson Room rose to sing the national anthem with real gravitas. Joan Knoertzer set the pace beautifully, making Rotary’s little upright sound like an orchestra. Rosemarie Rowney came to the podium and delivered a truly […]

Notes by Ed Hoffman; Photos by Fred Beutler Maestro Tom Strode treated the assembly to a lovely prelude, until President John struck the Rotary bell. Over a hundred Rotarians, Rotaractors, and guests launched into a beautiful rendition of our national anthem. Aaron Boylan then walked the few steps to the podium to deliver the day’s […]

President John clanged the Rotary Bell and everybody stood to belt out The Star-Spangled Banner to Tom Strode’s accompaniment. It sounded great. So did Past President Beth Fitzsimmons’ Inspiration: “[Historian] Bruce Catton is best known for his many books on the Civil War, but he loved Benzie County. He writes of Frankfort, Michigan: “How could […]

President John rang the bell, and after belting out a Rotary rendition of “God Bless America,” Eric Lipson provided the day’s inspiration. He asked, “What inspires me?” and answered, “The people in this room inspire me, Rotary inspires me, both words and deeds can be inspirational, acts of courage and bravery and decency. And, yes […]

The real opening of the luncheon meeting occurred during the piano prelude – President John killed it. Your reporter can’t cite the music performed, only say that it was a beautiful, continuous ‘wall of sound’; the Rotary equivalent of the B-side of Abbey Road. Then, jumping from bench to podium in a second, John announced, […]

Harpoon Notes for March 7, 2018 By Ed Hoffman, photos by Fred Beutler President John struck the Rotary bell gently as Deanna’s superb piano prelude luffed in our consciousness like regatta pennants at sunset. All rose to sing a full-throated “My Country, Tis of Thee” with a gravitas worthy of our speaker and her subject. […]