Meeting Notes

Luncheon conversation was interrupted pleasantly by President John who, performing double duty, played a beautiful “Rhapsody in Blue” at the piano. When finished, and amidst great applause, he ‘did a Rubio,’ and lunged for the gavel, whacking the bell a good one. Steve Pierce came up for the Inspiration: “That good, close relationships are good for our […]

President-Elect Rosemarie Rowney rang the Rotary bell today, and the packed dining room resounded with a spirited “Star-Spangled Banner.” At its conclusion Past President Karen Kerry advanced to the podium to deliver the Inspiration. And it would be a special one. “”Inspiration often comes to us from a painting,sometimes a song, a pastor, or a […]

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 […]