Mega-Thanks to President Dick for a Terrific Rotary Year!!!
As he prepares to ride off into the sunset, San Mateo Rotarians want to thank President Dick for a truly stellar presidential year. It's been quite busy, including the challenge of shifting our meeting dates from the traditional Thursday luncheon to Tuesday because of Par Three scheduling issues. President Dick handled the transition with great aplomb. Thanks to his leadership and good humor, we're now used to Rotary Tuesdays (sort of)!
President Dick presided over a successful Classic & Custom Car Show in September and then moved on to an exuberant Fun Run at the end of October. In April the Scholarship Club hit its fund raising goal out of the ballpark, raising over $60,000 which when combined with other funds raised meant our Club was able to award $100,000 in scholarships. Happy scholarship recipients and their families joined us at the annual Scholarship Luncheon in May.
2022-23 was also a banner year for new members. President Dick made increasing our membership a top priority. Together with the Membership Committee, President Dick launched a spirited membership drive, including a well-attended wine & cheese event at the brand-new Skyway Center. He brought back 2 Truths & a Lie as a way for new members to introduce themselves & a good time was had by Rotarians as they tried to guess the Lie! President Dick's welcoming spirit set a great tone for helping new members feel a part of the Club.
For a few more highlights from President Dick's year, see the pictures below.
Be sure to let him know how much you have appreciated his leadership over the past year as he prepares to assume the mantle of Past President Dick!
The Debunking awaits!
President Dick kicked off the new Rotary year at the annual BBQ in Jim Chalmers Grove at Central Park. Alan Talansky even brought his dog who thoroughly enjoyed the picnic table shade. A good time was had by canines and humans alike!
Convening his first official meeting, President Dick had all the requisite Rotary swag - Name Tag, Gavel, Rotary Bell, and Banner with the year's theme of Imagine Rotary. Ah, the trappings of power & authority!
A new touch this year was the Welcome
New Members sign President Dick displayed prominently at every meeting, featuring photos of our newest members. A great way to put faces & names together!
Presenting bottles of President Dick's Signature Red happened frequently. Here President Dick warmly welcomes New Member Liam Friel whose smile indicates he's looking forward to enjoying a glass!
100 years? Can it really be true? Yes, indeed, the Rotary Club of San Mateo will turn 100 in January 2024. Mitch Postel graciously assumed leadership of the Centennial Committee. Plans are underway for a great celebration!
What's a Club President without the stalwart support of his Sergeants At Arms? Many thanks to Chris Eckert and Ross Moilan for efficiently passing the microphone and tallying fines & President's Club fees. Quite a dapper crew!
One of the more memorable meetings of President Dick's year was the presentation by Dr. Rachel Curtis-Robles who brought a cloud of mosquitoes to Par Three. This group doesn't look so sure about engaging with them, but Claudia Ferguson showed admirable poise as she took the mosquitoes from table to table! Definitely a Thursday to remember!
Thanks to the hard work of the Scholarship Club Committee and the generosity of San Mateo Rotarians, we raised over $60,000 for scholarships during April. A May 2nd celebration provided an exuberant moment for a toast as everyone lifted glasses of bubbly to celebrate all the dollars raised for scholarships which were promptly awarded at May's Scholarship Luncheon.
As President Dick wraps up his year, he's about to discover what Shawn DeLuna refers to as the best job in Rotary. What might that be? Past President! Looks as though Past President Rod is providing Almost Past President Dick with a few pointers for his new role! We tip our hats to you for a great Rotary year, President Dick! Many thanks from the entire Club!
