Bill is shown turning over the gavel to our first woman president Dee Menzies
Bill is shown turning over the gavel to our first woman president Dee Menzies
The 81st
Dethroning Party of the Rotary Club of Santa Monica will long be remembered for
the wonderful sounds of music, spontaneous laughter and fresh flowers for the
honorees and ladies. Incredible party planner President-Elect Lionel Ruhman
recalled how much he had enjoyed the skills of guitarist Michael Cladis, pianist
Joseph Von Geczy and The Ace of Harps, a harmonica trio led by David McKelvy, so
he asked them to perform. They entertained a roomful of appreciative guests at
the Riviera Country Club on June 27 when everyone came to watch Bill
Crookston turn the "big" gavel over to incoming president, Dee
Menzies. As this Rotary Club's first woman president (It's about time!),
she'll put a different academic spin on fines, hopefully not sending offenders
to sit in the corner.
The bountiful
buffet line at the Riviera provided another chance for members and guests, who
numbered close to 170, to chat with each other. The food was superb, as usual,
and the desserts, tempting.
The evening's
program ran smoothly, thanks to the timing and wit of the personable Master of
Ceremonies Paul Gaulke. (He's not giving up his day job yet, but word has
it there have been offers.) Bill presented awards to many hard working members
(see below) and, as the present
Board of Directors came to bid adieu, Dee's new Board was installed with her.
Under Lionel's inspiration, his dethroning committee met before the event to plan the special evening. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed working with him. His kindness, graciousness and delicious lunches inspired the group to be especially cooperative and creative. Members included Linda Gray, Elza Ruhman, Susan Dawson, Paul Gaulke, Diane Margolin, Kai-Li and Hal Quigley and Bill Fritzsche. Now everyone is anticipating another fun-filled year with new accomplishments and activities.
....Starr E. Knight
One of our
traditions is for the outgoing president to give recognition to those
special Rotarians who helped make it a great year.
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Service Awards: |
Larry Maher, Webmaster - Outstanding creation and maintenance of our website.
Carol Jackson, Pianist - Outstanding service without a complaint (also a thank you to Karen Baker).
Phil Tirone, Songleader, Maestro and Mister Enthusiasm (also a thank you to John Miller, Clyde Smith and Herb Roney).
Norma Barnes, Kristina Andresen, Shirley Dowling and Susan Dawson - Outstanding literacy team and projects.
Karim Jaude, Chairman of the International Food Festival - Outstanding new project of the year (also a thank you to his hard working committee members).
Marvin Levin, Chairman of the R. I. Foundation - Outstanding fund raising.
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President's Award - In special recognition of his dedicated service - Jon Kemp. |
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President's Award (a new award named for R. James Cayton) - In recognition of his dedicated and thoughtful service, outstanding programs & great support - Dave Rimer. |
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The Herbert A. Spurgin Award - |
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The Austin-Jennings Award - |
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The Joseph C. Gilbert Award - In recognition as the outstanding Rotarian for the year - Tom Loo. |
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Behind every good man -- In front of every good man are six able women. The party workers extraordinaire include Linda Gray, Monika White, Elza Ruhman, Barbara Hopper, Kai-Li Quigley and Diane Margolin. Blair Brandenburg was standing-in to give a bit of flair to the group. |
| Bill's wife Kathy tells us that she will especially miss all of those first Lady duties and is sad about all the free time that she will now have on her hands. |
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Paul Harris Fellow and Past President (PP) Bill Hunt shown with his guest, Mary Bryan. Bill told us that the dethroning party was a nice way to celebrate his birthday. |
| What a year our new president Dee Menzies has planned. New member Bettina Duval is all smiles and can't wait for the new year to start. |
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Gerry Smallwood is shown receiving his name tag from his wife Donna just after arriving. |
| Our camera crew finally caught up with our own "trophy lady'' Lorraine Jossell shown starting left. Next to Lorraine is Dee Menzies, June Bohn and Margaret Wilson. |
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Shown starting left is Rosemary Smith, Margaret Wilson, Clyde Smith, and June Bohn. This year Clyde made his singing debut by joining our song committee. Clyde will always be remembered for his solo rendition of "Home on the Range". |
| Boy, this group looks like it is ready to party! Shown starting left is new "Party" chairman Spyros Dellaportas and wife Donna, Sally and Allan Young, and Mary Ellen and Joe Gonzales. |
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Click Here For Dethroning Part B
Click Here For Dethroning Part C
