Rotary News

Kalamazoo Rotary News                      January 21, 2008                      Editor: Karl Sandelin

            The membership was totally unaware that President Judy may have faced a challenge: Sue Esman was not at the meeting!  We will never know, but one thing is sure, our President is a pro!  As to the editor of the day - customary apologies to the readers!

            Marvin Ludwig gave the invocation in honor of Martin Luther King, and cited this revered American: "I refuse to accept the view, that man is so tragically bound to the starless midnight of racism and war, that the bright daybreak of peace and brotherhood can never become a reality."

            There were two visiting Rotarians, Chris Buckley of Portage and Jerry Kohel of Gull Lake.  Guests were introduced by Al Heilman (Don Ryan), Dale Hein (Rob Moreland and Linda Buzas) and Jennifer Lang (two teams of visitors - young professionals from Tajikistan and high school students from Brazil).

            New member introduction by Dale Hein: Linda Vail Buzas, Director, Kalamazoo County Health & Human Services (successor to Dale Hein in that position).  A microbiologist by training, formerly with Pfizer, Linda Buzas hails from Georgia and brings to her position great energy and commitment.  One of her hobbies, running full length marathons (26+ miles) is demanding.  We welcome Linda and appreciate Dale Hein's bringing us new members!

            Recognition Given to Kalamazoo Symphony.  Stacy Ridenour reported that she represented the orchestra in receiving a prestigious award in a ceremony at the Lincoln Center in New York - be on the look-out for details in the Gazette!

            A Special Treat - our Program.  As always, a class act of D. Terry Williams - six graduating WMU theatre-and-music majors who performed numbers from Broadway shows.  They have prepared these for presentations this spring in New York where they will perform in the hopes of finding an opportunity in theater.  The performers were outstanding, and appreciated, as the standing ovation showed!

            On the web site - please examine the BYLAWS - shown with the changes suggested by Linda Godfrey.  Her dedicated work has brought us this needed update - the final language will be presented for a vote of approval in a few weeks - read the new bylaws, so when we vote, we know what we have approved!  Once we approve, they will govern us for a long, long time (editor does not recall a revision in over 40 years!).