The Changing of the Guard, (or as Andrea Kaminski put it, Jorge’s transition to the “famed Past President’s Club and to oblivion, disrespect, benign neglect, etc.”) had elements of commendation, praise, pins, and a plaque . . . Past President’s pin and plaque presented by Jason Beren, Paul Harris Fellow pin AND a heavy gift bag that Past President presenter Donna Moreland hoped was as good as the one she received, the new President’s pin presented by Jorge Hidalgo to Teresa Holmes (comes with a gavel and a big bell), and the Vice President’s pin that Teresa presented to Paul Hoffmann.
President Jorge held the stage as long as he could, although for the better, sharing the podium with others. Dawn Crim, Madison Rotary Foundation Vice President, summarize the past year’s work of the Foundation, which provided $749,000 in community support. $45,000 was also raised from our members for the Rotary International Foundation annual campaign.
Jorge introduced Jenni Jeffress, chair of our Community Projects Committee, who provided highlights of six volunteer opportunities by 51 members, many for more than one project.
Jorge pointed out that Jenni is among 40 members of the club who served as chairs of committees in the past year and that the majority of the club members made good use of technology to continue participation, as did over half of the 29 fellowship groups that met online.
Best of all, both Jorge and Teresa shared a few thoughts. Teresa’s were prospective, promising fun, change, and even better food—and more information will be shared in her inaugural speech on July 14th.
Jorge’s view was retrospective: full of thanks for committee chairs and many hands of help and especially for Jason Beren and Brian Basken for their heroic video work for every virtual meeting. (Jorge failed to thank them for their thoughtful documentation of Jorge Bloopers we were shown).
In his “swan song” (thankfully he didn’t actually sing), Jorge attempted to salvage his reputation, citing a few reasons why he should be remembered and proclaiming himself to be our Club’s “best . . . “ (wait for it) . . .”virtual president”. He closed with his plans for the future, including making cold calling to sell Medicare supplemental insurance and reverse mortgages for retirees.
Thank you, Past President Jorge, for a challenging job well done. And congratulations, President Teresa, on the promise of your vision and your willingness to serve.
Our thanks to Ellsworth Brown for serving as photographer and summary article writer. Visit our club’s blog and facebook page for more photos.
Rotary Club of Madison, Wisconsin 