September 2023 President's Letter
Jim Hoekwater | Published on 9/8/2023
Gentlemen,
I am proud to have had the privilege to serve the Club as its 63rd President. A significant event occurred in the life of the Club this past year when we were finally able to return to the War Memorial after a two- and one-half year hiatus.
A couple of weeks ago I was asked by a member for my thoughts on revising the motto of FESTIVITIES, FUN, FELLOWSHIP. He pointed out that he did not think many senior men are looking for fun or slaps on the back with jovial friends and Club members.
I shared with the group gathered at the last lunch meeting, I see a lot of bald heads (including me) and many members look alike from the podium. More importantly, I see smiles as friends greet long-time friends and make new friends. I see the conversations around the tables as members and guests break bread together. I see respect and love of country as we recite the Pledge of Allegiance and all sing together either The Star-Spangled Banner or God Bless America. I see sincere birthday wishes to our mates for being blessed with another anniversary of their birth. I hear laughter and applause throughout the meeting.
I see and hear the chorale, under the direction of Jerry Partridge, accompanied by Ron Pietratoni, enthusiastically singing. One can just look at these gentlemen having lunch or while performing to appreciate the fellowship the chorale sub club enjoys, reminding us of the benefits of all sub clubs.
Based on what I have seen and heard from the podium this year, FESTIVITIES, FUN FELLOWSHIP remains a timely and appropriate motto.
However, I do see new members or infrequent attendees searching for a welcoming place to sit. Please keep your heads up and invite a stranger to join your group or if you are a sponsor introduce him to your friends.
I would like to recognize in this letter all who offer their talents and time to support the Club’s activities in this letter, but space will not allow listing everyone. It takes a team to run the Club. Thanks to all of officers and board members, committee chairs and their members, and sub-club chairmen and those who handled the administrative work of the sub-clubs this past year. Incoming president Ed Wolking is in the process of reviewing committee assignments and will name committee assignments for the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2023 as well as will be authoring the president’s letter next month. I wish Ed well in his term and pledge my support for his and the Club’s continuing success. We will continue to face challenges as opportunities and respect traditions while surviving and flourishing.
Best regards,
Jim Hoekwater