Rotagram for Wednesday, June 24, 2020

Today’s Rotary Zoom meeting was dedicated to Mike Cochran’s demotion as president. Mike, his wife Gail, and others grouped together at Susan and Dan’s Ouweleen’s Home for lunch, snacks & wine. We began the meeting with an opening Greeting by past President Joe Arnold, pledge with Bob Muschek and invocation by Greg Hickman.

Joe Arnold then played an old-time newsreel video about Mike Cochran’s demotion that included pre-recorded video Toasts and Roasts by Terri Grassi and Jeff Hutchison. Joe then turned the meeting over to Susan Ouweleen for a combination of live and pre-recorded “roast or toast Mike in a minute” segments that included contributions from Judy Atwell, Marty Burbank, Christian Esteban, Cathy Gach, Ferrell Hirsch, Bailey (who knew she could rap?) Kline, Joe Arnold, Randy McFarland, Dan Ouweleen with a special surprise appearance by Julio Iglesias, John (who cares) Phelps, Warren Wimer and an on the street interview (rant) with Zoot Velasco, who seemed a little confused about which President he was toasting.

At the completion of the tributes, Dan Ouweleen officiated the transition of Presidents by pinning of the past president pin on Mike Cochran. Dan also provided gifts for Mike and a bouquet of flowers to Gail Cochran. Mike then pinned incoming President Ken Kaisch before giving his outgoing remarks and giving thanks for everyone’s support, care, and fellowship during this challenging year. Mike then presented rewards to Susan Ouweleen, who received the J.H. Richey Youth Leadership Award; the Jim Young Club Heritage Award was presented to John (we care) Phelps; the Jim Vanderburg Rotary International Excellence Award was presented to Thad Sanford, and the Rotarian of the Year Award was presented to Monica Fernandez. Mike also took it upon himself to create a new award, The Rotarian Couple of the Year, which was presented to Dan and Susan Ouweleen. “Thanks for a great year and thanks for letting me be your President. Remember to go out and be good people and even greater Rotarians”, Mike Cochran, past President.

Monette Velasco then performed a tribute song that was followed with a Champaign toast.

Ken Kaisch gave his Incoming President’s remarks and reminded everyone that our next meeting on July 1st will be live at the Muckenthaler Center.

Bedee Bedee, That’s All Folks!