MAY 24, 2016 ROTARY IN REVIEW:
Steve Yoch
In the beautiful CHS Securian room Rotarians gathered above the ballpark to share friendship and learn about George Washington. President Carla gained the crowd’s attention at 12:15; she recognized Derek Sharrer of the Saint Paul Saints as our host and noted that while we don’t see him as often as we might wish, we appreciate his membership and his hospitality at the Saints’ new venue as needed. Derek has been a member for 10 years. To add some variety to our order, Michael-jon Pease took the stage to remind us all to silence our phones – thanks to his friend calling at exactly the arranged moment before he provided our inspirational moment, reminding us of our upcoming Memorial holiday. Jerry Faletti pinch hit as song leader without a piano.
John Chandler introduced a few guests and visitors. In her remarks, President Carla reminded us that we usually meet at the InterContinental Hotel – but we will not have a meeting next Tuesday due to Memorial Day. The “Thank You” cards on the table were from RYLA participants. She also reminded us to check our profile on ClubRunner – update what is needed and let Jodi know if a new name badge is needed. A survey will be arriving soon – we know that we will be a better, more vibrant Club when the most members possible are engaged and involved; the survey is to assist all of us, and especially the new members, with finding a committee or activity of interest.
President Carla shared In The News, that Honorary John Guthmann will be the Chief Judge of the Second Judicial District as nominated by his peers.
Mary Britts introduced our 2016-2017 Youth Exchange Student, Tuomas Silva. Thomas, a current Senior at Como High School, will be spending a “gap year” in Thailand. He gave us his thanks and respect, sharing that he is following in his mother’s footsteps, she was a Rotary Youth Exchange Student, and met his dad on a return visit. One of Thomas desires for the year is to “live in the moment,” with Carlton College secured for 2017, he believes this is possible. He also noted that one of his favorite tales of Minnesota is that the Northern Lakes area should be part of Canada, but due to a mapping error, are considered Minnesota.
Chuck Whitaker, extended an invitation to everyone for the 2016 Fellowship Day. This has a strong history with the Club. All members are invited to the White Bear Yacht Club for lunch, activities and dinner. Tuesday, June 14th lunch will begin at 11:00, golfing, biking, tennis, cards, and relaxation are available throughout the afternoon, with dinner following at 6:00 PM. Lunch is covered as a regular lunch, but a count is desired, so please RSVP; activities and dinner are additional charges. Sign up with Jodi.
He also asked all incoming 2016-17 Board Members to attend the June Board Meeting, June 9th, 12 noon at the Boy Scout Office, 393 Marshall Avenue just up the hill.
Following Happy Dollars, Mindee Kastelic, introduced Steve Yoch, who spoke with passion and frankness about a service man who was a foot taller than most other men in a crowd, and anticipated his life to end before he turned 50, according to his known family history. Steve’s comments shared from his recent book, Becoming George Washington and he refers to the statesman as an “Action Hero."
As any history teacher might do, he started with a True / False test:
1) Were George Washington’s teeth actually wood?
2) Did George Washington wear a wig?
3) Did George Washington chop down the cherry tree?
The answers came, somewhat, in reverse order, but this Rotarian left with an understanding that, while he did not lie about chopping down the cherry tree, (and he, in fact, had little relationship with his father) he is known to have lied about his success in battles and conflicts.
He did not wear a wig. At that time, intelligence was seen by a lack of hair it was desirable to be bald , and a fully belly was seen as a sign of prosperity, he had neither. Instead he curled his hair and powdered it to look distinguished.
While many of his teeth were not his own, they were not wooden, but rather bone or other human teeth.
All historical fiction, has some wiggle room for interpretation and drama; while Steve has extensive author notes and sites historical truths and extensive research in his book, he concluded that to be a true action figure there had to be some drama, which usually came as a damsel in distress. Steve believes Washington’s drama was his love of Sally Fairfax, who was not in distress, but was married; although arguably may have returned some love to George throughout their affair.
In multiple situations Providence was attributed to Washington. George Washington is known to have lived with two bullets through his hat, three through his coats and having two horses shot out from under him. Whether divine guidance was at play, George is known as the “Father of Country but Father of None.
We concluded with the FOUR WAY TEST:
Of the things we think, say or do:
- Is it the TRUTH?
- Is it FAIR to all concerned?
- Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?
- Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?
Respectfully submitted,
Shelly Rucks