As we gathered for our first meeting of 2023, there was a buzz as we had a record turnout. 30 individuals, Rotarians and guests, were present.
President Fritz Brauner ascended the dais and called the meeting to order. He asked John Delaney, who has forsaken the Bay Area for the Southern California beach community of Manhattan Beach, to lead us in the pledge. Chris Ramirez provided the digital American flag.
President Fritz then asked for introductions of visitors. Joe Galligan, now a member of Rotary in North Carolina and an honorary member of Burlingame Rotary, introduced Susan Baker, CEO of the Burlingame Chamber of Commerce. This is her second visit. Mark Johnson introduced Mary Hunt, longtime partner of Charles Voltz. With Mary was one of Charles’ son, Tom Voltz. A bit later Marilyn Orr introduced Raul Pulido and Karina Perez-Vargas. This was their third visit to our club.
Mark Lucchesi came to the mic to deliver the invocation. He dedicated it to the memory of Chuck Voltz who passed away on Christmas Day.
God of peace, we invite you to preside over this meeting. Even if we have different opinions, give us unity of spirit. Help us to listen politely as others share their points of view. Help us to work as a unified team in combining ideas for a great outcome. Help us to work as a whole, rather than individuals trying to promote their own agendas. May we have a spirit of camaraderie in this room and work together on our shared mission. Amen
Mark continued with his tribute to Chuck. He noted that Chuck joined Rotary in 1995 having been proposed by Pierre Bouquet. He served as Rotary President 2003-2004. During his year he conceived of and shepherded the first Burlingame Goes Hollywood. That was our major fundraiser for the next 10 years. In 2013 the Club awarded Chuck the Wade Macomber Award, the highest tribute we confer on a member.
Mark Johnson said a few words then he introduced Donna Colson. Donna gave us a brief summary of the community contributions that led to the City of Burlingame proclamation to honor Charles Voltz in 2018. She noted his civic service through the Safeway Project, High-speed Rail, Washington Park and the redesign of the Recreation Center.
Mike Heffernan then added some comments on Chuck and his long involvement with our Rotary Club. He concluded with a video, at the behest of Mary Hunt, of Chuck’s son Stephen Voltz and his zany Mentos and Coke experiment. Watch it here.
Program: Fritz then introduced our speakers. Our usual Thanksgiving program with the Three Amigos, Fr. Michael, Rabbi Jay and Pastor Paul, had been deferred until this week. Unfortunately Fr. Michael could not join so it became the Dos Amigos. Fritz introduced Paul Watermulder who began with their topic “Looking At 2023 Through the Eyes of Faith.” He shared his thoughts on the topic. Paul then turned the mic over to Jay Miller. To hear the complete program, click on the link below.
President Fritz thanked all those who contributed to the tribute to Charles Voltz. He thanked Mary Hunt and Tom Voltz for their attendance. He then adjourned the meeting.
