Rotary meetings tend to be run with a fair amount of predictability. We begin with the traditions of an inspirational thought and a patriotic song and end with the recitation of the four way test. Typically, if a meeting ever “goes off the rails," it is not a good thing. Last week, however, our meeting broke that rule of thumb in a marvelous way.

As we ended the meeting, I asked Jeremy Weinglass to play a tune as we exited the virtual meeting. Like a regular Friday meeting, most people exit quickly to get on with their day. But as Jeremy began to play the first chords of “What a Wonderful World” about 30 members stayed on line and listened. I was moved to write in the ZOOM chat box, “I miss you, all.”

The music played and smiles appeared, some tears flowed, and friends waved to one another. One blew a kiss. It was a very special, unpredictable ending to what already had been a fine meeting. This final touch made it magical.

In the near future I hope to see…

“Friends shaking hands, saying how do you do. They’re really saying, I love you.”

We’ll see one another soon.

Until then, stay home, stay safe, stay in touch.

​Rick Gibson
President, Rotary Club of Los Angeles
​2019 - 2020