As district governor, I have the privilege of meeting great people in each club. Such was the case in Hailey where I met a group of Hailey Rotary leaders at Hailey’s Zou 75, a restaurant which features Asian fusion, sushi and seafood selections. Marguerite Sowersby, the club secretary, sat by me and of all things influenced me to order sushi, a delicacy I generally avoid in favor of cooked food, a Western tradition that has kept me alive for years.
Hey, the food was good! So was the conversation as we went around the table trading deep feelings about why we are Rotarians. As we each told our motivations, a warm bond grew among all of us, Rotarians and spouses both. Our stories underscored our service to humanity, both in Hailey and around the world.
From Zou 75, several of us gathered at Leo Stavros and Marcia Mode’s home. Leo started a fire in the pit, the night grew darker, Marcia offered wine and the magic of storytelling began. Stavros is a Greek name and Leo told tales of his long and productive life. (Leo is 85 going on 35 with a personality and vitality that energizes everyone he meets.) I remember some of his life story: as a youngster he grew up in Idaho Falls working with his father in the family grocery store, at times delivering grocery products to some of the “festive” town ladies when he was a lad of eight. He served his country in WWII. Eventually he achieved notable success as a businessman, first in Seattle selling insurance, something I learned the next day, and then as the owner of a success grocery store.
AL LINDLEY AND KIDS WITH CANCER
This is a picture taken around the fire of Al Lindley (on the left) his wife, Linda, and Ron Reese, wonderful people all. Al is deeply involved in caring for children who have cancer through the American Cancer Society’s Camp Rainbow Gold. He told touching tales of working with girls as young as six years old who bravely deal with the reality of their cancer and their beliefs about what will happen to them upon their deaths. It was obvious he is a man with a compassionate soul.
WHO WOULDN'T WANT TO JOIN A FRIENDLY CLUB LIKE THIS ONE?
As you can see, these are charming women all. There is Marguerite Sowersby on the left, the Sushi Siren, Cassie Jones with her bright and welcoming smile, Nikki Donnelley who said when I pointed the camera at her, "I don't want my picture taken!" (but consented after peer pressure), and Shelley Seibel, the dynamic and some would say "exotic" president of the club.
WILL DUKE KIDDED SHELLEY SEIBEL ABOUT HAVING BIG HAIR!
Usually, I will feature just three pictures per club, but when Will Duke, that great assistant governor, kidded Shelley Seibel about having "big hair," I had to feature this picture of Will with Shelley, Marguerite and treasurer Ron Buzzoto. I trust you see the irony.
-Submitted with affection for the Rotary Club of Hailey by Terry Gilbert, district governo 2010-11
I might not have a lot of hair, but I'm still pretty!
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