President Don Zillman led the Club Assembly discussions about ByLaws language. Several memoranda were emailed to members for the purpose of requesting advanced feedback for this club assembly.
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Additionally, Nan Heald (at left), the Rotary Club’s Protection Officer, provided leadership information during the assembly about how to uphold our Rotarian responsibilities within the framework of the “Four-Way-Test.” In summary, the consensus of the discussion involved updates to ByLaws language related to two key issues:
• The provision about the concept intended in the word “invocation,” and
• The Music Committee’s weekly schedule of Rotary Song Book singing and patriotic songs.
By a show of hands, the Rotarians who were present at the Assembly supported retaining the word “invocation” in the ByLaws. Discussion supported the concept of invocations being welcoming, uplifting and inspirational messages, inclusive of all religious faiths and respectful of everyone.
Past President Bill Blount provided a brief history about the tradition of Rotary songs. In fact, several Rotary song books, dating to the club’s earliest years, are part of the club’s archives. Fortunately, the Portland Rotary has the talents of trained musicians to accompany singing and the choice of patriotic hymns. Although some of the lyrics in the Rotary song book may seem to be out of musical style, the tradition of singing is supported by a consensus of the members who discussed this topic. Preference should be considered to singing songs that contribute to the program or enhance seasonal themes, like special holidays and particular celebrations. Singing patriotic songs and Happy Birthday to Rotarians will continue. Thanks is expressed to the Music Committee for giving careful consideration to this subject because singing is a long practiced tradition in the weekly program.