Pledge
George Babcock led the Pledge of Allegiance. New flags have been purchased in George’s honor and thanks of his service.
Inspiration
Cap Willey gave the inspiration, which, unfortunately, is not that inspiring. Cap reflected on various ups and downs of 2025. There have been too many violent incidents, natural disasters, and overall divisiveness. However, there have been some positive developments as well. We are encouraged to focus on the year holistically and maintain a broad perspective. Let’s have a happy holiday season and look to the new year with optimism.
New Member Induction
Michael Geoghegan was welcomed into the club.
Announcements
Anthony Landi provided an update on coat deliveries. Many organizations have benefited from the donations. Donations can still be made.
Stacy, our regular lunch server, was recognized for her contributions and decorations during the San Miguel lunch last week.
We also thanked our Marriott contact Lynne Bachinger for her continued support over the years. Lynne has been with the Marriott as the Director of Catering Sales coordinator for many year. She is the person behind the scenes that few of us have the pleasure of interacting.
Happy Bucks
- Pete Brock has $20 for his decision to be happy, that he makes on a mostly daily basis.
- Anthony Hollingshead offered $5 in celebration of another new Rotarian.
- Mary Brewster had $10 for her return and her first day returning to driving.
- $5 from Cap Willey in excitement for an upcoming conference in South Carolina that he is attending with this granddaughter.
- Bill Efthiamiades was excited to see Rotarians as Salvation Army bell ringers.
- $5 from Art Norwalk offered $5 in reflection from his Salvation Army belling ringing efforts. Also, today at Kizirian, Art had a one-on-one with a student where he was able to help with reading comprehension progress by the student.
- Bill Applegate offered $10 to welcome our new member and also in appreciation for George Babcock’s attendance. Plus, Bill is excited about upcoming travel and vacations.
- Apologies for anyone we missed.
Speaker
(Introduced by Pete Brock)
Chuck Wilson (born February 8, 1954) is an American interviewer, reporter and sports talk radio host. Wilson was an original host when the
ESPN Radio Network debuted on January 4, 1992, and has 20 years’ experience on national radio, including close to 17 years at ESPN.
In December 2009, Sports Illustrated named Wilson runner-up for "Best National Sports Radio Host" of the decade.
Wilson is the founder and director of
Even Field, a nonprofit organization that promotes character through sports. In 2007, Wilson was named one of the "100 Most Influential Sports Educators in America" by the Institute for International Sport.
Even Field’s goals include:
- Establish The Way You Win Matters as the motto in youth sports
- Increase the number of team sports programs that consistently prioritize and model character, integrity, and principled leadership
- Cultivate ethical leaders as role models committed to positive peer influence
- Foster values-based reasoning skills that promote principled choices in life
- Heighten media visibility of positive character in sports
Among other things, Chuck highlighted the importance of trust in building relationships.
Chuck highlighted the ways that sports programs building character and play a role in holistic development. As an example, sports teach individuals how to manage fears and perform in the face of anxiety.
