June 25 – President’s Day, A Year to Remember!

When we accept responsibility for the care, protection, and enhancement of an organization as renowned as Rotary, it may seem a daunting task, unless you look at the privilege you have been afforded. When I was invited by you to be President of our club it was indeed an honor. Even though there were things I did not know, I did know that the club was about success, and it would succeed in spite of anything I did. Leadership is a sort of paradox: you lead by listening.

Sure, you have your ideas and protocols, but if you listen to those before you, add your own energy and innovation, and lead from the front without fear of failure, you will succeed. I was inspired and energized by you. We went on a lot of new adventures during my first tenure as President. When I was again invited to share the podium with three great Rotarians, I couldn’t say yes fast enough. We have had some great adventures this year, as well. I am honored to have been accorded this unique privilege, and I thank you for the support you have given me and our foursome.

Dean Hammond, on behalf of himself, Bill Wilson, Jamie Schrader, and Jim Richardson

Rotary in Review 

THE FAB FOUR SING THEIR ROTARY SWAN SONG ON PRESIDENT’S DAY 

According to Father Maurice Emelu, the number four symbolizes completeness, stability, and solidity. Whether or not those qualities inspired then-President Bret and his leadership team to appoint the “Fab Four” to fill a vacancy in the Club presidency, the arrangement proved to be a tremendous success. 

The Fab Four – Past Presidents Jamie Schrader, Jim Richardson, Bill Wilson, and Dean Hammond – each returned to serve one quarter of the 2025–26 Rotary year. Having previously worked in the bright lights of Rotary leadership, the four shared the responsibilities of the presidency and, at last month’s President’s Day celebration, each reflected on the year from his own perspective. 

Just as this past year’s presidency was a team effort, so was last month’s celebration of our traditional President’s Day, with each taking a few minutes at the podium to reflect on the 2025–26 Rotary year. 

Jim Richardson (2000) opened the program by emphasizing the importance of involvement. “Rotary is at its very best when each of us chooses to be involved,” he said, adding that strong clubs “aren’t built by a few people doing everything; they are built by a few people doing something.” 

Jamie Schrader (2020) humorously referred to himself as the “Ringo Starr” of the Fab Four (“can’t sing, can’t write songs”). He observed that he and his cohorts “had a lot of fun” and said that fun is something we should all seek in our Rotary journeys.  

He offered encouragement to President-Elect Lyle Hanna. He reminded members that every Rotary president enjoys the support of fellow Rotarians, “Everybody wants you to succeed,” he said. “They have your back.” 

Schrader also reflected on the Club’s four priorities for the year: outstanding weekly programs, sound finances, a major service project, and membership growth. He credited Lyle Hanna for excellent programming, Chris Anderson and Jenny Schnurr for the Club’s strong financial position, and noted that hosting the Large Club Conference this fall reflects Rotary’s commitment to service. Membership, he added, is everyone’s responsibility. 

Bill Wilson (2021) praised his fellow presidents and the Club by highlighting what he called the four “Cs”: character, courage, commitment, and compassion. He challenged members to build stronger relationships by getting to know one another better. 

“What we need to do to move our humanity forward,” he said, “is to get to know the best of one another.” 

Dean Hammond (2014) concluded the program by reflecting on the teamwork that defined the year. He noted there was never disagreement among the four presidents and compared the Club to a nest – “It’s warm, it’s strong, it’s intelligent.” 

“Anything we do,” he said, “you have another fifty people trying to make sure it’s successful.” 

The Fab Four demonstrated that leadership is most effective when it is rooted in collaboration, service, and trust. Judging by the success of the past year, they provided exactly that. 

– John Wharton