Rotary wishes the best for its new president

This is the second Thursday of the first month of the new president’s first quarter and he is truly eager to begin his year with a speech that will move you to tears and action at the same time.

R. Dale Edwards was born in Bend, Ore. on Sept. 2 almost a half-century ago and was so excited about the event; he couldn’t talk for nearly a year. He wasn’t always a preacher; he had to grow up first. He graduated from Bend High School, Washington State University, Northwest College, Southwestern University and the Universal College of Hardknocks.

He has been married to Sherri for more than 36 years, has two children and four grandchildren.

He was an Eagle Scout and can still tie a sheepshank knot. He received an Outstanding Young Men of America Award for tying a sheepshank knot on the first try. He received a Distinguished Award for Community Service from Rotary. He is a Rotary Paul Harris Fellow, and an all around wonderful fellow. He has been preaching the Gospel for 35 long years and finally came to the realization that Saul and Paul are the same man (Except for the epiphany he experienced on the road to Damascus.) He has been the CEO of KCCS Radio in Salem, Ore., was president of Salem Bible College, Presbyter, Finance Chairman of the Oregon district of the Assemblies of God, Executive Presbyter of the Oregon District, and is presently serving in that capacity for the Northern Cal/Nevada district.

Edwards has ministered in 32 countries, has taught in colleges, did various and sundry chores here and there; in short, can’t seem to hang on to a paying job.

Oh wait, I’m not supposed to start with this kind of thing until he gets the boot a year from now. If this year goes as fast as Jerry Evans’ it will only seem like a couple of days from now.

I can’t wait to hear what the new president of Lodi Rotary has to say about the plans for the new year. We have been a tad shy in regards to projects for awhile. One of the things the whole Rotary family in Lodi should consider is building a Rotary meeting clubhouse that can be used by all three clubs and rented out for events such as weddings, evening events and what have you.

Our best wishes go out to R. Dale Edwards, the new Grand Poobah of the Lodi Rotary Club.