The Rotary Balita no. 743 (April 8, 1954)

The drawing on the cover of this issue is in no way an advertisement for a product manufactured by any Rotarian, although the Balita editors will have no objection to the fine master imposing a heavy fine on Hans Menzi. However, in this particular case, it must be a coincidence that our sergeant-at-arms has imagined in his dreams that a Rotarian attending the meeting should wear a zipper in his mouth to keep it tightly closed. It is about time that due recognition is given to Bill Saussotte who, very quietly, modestly and in a very unassuming manner has been trying to keep order and silence during the meetings. He eats his lunch uncomfortably in a dark corner of the alley leading to the meeting hall, waiting for those fellows who arrive late not to escape due punishment. When this phase of the operation is consummated, he goes around from table to table recommending silence and attention to the speakers. He does this job so gracefully with a pleasant smile on his kind features that even the most ardent and talkative Rotarian can hardly be molested nor offended. On the contrary, it is appreciated that Bill Saussotte knows how to give an air of authority to his presence, command the respect due to his important position as sergeant-at-arms and keep the necessary and peaceful atmosphere during the meetings. Bill's troubles began when Danding Romualdez selected him as the sergeant-at-arms for his administration. Until then, he was the regular member complying quietly with his membership obligations, forgetting his worries during the meetings where he could enjoy the fellowship of his numerous friends. However, since he assumed his position, Bill started to go thru sleepless nights and saw his worries increased on how Rotarians should behave at the meetings. In his dreams he imagined the perfect Rotarian as the man with the zipper in his mouth shown in the cover. But he went farther than that and he would suddenly be awakened by the vision of somebody appearing like the man in the drawing below, his mouth enlarged by the driving force of his uninterrupted conversation. Bill's enthusiasm and preoccupation for his fellow Rotarians is extended to every phase of the Rotary meeting. So during the community singing which is avoided by many of us who are a little reluctant in having our voices heard, he nevertheless would like to see that every member joins in the chorus and look like this. He sees in his dreams Rotarians attentive to everything that is going on during the meetings and watching carefully all the movements of President Danding with their eyes fixed on the presidential table as this fellow here and is carried by his fantasy in the strange world of his sleep by the wish that the listening faculties of all of us would appear decorated by the most captivating ears to grab every syllable coming thru the mike. Bill's dreams have made him lose some weight during his incumbency and he found it necessary to ask for a leave of absence. He is eyeing cheerfully his vacation in the United States where his worries will be over. But we repeat, he deserves all credit and recognition. His job was not spectacular and carried not loud advertisement, but he had it done as a good Rotarian, conscientiously and thoroughly. A worthy member of the community, prominent in his field of business and esteemed by everyone, he did accept gracefully the task assigned to him by President Danding. He has accomplished it with outstanding success and at his leaving for abroad, we can well anticipate the citation that he will receive for a job VERY WELL DONE.