MEL BANDANZA DEBUNKING

It is a long standing tradition to give our outgoing President what we thought of him or her during their tenure, the past year. Some call it a President's Honorarium, others call it debunking. This year's debunking was dedicated to putting Mel's year to rest.

President Mel starts the meeting
And John and Ken prepare Mel for the festivities
Reverend Bob Dolci starts the Memorial Services eulogizing Badazo's good and not so good traits, like the control of his meetings. "We will miss the humor and generous service to the club".

Ray Lester in explaining everybody can make mistakes related some stories about the past
Gary, Kay and Marianne reenact the cruise ship episode that involved a change in the room accommodations when vacationing at the International Conference. It ended with Mel addressing Kay and saying "maybe we should reconsider this".

Ed followed up with a story that Kay was confused about the hole in the wall of their room, Mel told her it was a porthole, Kay thought it was a safe and all their valuables were stored in it.
Jeff Rosen wanted to know after so many years of service, what is with this "Sexual Abuse and Harassment certification"? It seems to have started with Mel's year.

Paul V asks Mel if he remembers the Chicago Rockets? Bada bing, bada bong! A memory lane thing.

John asks Mel to enunciate the following words - "nuclar", "pensular", and Guisto. Stumbling on the first two words he finally correctly pronounces John's last name. Way to go!

Paul C - "I've known Mel for 45 years and never has he been a piker. However, I received a call last week asking if the home warranty for the house I built him 40 years was still in effect for roof leaks."


Mike complains about Mel becoming
computer illiterate and the plethora
of e-mails received from Mel

Paul U details Mel's love of sports and senior moments and his hesitance to pay for Shark tickets he supposedly bought.

Jerry focuses on Mel's cost consciousness ("cheap") concerning the Charter Party. No whole live lobsters, just frozen tails. "I rejected his suggestion to cut out the booze and steaks". Jerry then asks if anyone else has similar cost cutting tales.

Angie accuses Mel of turning off the power at the football game so he did not have to give his speech, increase the game's revenue and enjoy watching the Gold Rush.

Roger recants how one Friday Mel was late to a meeting because he was negotiating the price for a car. "Well I found out he started negotiations on Wednesday and finally made the salesman an offer he could not refuse".

Jim stated that based on Mel's performance and the fact that we still have an incoming Italian President, the Italian Club took a vote to invite you to join the "Italian once a night club", however after investigation you qualify only for the "once in awhile club".

Miles thanks Mel for including the Almaden Center Seniors into our Community Service projects and infers that their was an alterior motive. Now Mel can take Kay out twice a year.

Kathy recited a poem (or ditty): Mel is gone, what is a fine mistress to do? The Almaden Rotarians will forever be very blue. His smiling face and caring grace; his dazzling leadership develops a strong Rotary relationship. We'll miss you Mel and as your fine mistress, I promise to keep your fine secrets and never tell!!

Joe M states that the reason he joined the club was because of the 4-Way Test for Rotarians and the word "gullible" is not in the dictionary. It isn't. That explains his hoax virus e-mail notice.

Joe P wanted to thank Mel for the 150 e-mails he got concerning membership.

Bob concluded the Memorial by expressing how grateful we are for your leadership, generosity, wit and the work ethic you gave to the operation of the club.