Carnegie Currents: January/February 1999 Vol. XIII, No. 1
Stories, Sugar and Song at Rowers’ Night
CLRA’s second annual Rowers’ Night took place on February 16, commemorating both Valentine’s Day and, more importantly, the mid-way point in our winter training. The evening proved to be a venue for club talent as well as a setting for many of us to tell stories and paint personal pictures of club camaraderie over the past year.
The evening began with an inspiring videotape replay of our U.S. National Team’s win at Worlds in Germany this past fall. As we gathered around the TV screen, 30+ party attendees "chowed down" on slices of homemade pies and indulged in the elaborate cookie assortment provided by the new social committee chairs. (I’m sure Gary Mount, Telfair Steele and Margi Linden-Burns did an accurate calorie count and nutrition breakdown prior to their menu selection!) With the individual task of digesting underway and surge of sugar rushing through our systems, Pim Goodbody stood to describe the format for the gathering — an open forum for sharing and acknowledging. Pim had cleverly provided a plate of chocolate hearts as incentives for each speaker to hand out as awards, or rewards, as needed.
First to come forward were last year’s winners of the "Nuts and Bolts" award — Pat Carr, Wyman Rolph, Harold Stone and Steve Rounds, Sr. This elite contingent of CLRA took the occasion to announce four new inductees into their select group. Presented with chocolate hearts, and what are now highly coveted T-shirts, were 1999’s recipients Pat Lyons, Joe Needham, Bill Courtney and Carol Joyce. With a roar of applause from the audience, it was agreed that these individuals share the determination, persistence and "longevity" defining their ranks — the real "nuts and bolts" of what being a Laker is really about.
Breaking up the sentiment and next to step forward was Tom Heebink performing his famous egg trick. With audience members anticipating almost anything from him, Mr. Heebink took several minutes to prepare the ominous set-up, which included lots of water, some of Shoprite’s finest glassware, a broom and a dozen raw eggs. Without giving away trade secrets, Tom’s experienced hands and masterful broomhandle technique somehow produced a near prefect result. Much to the delight — and relief — of those in the front row, there were, in fact, no broken eggs or glassware and no one complained of being drenched. (Please feel free to ask Tom to repeat this trick for you. Apparently, it’s a favorite at family picnics and weddings).
Other spontaneous presentations included Denise Dwyer’s acknowledgment to the many masters level women in the club. As an attorney and mother of two, Denise related how comforting and encouraging it was to meet so many contemporaries with so much energy and enthusiasm — and who row too! Lisa Sandell also took time to congratulate several members for having frequently volunteered as coxswains. As new Cox Captain, Lisa reminded us all of the importance of the cox’s roll in this sport; adding that there are many benefits (not to mention the rush) this responsibility provides. Pim Goodbody also shared a chocolate heart and a note of thanks to Jim Vartuli for his performance as stroke in an eclectic 4 chosen to participate in one of our intramurals last summer. Pim related that these unpredictable, often unplanned boatings can, and do, result in some of the best rowing experiences one can have.
The highlight of the evening without question, although, was Barry Strauss’s reading of various selections from his newly published book, Rowing Up Stream, a compilation of personal anecdotes on sculling and rowing over the age of 40. (This is a definite "must have" for any rower’s reading list.) His reading not only filled the room with hysterical laughter, it prompted Steve Rounds, Sr. to come forward, in perfect pitch and hearty vocals, with the complete version of Cornell’s Rowers’ Song. Needless to say, the combination of Barry and Steve generated a standing ovation from the crowd.
Considering my original reason for attending this social was as clean-up volunteer (it was my turn), I left the gathering with a good feeling about the club and myself in the club. I was the surprised recipient of two chocolate hearts of my own: one for having coxed this past summer and another for being in the masters women division. Basically, I was acknowledged for two things I know I can do well — being short and being old. But that’s a good thing, and I have two "awards" to prove it.
— Pamela Cotting Kitty