Glen Gibbs (left) and Bob Keely acknowledge applause for new podium.

October 20, 2009

Glen R. Gibbs took an oath of service last week with Putnam Rotarians, but no one expected immediate action: Gibbs today unveiled a new podium for Scarlet Oaks and for use by the club at its weekly luncheon meetings there.

The lectern is fabricated out of solid oak and has all the amenities any speaker might require. There is a side panel for a projector. There is electrical wiring with outlets and switches for lights and amplifiers. About the only thing lacking is remote control to move it automatically about the room.

Gibbs constructed the stand in components, however, for ease of transportation and assembly when a need to relocate the stand might arise.

The freshman Rotarian retired this year as representative on the Pacific rim for a technology company based in San Diego.

He had made a new home for quality of life in West Virginia in 2004, although occasionally he continued to undertake missions for his former employer.

Gibbs has set up a woodworking shop as a retirement activity and the Rotary speaker podium is one of his premier projects.

Club president Chet Marshall commended Gibbs for his work, and suggested that an automatic clapper be installed in the traditional Rotary bell to end meetings promptly on the hour.

Well! You just can't satisfy everybody.