Reported by Phil Thoden
President Dale Lowe called the last meeting of 2016 to order. Griffon Ramsey led the pledges and Ellen Hunt gave our invocation of the day. James Gavin led us in saying The Four Way Test. Richard Payton served as greeter and Myron Burse introduced the guests and visitors.
Elf Betty Cunningham and the Dancing Elves entertained the Club with a musical reminder about the annual Christmas Party at the Helping Hand Home for Children. Griffon Ramsey noted that the Social Media Committee is getting together after today’s meeting. Dale Lowe recognized Don Bledsoe, Bill Milstead, Phil Sanders and Sam Wilson for their long membership in the RCA. He also reminded us there are no meetings the next two weeks and to enjoy the holiday break.
Michael Portman came up to present Paul Harris Fellow awards to Griffon Ramsey and Katie Jackson. Congratulations Griffon and Katie! Next, several club members contributed to the Thank Goodness Basket with announcements of good news and gratitude: Nadir Abdeladim was thankful for the Club singing Happy Birthday to his wife at the Christmas party and also that his daughter is engaged, Julia Benkoski was appreciative of their new family member, Bella, that is a 16 hands tall horse, Jim Bushnell was thankful for his wife’s successful knee replacement surgery, Brad Wiewel was thankful his son has been accepted by two law schools, Richard Payton was thankful for all the contributors to the RCA Annual Ask campaign, and Roger Williamson shared a video recording of his recent and impromptu make up meeting with Jim Bryce while on vacation in Mexico. Last, President Lowe thanked Richard Payton for endowing a new, named scholarship for the RCA.
President Elect Sara Pantin then came forward to announce the election results for two Board of Directors (2017-2019) slots. Congratulations go to Tillery Castillo and Harold Ingersoll! She also entertained a motion to accept Julia Benkoski as Club President in 2018-2019 (the motion was unanimously approved by all members present). Congratulations Julie!
Corey Gaskill then introduced our speaker, Kendall Antonelli, who founded Antonelli’s Cheese Shop in Austin with her husband John in 2010. In addition to cut-to-order cheese and a charcuterie shop, they operate a wholesale program selling artisanal goods to nearly 200 Central Texas chefs, an events program that hosts over 200 classes and private events per year, and online web sales and shipping of gifts baskets, catering trays and a monthly cheese club.
Kendall enthusiastically shared the story of the store’s beginnings when her husband decided to quit his CPA job and start a business with passion. She walked the Club through the principles that they have followed to create and sustain a successful and rewarding local business: 1) passion with a purpose; 2) family first and then business; 3) be true to themselves and others; 4) be a juggernaut of awesome, and; 5) improve every day. She also noted their new company mission which is simply “Do Good, Eat Good.”
The next club meeting will take place on January 3, 2017, and will feature the Members Spotlight on Myron Burse, Bill Koen and Judge Lee Yeakel.