Let ‘Er Buck! Story by BJ Sibley , photo by Greg Kristapovich
Retiring Twain Harte Rotary President Eric Carlson was demoted in typical fashion last Wednesday, June 25th. Rotarians have historically “kicked out” retiring presidents, on their last day of service to the club, with a surprise party full of fun and mirth. Carlson was instructed to don western wear and appear at Eproson Park where he was promptly adorned with western chaps, a bandana and a crash helmet covered by a decorative western hat. Then, Rotarians paraded their surprise, a mock bucking bull that Carlson was required to ride through Twain Harte. Carlson is a long time fan of the Professional Bull Riders Association and often attends PBA events throughout the western U. S. Now, it was Carlson’s turn. Pictured above, he adopts the traditional bull riders “seat” with hand raised for ballast and right hand gripping the saddle’s pommel. Rotarians Dennis Spisak, left, and Jeanie Frankenstein flank him. The two were on hand to make sure Carlson kept his seat. Later, during the change of Rotary leadership at a dinner hosted at the McCaffrey House Bed and Breakfast, Carlson presented awards to Jon Zach as Treasurer during Rotary’s 2008-2009 year, to Jeanie Frankenstein for epitomizing Rotary’s motto of Service Above Self and to BJ Sibley as Rotarian of the Year. Carlson then turned the reigns over to incoming president Don Escallier. Escallier will serve until June 31, 2010.
