"Get Away" Table Honored As Rotarian of the Week

Posted by Billie Addleman

on Feb 25, 2011

Our Rotarian of the Week grew up in Iowa, Texas, Kansas, Colorado and Cheyenne, Wyoming. After high school, he attended college before going into his chosen profession. Our special Rotarian enjoys Rotary because of the fellowship and is generally the first Club member to arrive at Rotary, usually an hour before the rest of our members. He participates in a candid and blunt discussion of politics, business, Cowboy athletics, and other topics of interest with his fellow table mates. Sometimes, he leaves before the weekly program is presented because more than anything else our special Rotarian enjoys the weekly fellowship. Our Rotarian of the Week is the “get away” table. Each week the “get-away” table meeting begins with the arrival of Ted McCoy, retired urologist, and Dan Hinkle, retired gynecologist, followed by the arrival of senior member Dave Uchner, attorney, who calls the meeting to order. They are subsequently joined by the remaining members: Gene Engrav, retired CPA, Dick Larkin, owner of Burri Jewelers, Eric Todd, financial investor, Steve Kline, attorney, and newest addition Perry Dray, attorney. Combined the getaway table consists of 201 years of Rotary experience. The “get away” table has existed at our Club for as long as anyone can remember. Past luminaries of the “get away” table included Dr. Duane Kline, who was a member of this distinguished group until just recently, Fred Garvalia, Fred Lummis, Dr. Everett Gardner, Larry Birleffi and Ken Kirkbride. It is believed the original get-away table consisted of Club pioneers Judge Pickett, J.H. Walton, and Governor Leslie Miller. Members of the “get away” table have also served our Club, Dave Uchner served on the Board of Directors and as Editarian for four years, Steve Kline served on the Board of Directors, Eric Todd currently chairs our 4 Way Test Scholarship committee, and Perry Dray presented the day’s program. Dan Hinkle served as Club President, chaired numerous Club committees, including We Care and Polio Plus, and served at the District level in numerous positions. The majority of the “get away” table members are Paul Harris Fellows and Dan Hinkle is a Major Donor, which signifies a donation of more than $10,000 to the Rotary Foundation. The “get away” table also has a softer side demonstrated by the presence of Ted McCoy, one of Cheyenne’s better artists. Every week Steve Kline crosses his fingers hoping he will be the "The Rotarian of the Week". Steve says that since there are 200 member of Rotary and there are 52 weeks of the year, he should get the award at least once every 4 yrs. He has now been a Rotarian for 26 years and still has not received the award or given up. Well, it was Steve’s lucky day.

The “get away” table is a Cheyenne institution. Several years ago, while our Club still met at the Hitching Post, former Governor Mike Sullivan walked into the back of the room, looked at the “get away” table and commented “I have been away from the Cheyenne Rotary Club for four years and the same people are sitting in the same seats.” In appreciation for their commitment to fellowship, the Sergeant of Arms presented each with a gift certificate to City News and a special Rotary lapel pin.

The “Get Away “ esteemed members are:

Dave Uchner, Chair (51)

Ted McCoy, Vice-Chair (41)

Dan Hinkle, Secretary (24)

Eric Todd (15)

Steve Kline (26)

Dick Larkin (13)

Gene Engrav (14)

Perry Dray (18)