June 20, 2011 Spokesman (Transition Dinner Recap)
Rotary Minutes: Transition Dinner, June 20, 2011 Submitted by: Pat Dye
A good time was had by all (I hope) as the Kirkland Rotary Club celebrated the end of one year and the beginning of a new year.
Pat Dye, now known as Past President Pat Dye, waited until the merriment had subsided a bit, around 6:45, before calling the meeting to order. She had to turn down the volume on Jimmy Buffet to be heard over the crowd. After the pledge to our countries flag, led by same Past President, introductions of guests were in order. We were thrilled to have so many folks visiting, and too many to name here.
Following a brief interlude during which there was more music and merriment, President Pat led the club down memory lane and recapped the many ways in which Kirkland Rotary had fulfilled the RI theme of “Building Communities/Bridging Continents”. A recap of the all of the Club Community Service activities throughout the year served to show the many ways that Kirkland Rotarians had literally and figuratively helped to “build” the Kirkland Community. She also shared the ways in which our Club had helped to “bridge” continents with the work we helped to support in Nepal and Ethiopia. Congratulations to the Club on a very successful year.
The following awards and recognitions were given to the Board and Chairpersons:
· Past President – Jim Feek
· President-Elect (Membership Chair)– Brandon Honcoop
· Vice President (Program Chair, and Head Duck) – Patti Smith
· Secretary – Makaylaa Powers
· Treasurer – John Pruitt
· Community Service Director – Mary-Alyce Burleigh
· International Service Director – Brian Tucker
· Vocational Service Director – Jim Going
· Public Relations Chair – Barbara Seaton
· Rotary International Foundation Chair – Don Dicks
· Youth Exchange Officer – Dan Bartel
· Spokesman/Webmaster – Steve Shinstrom
The Rotarian of the Year Award was presented to Pat Swenson, for creating a shining example of the perfect Rotarian. Pat has chaired the Reading Buddies Program, served as Duck Dash Kick-off chair, served on the board in various capacities over the years, participates in all Rotary events (forgot to mention the stretch Hummer limousine incident at last year’s Salmon Bake), sells lots of Duck Adoptions, generously contributes to the Foundation Auction, is a Paul Harris Fellow, and on top of all of that has a wonderful attitude – treats her fellow members with respect and has a lot of fun at the same time. One might say that Pat Swenson is a “party looking for a place to happen”….just added that little bit. We are thankful to have Pat Swenson among our members.
A special presentation was made to Patti Marsh, wife of late Club Member, Jerry Marsh. A plaque honoring Jerry’s 73 years of service to the community as a Rotarian was presented to Patti as a memento of our Club’s appreciation.
Patti Marsh then took Jerry’s place in line as the Past-Presidents in attendance lined up to pass the Presidential gavel. That symbolism is a tribute to the longevity and vitality of the Kirkland Rotary Club throughout the years. A big heartfelt “thank you” goes out to all of those who have served before.
The meeting was then ended by remarks from our new President, Brandon Honcoop, who talked about the “opportunities” that the Rotary Club of Kirkland will have during the 2011-2012 year.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:00 pm by President Brandon Honcoop.