June 25, 2012 Spokesman (Trasition Dinner Edition)

Posted by Steve Shinstrom 
on Jun 25, 2012
 

President Brandon called his final Kirkland Rotary Club meeting to order as President at about 6:30 on a very calm and lovely evening on the shores of Lake Washington.  This was our annual transition dinner so we were in the tent at the Woodmark and the evening was just perfect.  Chuck Brockway led us in the Pledge.  Brandon commented that he had kept a few inspirational moments in his brief case during the year in the event an evening came where no one brought their own inspiration.  He noted not once during the year did he have to pull his secret stash out and tonight he planned on reading a great one on why we live as long as we do.  Here is a link for a good laugh.  http://inspireme.net/funny_stories/why_we_live.htm

President Brandon then went around the room and the many, many guests and spouses were introduced.  Too many for your poor scribe to remember or list.

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Announcements:  
     ~Megan Nakanishi announced duck sales were going well but Friday they needed to call out the Ark due to the amount of rain that happened during the Friday Market.  She will be sending   out sign up info in the upcoming days for more sales opportunities.

     ~Steve Shinstrom discussed the upcoming parade on July 4th.  Set up will happen in line and our goal is to try and be in line behind the Summerfest group as we are now tied heavily to     them.  He will be sending out an email for volunteers who want to participate in walking, carrying signs and promoting the upcoming Duck Dash at Summerfest.

Brandon then jumped right into the festivities and changed things up this year by starting off with his choice for Rotarian of the Year.  He wanted to thank this individual for all the behind the scenes information transfer to the club, emails for everyone, the web site and much more.  Steve Shinstrom was announced Rotarian of the Year and completely surprised, but very appreciative.

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All the service chairs were then recognized individually and asked to stand and accept his heart felt thanks for a job well done.  He recapped a very successful year in each category and thanked the individuals as well as their committees for doing such great things for the club and community.  He gave each a nice gift for their year of service.

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Passing of the gavel and final transition to our new president was the next order of business.  We had many past presidents in attendance starting back with past president Bob Norman from 1971-72 and having at least 15 to 20 available to pass on the gavel.  Finally Branon handed the torch over to Patti Smith and he received his "immediate past president" pin and new badge.  A year and job well done Brandon.Image  Brandon then gave specific thanks to his wife Becca for helping him make it through this very busy year.


Patti Smith then took over the podium and produced the new banner from new Internationa President Sakuji Tanaka titled "Peace Through Service"
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She then announced her upcoming board and service directors.  New and updated list is on the home page of our web site.  Many returned for another year fo service and some new faces were added.  Most notable was John Pruitt and Vice President.  Congratulations to the incoming President and board and to another successful year in Kirkland Rotary as we celebrate 75 years of community and public service in Kirkland.

I have no idea what time we ended but it was a very enjoyable evening.  Your scribe for an evening Steve Shinstrom
(thanks to Chris Rusnak for once again taking fantastic photos of our event)