The Rotary Club of Kirkland held a meeting at The Woodmark Hotel on June 28, 2021.
President James Nevers rang the bell at 6:30 p.m., calling the club transition meeting to order.
Steve Shinstrom led the membership in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Attending were George Anderson, Bob Auslander, Gail Auslander, Dan Bartel, Scott Becker, Rich Bergdahl, Gary Cohn, Terry Cole, David DeBois, Donald Dicks, Jim Feek, Alan Hoviland, Jim Meniketti, Amy Mutal, David Mutal, James Nevers, Kristin Olson, Rick Ostrander, Joanne Primavera, John Pruitt, Steve Shinstrom, Patti Smith, Bill Taylor, Brian Tucker, Alice Volpe, Rick Walter, and John Woodbery.
Guests:
President James introduced Dave DeBois’ guest, James Anderson, who is visiting again with interest in joining the club. A number of Rotarians introduced their spouses, who included Wilma Bartel, Michelle Cole, Kathy Feek, Jessica Nevers, Patty Shinstrom, Sandy Taylor, and Dee Woodbery.
Announcements:
President James called Head Duck Amy Mutal to the lectern, who proceeded to remind Rotarians of upcoming key Duck Dash events. The race is Sunday, September 26, 2021 at Marina Park during Kirkland Oktoberfest. Ticket sales begin July 12, and members may pick up tickets at a Rotary meeting, at the Prevail Wealth office, at the Shinstrom Insurance office, or at the Kirkland branch of Banner Bank. Ticket sales will occur at the Kirkland Wednesday Market, July 14 and July 21, from 3:00–7:00 p.m., and at the Kirkland QFC on various days between July 12 and September 24. The QFC site will not be limited to Saturdays, but rather any day one or more Rotarians sign up to sell. The Branding Party will be September 20 at 5–7 p.m. the Lee Johnson Auto Family site on 85th. Rotarians are needed for ticket sales, for the branding party, and for support on race day, September 26. Rosters are on tables for Rotarians to volunteer time. Scott Becker announced that Google has made a $5,000 sponsorship commitment for the Duck Dash. Thanks and praise were offered as well to Rotarians Alice Volpe and Alan Hoviland, who provided the decorations for the Hawaiian theme for the transition dinner.
Program:
Tonight’s meeting program consisted of the transition dinner and ceremony. President James Nevers offered remarks recapping the year. Among the accomplishment of which he is proud are:
- Student of the month was expanded to include over twice the usual number of students.
- Scholarships improved not only in the number and amount of awards, but we had an overhaul of the process and moved the application and interviews online.
- The Rotary Pavilion at the Cross Kirkland Corridor was completed.
- Our Holiday toy drive was bigger than ever.
- We rolled out the online payment system for happy bucks and other donations.
- We reached our goal of Every Rotarian Every Year and raised over $8,000 for the International Foundation and $5,700 for the Polio Plus Fund.
- Programs were well organized and some of the best we have ever had.
- And thanks to the online meetings we were able to welcome back Ken Hollingsworth and Dwight Olson.
James called up current board members present to receive his thanks and a gift. Gary Cohn was presented the Rotarian of the Year Award. Then all past presidents were invited to the front of the room to pass the gavel in order of service past to present.
Next, President Nevers passed the gavel to the incoming president, Dave DeBois. President-Elect DeBois offered a few remarks on the coming year and his priorities as president. He promised to build on the tradition and strong foundation laid by by past president, rebuilding the membership with a focus on community service, rejuvenating projects to which Rotarians have been very committed over the years, such as helping kids with math and reading, putting coats and shoes on kids who need them, and renewing the holiday celebrations aimed at helping families in need. He also committed to restarting fellowship events that bring together Rotarians in service (e.g., salmon bake, barbeques) that were suspended due to the pandemic. President-elect DeBois also thanked and named the club members who have committed to service on the board during his presidential year. Finally, he committed to work hard to strengthen the club, and called on each Rotarian to commit to an active role in the club.
President-Elect Dave DeBois rang the bell at 7:15 p.m. and the meeting was adjourned.
Respectfully Submitted
Gary Cohn – Deputy Assistant Acting Scribe