The Rotary Club of Kirkland held its regular weekly meeting online on June 29, 2020. It is our annual Transition Meeting, usually Transition Dinner.
The meeting began about 6:19 p.m., as arranged by James Nevers, using his Zoom account. As usual, we waited a few minutes before starting, to give everyone a chance to ‘arrive’.
Attending were James Nevers, Steve Shinstrom, Dave Aubry, Margie Glenn, Mike Hunter, Gary Cohn, Dan Bartel, Joanne Primavera, Kristin Olson, Rick Ostrander, John Pruitt, Rich Bergdahl, Patti Smith, Rick Walter, Don Dicks, Amy & David Mutal, Jim Meniketti, John Woodbery, Bella Chaffey, Monica Fratita, Scott Becker, Terry Cole, Brian Tucker, Darcia Tudor, Ambareen Jaddi, George Anderson, and Bob Auslander. Let me know if I missed anyone.
We started with a short break-out session while we waited for everyone to arrive.
President John Woodbery rang the bell at 6:19 p.m. and “passed the gavel to incoming President James Nevers.
Rich Bergdahl led us in the Pledge of Allegiance.
We had a number of guests for this meeting, including Patty Shinstrom, Stephanie Walters, Peggy Ostrander, Jessica Nevers, Nanette Bergdahl, Anna Aubry, Janet Pruitt, and former member and club president GG Getz.
John Woodbery made some comments on his term as President of the Club. He reviewed some of the changes that have occurred over the past year, and how normal activities have been disrupted by Covid-19. We have held together through the new medium of Club virtual meetings.
A number of awards and recognitions were made (I may have missed a couple as I frantically wrote – my apologies.). Distinguished Service Award to Scott Becker, now back from Colorado; Distinguished Service Award to Gary Cohn; Margie Glenn was recognized for her sterling service as Board Secretary; James Nevers was recognized for holding us together for the past few months by setting up these virtual meetings; John Pruitt and Rick Ostrander have provided the required information about our meetings and financial activities to the proper people; Joe Getzendammer and Dave Debois have kept us going on Community Service; Brian Tucker has managed our International Service activities; Don Dicks has managed our contributions to Rotary International Foundation (every member has contributed this year!!); Dan Bartel has managed Vocational Service by ably ensuring we had the required people; Rick Walter was recognized for Club Service; Joanne Primavera for overseeing the Club Foundation; Patti Smith for her efforts as Duck Dash Committee Chair.
All recognition – plaques, etc., is delayed, but on its way.
David Aubry was honored with the Rotarian Of the Year for his work on the Club’s Cross-Kirkland Corridor project.
It was determined that GG Getz was the ‘senior’ Past President able to attend, having been President of the Club in 2001-2002.
James Nevers was sworn in by John Woodbery as our new President at 6:40 p.m. Rick Walter awarded a souvenir gavel, plus a bottle of champagne, to now Past President John Woodbery for his service in a tumultuous year.
New President James Nevers recounted his personal motivation that has been involved in his decision to join Rotary and his involvement in Rotary activities. Rotary challenges us all to expand our horizons for service to our community and the world.
James listed his board and Club Officers including Dave Debois - President-Elect, Amy Mutal - Membership Chair, Rick Walter - Treasurer.
Gary Cohn has been revising and updating the Club’s website for a more user-friendly experience. We are trying eliminate some paper and get more of our interactions on line, especially financial transactions.
James reminded everyone that we are open to all suggestions. He is thinking about establishing monthly themes for our speakers going forward.
The meeting was adjourned at 6:58 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted
David Aubry
Acting Scribe