The Going out and Coming in Ceremony

President Judy Moore finished her term in office as she served her tenure in the hot seat- with real class!  She handled the changing of the guard with liberal doses of good humor, useful information and kudos to the many who have contributed to the Rotary year 2007-2008.  Many were recognized but a few were especially honored for their contributions during the year.  Among those so recognized was Doug Vernon who chaired the invocation committee and stepped in today to deliver an appropriate invocation. 

President Judy recognized the significant contributions of the board and presented accolades and past board member pins to Sandy Bliesener, Ann Nieuwnhuis, Drew Elliot and Mike Williams.  Additionally she recognized Sue Esman for her consistent service to the club.  She also singled out Ed Sackley for his IT service at the meetings through out the year.

The soon to be outgoing summarized the many accomplishments of the last year including the following:  A net gain of 5 members; two new committees; over $11,000 in grants to organizations in the community and a commitment of $10,000 to the Kalamazoo County Parks Foundation; significant activity of the family of Rotary committee; tremendous programs throughout the year highlighted by the Red Rose award presented to Ken Miller; and finally, the by laws have been revised and are ready for action by a club vote.

As one of her last official duties, President Judy introduced two new Rotarians:

Milike Winkworth, introduced by PDG Karl Sandelin, and Andre Weigand introduced by Jim Gasaway.  Milike is teaching and finishing a graduate degree at Western and is the spouse of Rotarian Jim Winkworth.  A native of Romania she moved to Kalamazoo in 2005.  Andre grew up in Port Huron and is now with Southwest Builders, a prominent firm in downtown Kalamazoo housing, and is married to wife, Joy.  Welcome to Kalamazoo Rotary Milike and Andre!

Incoming President Rex Bell received the infamous "Goose" (with guitar) and a gavel from our outgoing President Judy Moore. 

With the final reading of the minutes of the "Has Beens Club" by Past President Drew Elliott and the pin of past president replacing the president's pin, President Judy became Past President.

President Rex indicated that he has several goals for the coming year and briefly noted those as:

• Have a healthy club - members will come.
• Keep the club informed.
• Work with other clubs on significant projects.
• Develop a strategic plan in a state of change.
• Improve and use the web site.
• Form a Rotaract club.

Three new directors were introduced to the club.  They are Thell Woods, Mary Jo Asmus, and Jim McIntyre.  Also Dan Hartlieb was introduced as the new Secretary and Deb Chope-Hughes as President elect of Kalamazoo Rotary.

With all of the business conducted, President Rex Bell hit the bell ending his first meeting on his first try.

Submitted by Robert O'Boyle

KALAMAZOO ROTARY CLUB

MAKE-UP LIST

June 30, 2008

ALLEGAN, MI:                         Ed Sackley

BATTLE CREEK, MI:                             Bob Tower (2)

CRANBERRY TOWNSHIP, PA:            Nan Thompson

DISTRICT CONFERENCE:                        Rick Briscoe, Jennifer Lang

DISTRICT FOUNDATION:                        Jim McIntyre

E-CLUB ONE:                                                             Tom Ihling, Tim Lemanski

EDITARIAN:                                        Sandy Bliesener (2), Jim Escamilla, Mary Jo Hawk (3), Deb Chope Hughes, Jeanne McGeorge , Bob O'Boyle (2), Amy Remmert (4), Karl Sandelin (2)

GULL LAKE AREA, MI:            Jeannie Brandenberger, Don Gilmer, Timothy Light (2)

HILLSDALE, MI:            Kathleen Tosco

JACKSON, MI:            Jeff Murphy

MANAGUA-TISCAPA:            Ed Sackley

MICHIGAN CENTER, MI:            Kathleen Tosco

OSHTEMO, MI:            Greta Williams

PARCHMENT, MI:            Bob Britigan, Don Flesche, Nan Thompson, Jim Winkworth (3)

PAW PAW, MI:            Greta Williams (3)

PLAINWELL, MI:            Karl Sandelin, Kathleen Tosco

PORTAGE AM, MI:            Mark Harsha (4), Jim McIntyre

PORTAGE, MI:                                    Rick Briscoe, Brian Kaufman, Don Ryan, Ed Sackley, Greta Williams

READING, MI:                                     Kathleen Tosco

ST JOE/BENTON HARBOR:                        Tim Lemanski

VICKSBURG, MI:                                    Mark Harsha (2)

??:                                                       Rick Briscoe, Mark Harsha (12), Dan Liehr

NEW MEMBER PROPOSAL: KENDRA STETSER ROWE, Executive Director of Ministry with Community, Inc., has been proposed for membership by JIM MOSBY with a classification of Youth & Social Welfare Organizations.  Any comments or objections must be received by the Administrative Secretary within 10 days.