President Rex called the meeting to order and introduced Nancy Owen for the Inspirational invocation in honor of Father's day.  Richard Piet delivered the news and chose an appropriate joke in honor of The Red Rose Award.  Arts news was presented by Tim Kilmartin and visiting Rotarians were announced by Dan Hartlieb, Bob Squire and Jeff Ross.

Music consisted of Bobby Vinton's, Roses are Red; and My Bonnie Lies Over the Ocean and was led by Jennifer Lang and John Dillworth. 

NEW MEMBER INTRODUCTION:  Amy Remmert Introduced Steve Walsh, Executive Director of the Vine Neighborhood Association.  Steve comes to Kalamazoo from the east side of the state.  He has a degree in education with emphasis on the Montessori style of teaching.  After coming to West Michigan, he began working at a Montessori School and realized early on that he didn't envision working 40-50 hours with three and four year olds.  Steve is married to Sarah and has two young children, Luna (4) and Thomas (6 mo.).  He applied for the position of Executive Director at Vine because he had a passion for the revitalization of historic neighborhoods.  He brings that passion to his job and is looking to make significant changes in the neighborhood.

BY-LAW VOTE:  President Rex presented the new By-laws and Amendment to the Articles and called for a vote of the membership.  Both were approved.

There is still time to register for the 5:30 p.m. "CHANGING OF THE GUARD", Induction Dinner on June 29^th at the Radisson.  Please send your reservation to Sue Esman or go on line to register.  Invitations were emailed to Rotary members.  Dinner is $23 and this event counts for two attendances.

The District is holding a golf outing on Friday, August 21^st at the Lynx Golf Course.  Please contact Nan Thompson for reservations.

Thanks for Allegra Printing for donation of the print materials for today's Red Rose program and thanks to Al Heilman for the chocolates.  

RED ROSE AWARD:  Dan Gustin, Executive Director of the Gilmore International Keyboard Festival began today's program by presenting a pretty clear picture or the Red Rose Honoree.  Patti Huiskamp gave Dan his introduction to Kalamazoo by helping him find his house, telling him where the best shopping was and how to find the best bagels in town. 

She's been an activist in Kalamazoo since arriving here in 1984 when she began volunteering at her church.  She joined Jr. League and helped initiate the Festival of Trees, a fundraiser.  Soon she was involved with more non-profits, helping in ways that were, in some cases, grass roots.  Over the years she has helped raise funds for the YWCA, The Gilmore, Saint Luke's Church, Ministry with Community, Kalamazoo Valley Museum, KVCC and Chenery Auditorium.

Here contributions not only reflect her ability to raise money but to inspire, to promote creative  leadership, and to build well rounded Boards of Directors.  Over two decades, she has raised over 25 million for local organizations and selflessly shares that credit with her colleagues. Jennifer Shoub, CEO of the YWCA calls her an inspiration to leaders.  Words that describe Patti are "faster, higher, stronger."  Patti has passion for her work and has fun doing it.  She established the model for prevention of child abuse and that model is now being used locally in the public schools.

In Patti's reply to having received the award, "I choose my friends well and they have made me look good."  She calls those around her "quiet angels."  I'm sure her quiet angels would say she inspires.  Congratulations to Patti Huiskamp, Kalamazoo Rotary's 2009 Red Rose Recipient.