Rotary News

President Judy Moore presided over her last official meeting but not her last official duty.  Next week we will be installing Rex Bell as the incoming 2008-2009 Rotary President. - A reminder went out that dues are due by June 30^th. -  Kathleen Tosco is heading up "Children of the Dump" project.  You can get a list of needed items from Kathleen if you are interested in participating in helping the children of Chinandega, Nicaragua. -  Jerry Albertson announced that the pavement has been laid on the trail way from Westnedge to Douglas and the clearing has been done from Douglas to U.S. 131.  Progress!!  -  Laura Latiolais announced there is still time to order tickets for West Side Story at the Barn Theatre.  Tickets are $50 per person and includes dinner.

Stacy Ridenour and D. Terry Williams, in honor of our Red Rose recipient re-wrote the words to the WMU Fight Song.  "Right On, Right On Ken Miller, You're the guy for the town and the gown.  Serving all in Kalamazooooo, DTI, KSO WMUuuuuuu.  Right On, Right On Ken Miller. You're the guy we salute, lead the way.  Ken V. M - I "LL" - E - R,  Roses for you today.

And with that, we honored Ken Miller as the 2008 Red Rose Award recipient.  As in the words of Rotary, to serve above self and to make a difference are words Ken lives by.  He has a passion for Kalamazoo and the people that live here.  Among the people honoring Ken was Anne Drummond who formerly worked for Ken.  "He is known for his philanthropic giving.  He acts swiftly when necessary, is generous of his time and is the voice of his organization to his peers."

Bob Miller of WMU highlighted Ken's service to WMU and the community.  "The Union" became a wonderful collaboration between the restaurant and WMU, showcasing the many talents of students while providing wonderful food.  Ken was also involved in the hiring of WMU President John Dunn which was done with openness and gave the community opportunities for input.

Jack Hopkins read through Ken's many accomplishments.  Ken is an attorney by trade, an investor in banking, a consummate volunteer and a man for all seasons among his many other wonderful traits and efforts.  He loves the people and the community of Kalamazoo and contributes so generously to it. 

Ken attributes his success and his passion for the community to being surrounded by his supportive family and the upbringing by his loving parents who lived a modest lifestyle but were generous in spirit.  Each of us has talents and we should use them to do something positive to help our community.  As Ken stated "If you are not being innovative, creative and energized about your community, you're waging a loosing battle" 

Other Red Rose Recipients in attendance were, Marian Klein, Linda Brown, Karl Sandelin, Judy Jolliffe, Caroline Ham, All Heilman and Bill Schma.  Thanks to the Red Rose Committee for another wonderful event.

NEW MEMBER PROPOSALS: The following have been proposed for membership.  Any comments or objections must be received by the Administrative Secretary within 10 days.  DONALD V. PHILLIPS of US Army Cadet Command, proposed by GORDON DUISTERHOF with a classification of Education-Large Universities; SALLY REAMES, Executive Director of Community Healing Center, proposed by Jerry Mason with a classification of Medicine.

Submitted by Amy Remmert