July 1st is the start of the new Rotary year. All Rotary entities transition to new leadership at the start of July. Pictured are outgoing president Kathy DeVries and incoming president Ed Swart.

 

Janet Huyser announced the formation of a club Connections Committee and invited members to join the committee. This committee will foster closer relationships within our Rotary family.

 

Kathey summarized the past year by noting that we built on the successes of the last 120+ years and remain dedicated to service above self. She noted how we have increased our reach through local and global partners. Kathy expressed her thanks to the retiring board members, current board members, and the committee chairs.

 

Incoming president Ed and new board members Bonnie McManus and Kate Fornarotto were sworn in. Ed presented Paul Harris Fellowship awards to Kathy and Howard Fink (who served the first half of the year as president) and thanked them for their leadership.

 

President Ed reflected that he had served as president of this club exactly 25 years ago, and many things have changed. He noted that 25 years ago, the dress at club meetings was much more formal, that we had close to 200 members, and that many employers required their executives to be members of Rotary and paid for their memberships. This club has also started 3 new clubs in the last 25 years.

 

Ed noted his goals for the upcoming year.

Ed mentioned our increased support from area businesses and governmental units. We had new corporate support for the Leaders of the 21st Century program, and the Paddle Fest has been doing well in recruiting partners.

 

The Tom J Bos Memorial Foundation was established after Tom's death to provide funding for Rotary Youth Exchange students. Ed announced that the board of directors of Holland Rotary Charities has decided to establish a "Marvin Younger Leaders for the 21st Century Scholarship Fund.” This is in memory of Rotarian Marvin, who was a retired educator and a great supporter of the middle school leadership program.