Posted by Charles Haylyn

First in-person meeting in 476 days! 

President Mack opened the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance and God Bless America. The song committee lead us in a clever song for this special Rotary President transition meeting. Guests were introduced.

Susan Zimmerman offered a thoughtful prayer.

 

Announcements followed:

Pat Parker gave us the Rotary Camps update. The Discovery Center’s development plan was recently approved by Elmwood Township. The improvements will be made over three phases. Phases I & II will focus on infrastructure modifications, a building, and docks. Phase III is a work in progress, but will no doubt be spectacular.

The tour boat Discovery has arrived! The Maiden cruise will be on July 8 and it seats 149 people. Three cruises are available that day and there are still openings!

GOREC is seeing increased usage with the pandemic restrictions being lifted. They’re passing along the five pillars of outdoor education: basic outdoor living skills, water skills, vertical skills, backcountry medicine, and leave no trace. The site was also used to host Becky Ewing’s retirement celebration.

Paul LaPorte was up next and led the group in congratulating, thanking & giving President Mack Beers the Rotary Red Rose Award for his leadership over a unique year. Well-deserved and one more hip hip hooray!

President Mack let us know that next week’s ‘meeting’ is not mandatory, but will be held in the beverage pavilion of the Cherry Festival from 5:00 PM -7:00 PM. (No Noon Meeting Tuesday, July 6th)

New members from 2020 (the ‘COVID Class’) were introduced.

President Mack then gave some ‘closing’ remarks before introducing Al Bonney and Ross Childs. They brought up the outgoing Officers/Board/Directors and thanked them for their service. The incoming Officers/Board/Directors were also brought up and sworn in. The Past-Presidents gave Mark Eckhoff words of advice. President Eckhoff was then sworn in and gave introductory remarks.

President Eckhoff then adjourned the meeting.