Posted by Kathleen Olson on Jun 03, 2023

June 2, 2023 Installation Banquet

As part of the installation festivities, Kathleen Olson installed the newest member of our club– Yvonne Gallardo-Van Ornam. Her sponsor is Paul Ellis. Yvonne served in the Navy for nine years as an Electronics Technician, where she met her husband in 2003. They have lived in Arlington since 20005 and have two children. She is currently a member of the Arlington City Council, and served as a founding board member of the Snohomish County Latino Coalition. She was previously Director for the Monroe Chamber of Commerce and is currently a Grant Operations Administrator. She was a City of Arlington Planning Commissioner in 2020-2022 and has volunteered her time and expertise with various nonprofits, including PTAs, the Veteran Memorial Wreath Foundation, SCORE and Clothes for Kids.

With a Hawaiian theme, the changing of the guard of club leadership occurred at the Annual Installation Banquet.

Following a social hour, members and guests were called to order for the Flag Salute, Four Way Test and Invocation. The dinner featured Asian food cooked on a grill with a very entertaining chef, who called Wotjek (who gave his name as “Bob”) up to “help” flip some eggs. Ample portions of salad, soup and edamame were followed by fried rice, veggie medley, chicken, beef and shrimp were served fresh from the grill. Banana pudding was served to top off the evening’s meal.

2022-23 Club President Joe Klein shared some of his experiences during his year, which started with the Duck Dash Pub Crawl and his service as one of the 2022 Ducks with Mel Simpson. He introduced the 2023 ducks–Jenie Jones and Eric Scott and reminded members to pick up their ticket and T-Shirt bags. Joe thanked his board of directors and club officers for their service furthering the work of Rotary.

Jim Kelley was installed as the 2023-24 Club President by Kathleen Olson, Area J Assistant Governor Nominee. Jim presented Joe with a plaque recognizing his service as Club President and also gave him an appreciation gift from the club. Jim shared his goals for the year and introduced the new and returning officers and directors: President Elect Mel Simpson, Vice President Bob Campbell, Secretary Simona DeVries, Treasurer Cindy Huleatt, Past President Joe Klein, Membership Director Dave Kraski, Club Administration Director Jennifer Holocker, Service Director Barney Petersen, Foundation Director Joan Tilton, Public Relations Director Tanner Olson, Youth Services Director Jessica Ronhaar and Community Funding Director Eric Scott.