The Wild Rose Bistro was the location for our 2016 installation banquet. Installed as our 49th president for the term beginning July 1, 2016, was Erik Granroth.

 

The evening started with pledge of allegiance and, in addition to the recital of the Four Way Test, Paul Ellis gave us the history of this moral code for personal business.  Duane Rhodes offered the invocation.

 

Following a great dinner, President Jeff called us to order and gave some remarks and recognitions. 

Some of the highlights of his year as president included our recognition by District 5050 as having the best membership gain of all clubs in the District.  Jeff also said we need to be proud of providing potable water to the people of Bungoma, Kenya as well as our local service projects including having a great start on raising funds for the splash pad at Haller Park.  Other positive activities were pointed out by President Jeff as he recognized the individual officers and directors who served this past year.

 

Our very active membership committee was chaired by Director Duane Rhodes.  He will be leaving the board at the end of the year. He is also the president of the Arlington Rotary Foundation.

 

The other director who is semi retiring is A.J. Chase who is now spending much of her time in England.  She will continue on the Public Relations Committee as Associate Director.  This year's Associate Director, Jessica Ronhaar, pictured below, will be the new Public Relations Director. The P.R. Committee got out numerous press releases and we finally have a sign up at the entrance of town, to name a couple of things that they did this past year.

 

The Rotary Foundation Committee was chaired by Director Kathy McCone, right, with Robin Reinig, left as Associate Director. Joan Tilton headed up the Bungoma water project with Bucky Tart and she will be next year's Associate Director. Kathy is also the treasurer of the Arlington Rotary Foundation. Robin has been elected as our new secretary.

 

Club Administration this year was chaired by Director Carla Rankin Gastineau, right, and assistance of Associate Director Tina Davis, left.  We had a number of social events (firesides) over the year that were mentioned by President Jeff.  Carla put together the details of the installation banquet.  Both ladies will continue in the same capacities next year.

 

Our Service Director this year, and next year, is Devin Brossard.  Associate Director, Penny Clark, took a leave during the year.  Next year's Associate Director will be Brad Kihm.  Project highlighted by President Jeff included painting the Mud Hut, the Boy Scout Camp work project, the food drive and several others. 

 

 

Others recognized by President:

         

Left to right: Paul Ellis who is retiring as Secretary to become Vice President; Bryce Duskin for great programs and work to buy our new audio and visual equipment and the splash pad project; Jody Nelson, chair of the grants and scholarship committees; Past President Cindy; and Sergeant at Arms Simona Devries.

 

Our incoming and outgoing presidents recognized each other.  Erik Granroth as our President Elect chaired the 2015 Duck Dash and was active on this year's board.  Erik presented Jeff with the Past President's pin, a Paul Harris Fellowship Award and an aged bottle of whiskey from a relatively new distillery.

 

 

 

Past District Governor, Lyle Ryan, a former member of our club, did the honors of installing our new president followed by the installation of the 2016-17 Officers and Directors.

 

Other officers installed included: Jola Barnett-President Elect; Paul Ellis-Vice President; Robin Reinig-Secretary; Pam Beaton-Treasurer.

 

Directors elected by the members include the following:  Kathy McCone-Foundation; Mike Britt-Membership; Public Relations-Jessica Ronhaar; Service Projects-Devin Brossard; and Club Administration-Carla Rankin Gastineau.

 

Our board of directors will be electing Associate Directors as specified in our by-laws.  Associate Directors have the right to vote at board meetings when the director is not present.  Those proposed by our new president are as follows:  Membership-Lyanne Rolf; Public Relations-A.J. Chase; Club Administration-Tina Davis; Foundation-Joan Tilton; and Service Projects-Brad Kihm.

 

President Erik has also appointed Jessica Ronhaar as assistant secretary, Narda Tudder as assistant treasurer, Dave Duskin as webmaster and Lyanne Rolf will be chair of Youth Services.  Other appointments to be announced later. 

 

After the installation, a new member was inducted into our club and our new President told us about when he had that "Rotary Moment" when he was no longer a "RINO" (Rotarian in name only).  Erik challenged us all not to be RINOS.