Posted by Tom Renner
SPOKES
Tuesday, June 27, 2017
 
Our meeting this week was the annual evening transition dinner at the beautiful Hawkshead Inn. The dinner followed an afternoon of golf involving several members of the Club.
 
Thank you Steve Larsen for organizing the golf outing. A bonus was the $215 raised for We Care! (Thank you Paul for sharing your 50-50 winnings!)
 
After a delicious buffet dinner President Art Ayers gaveled the annual meeting to order.
The prime business matter was the election of officers for 2017-18 (beginning July 1). The slate presented to the membership:
President – Tom Renner
President Elect – Mark Odland
Vice President (President Designate) – Barbara Craig
Immediate Past President – Arthur Ayers
Treasurer—Bob Straits
Secretary – Rhonda Wendzel
Director of Youth Programs – Dene Hadden
Director of Recognition – Scott Mark
Director of Membership – Paul Hix
Director of Public Relations – Tom Renner
Grant Coordinator – Tom Renner
WebMaster – Bob McAlear
 
The slate was unanimously approved by the membership.
 
Rotarian of the Year
We were pleased to honor Dene Hadden as the 2017 Rotarian of the Year. A member of our Club since 2006, Dene serves as our Editorian. His weekly SPOKES are eagerly anticipated by the members. The success of our annual education fundraiser can be attributed to Dene’s commitment to it. He is very active in our community outside of Rotary, serving of several boards and committees. He is an advocate for the sport of volleyball. Thank you Dene for your “Service Above Self”.
 
Citizen of the Year
We were proud to honor Rosalie Plechaty as the recipient of the Club’s Community Service Award. Rosalie embodies the spirit of this award. The list of her involvement in local clubs, organizations, community projects and her church is extensive. She is truly a person who is making a difference in South Haven and embodies the spirit of “Service Above Self”.
 
Presidential Farewell
Retiring president Art Ayers gave a thoughtful farewell address. Our Club was made stronger behind Art’s leadership this past year. In appreciation, Art was presented an appropriate plaque and presidential pin.
 
The Year Ahead
Incoming president Tom Renner’s inaugural address focused on what makes this Club great highlighting activities of the past year. President Ayers presented Tom and new president-elect Mark Odland with Rotary pins.
 
50-50
In addition to a generous membership benefiting three winners in the drawing, an additional sum (over $200) was raised for the Club’s charity account. Thank you sergeant –at-arms Tom Ruesink.
 
Announcements
* Reminders were given for upcoming Fourth of July weekend club commitments:
Saturday: Setup pavilion for pancake breakfast, 2:15 p.m.
Sunday: Pancake breakfast, it begins at 8 a.m. but arrive early to help with setup
Monday:  Prepare parade staging area at the high school, 6 p.m.
Tuesday: Coordinate the parade staging area at the high school, 8 a.m.
 
* Tom Renner asked for volunteers to help staff an information table at Thursday’s (June 29) Riverfront Concert.
 
* Members were reminded of the first South Haven Performance Series Concert on Friday, June 30.
 
* We will NOT meet on Tuesday, July 4.
 
Looking Ahead
Our first meeting of the new Rotary Year will be Tuesday, July 11. President Tom Renner will lead a Club Assembly. Greeters will be Deb Davidson and Paul Hemmeter.
 
We concluded an enjoyable evening with spouses and friends with the Four Way Test.
 
Respectfully submitted,
Tom Renner, Pinch Hitter