By DON HUTCHINS
Kingston North Kitsap Rotary Club formalized its Change of Command at an installation dinner July 10 at the Port of Kingston’s tent in Mike Wallace Park.
Past President Clint Boxman presided over the official passing of the gavel from Don Hutchins to incoming President Meisha Rouser. Clint thanked the outgoing officers, chairmen and board members for their services, and swore in the new slate of officials for Rotary Year 2013-14.
Outgoing President Don reported on the club’s activities for the year 2012-13: beating our fundraising goal by $5,000; providing exceptional services to the community, including doubling the scholarship program; completing the new Village Green Pavilion and pledging $50,000 to the Village Green Community Center Capital Campaign; and beating our membership goal, ending the year with 46 Rotarians in our little club. Don thanked his officers and our membership for a year of exceptional Service Above Self.
There were several other awards presented that evening. Don honored Skip and Sondra Peters of Port Gamble as Kingston-North Kitsap Legends of Golf. Skip and Sondra were principle players in the inaugural Kingston Rotary Golf Classic at White Horse Golf Club in 2007.
That tournament was the first event ever held at White Horse, and has continued each year as one of the major events at that world-class local course. The Peterses chaired the Golf Classic for its first five years, and grew it from its modest beginnings to Kingston North Kitsap Rotary’s foremost fundraising event — and a terrifically successful golf tournament in its own right. Even after stepping down from the chairmanship in 2011, they remained key members of the golf committee and have continued to make the event bigger and better each year.
The President’s Award for Service Above Self was given to Randy Monlux, vice president and Beer Garden chairman for as long as most Kingston North Kitsap Rotarians can remember. Randy was honored for his dedication, imaginative leadership and consistent service to the club and our community this year.
Although the plaque was presented at the installation dinner, the Rotarian of the Year was very visible as our Rotary Club marched in the 4th of July parade. Outgoing President Hutchins and new President Rouser carried the Kingston North Kitsap Rotary banner proudly in this year’s parade. A bunch of eager Rotarians walked behind tossing candy to the crowd, in front of 2013 Rotarian of the Year Clint Boxman, who rode in Jon Sole’s red convertible.
Past President Clint was chosen for his amazing drive as membership chair this past year. Clint has almost single-handedly added several members to the club this year, among them some very distinguished local folk who we’re proud to have gracing our roster. We all know that membership is the life-blood of any organization, so this year’s great drive by Clint has given Kingston North Kitsap Rotary a fantastic shot in the arm.
Join the Kingston North Kitsap Rotary Club for lunch on Wednesdays at noon to learn more about Rotary and its many opportunities for service. Rotarians gather at 11:45 a.m. at the North Kitsap Fire and Rescue Station 81 (Paul T. Nichol Headquarters), 26642 Miller Bay Road in Kingston, for their weekly meeting.
We are actively looking for new members to join our group. For directions or more information, contact Clint Boxman, membership chairman, at (360) 297-3046.
