President Carla Hauge called the meeting to order at 12:15 pm. Joe Kovarik led the singing of America The Beautiful with Bob Jones assisting on piano and the Hauge Girls on brass instruments. Annette Kuyper gave the inspirational minute. Mindee Kastelic introduced visiting Rotarians and guests. The greeters were Laura Nichol-Endres and Heather Christopherson. Carla reminded people to complete the volunteer survey. The results so far show that we need more people to volunteer to be leaders. 
 

 

There is no Fellowship Breakfast Speaker yet but there will still be a meeting. We will recieve an email if a speaker is scheduled.

Rotary Club of St. Paul Night with the Saints is Wednesday, August 24 at 7:05 pm.  The price is $90, which includes a ticket, food and drink.

Joe Kovarik and Bob Jones led us in singing Happy Birthday to Rotarians with birthdays in June.

Carla Hauge recognized past presidents. Those who were present stood up. 20 past presidents are still in the club. She then recognized the 2015-2016 Board of Directors, both the continuing directors and the outgoing directors who received pins for their service.

Carla gave her remarks as the outgoing president. She feels it was fun year. One of the greatest accomplishments was financial. With the help of treasurer Henning Schulze-Lauen, we went from having $23,000 in the bank and $49,000 in receivables last July to $63,000 in the bank and no receivables today. Henning was persistent and diligent in collecting dues by setting up an automatic online payment system. We lost some members who weren’t paying but the rest are good members. We went from 152 members last July, to 141 in January to 156 today, with the addition of 15 new members. Carla emphasized that we need to keep everyone engaged and active and challenged us to find our place in the club.

Carla said that she was honored to have served but could not have done it without the board, past president John Guthmann, Jay Pfaender and the program committee for great speakers, Jodi Erickson, and her parents who helped by taking care of the kids, helping with meals, and offering words of wisdom. She is also very thankful for the love and support of her husband Tom and four kids.  She is grateful that she said yes when asked to serve as president and for the words of encouragement along the way. Carla concluded by saying that we are all gifts to the world. Rotary members showed their appreciation with a standing ovation.

Carla presented the gavel to incoming president Chuck Whitaker. Tom Hauge presented the pendant to Julie Whitaker.

John Guthmann presented the Hauge plaque and past president pin to Carla Hauge.

Chuck Whitaker introduced the 2016-2017 Board of Directors. He gave pins to the officers and directors.

Incoming President Chuck Whitaker gave his remarks. He wants to have a fun year and continue what is great about the club, including the weekly speakers, fellowship, and commitment to giving back both locally and worldwide. He will bring back the bar once a month with Summit beer and wine available. He gave out over 20 cases of Summit beer this year to new members and member sponsors. He encouraged us to continue bringing in new members, from our group of friends and colleagues. We need to believe in all aspects of Rotary, to learn more about the many programs we support and what we do for the community. Chuck said that he is honored to serve as president and will do the best job he can. He asked us to have fun, get involved, meet people and give back. 

President Chuck Whitaker led Rotary members in the Four Way Test and the meeting was adjourned at 1:00 pm.

Lynne Beck

Scribe