JUN 24, 2014 ROTARY IN REVIEW:
Annual Changing of the Guard
The phrase “changing of the guard” basically refers to a time in which new people are replacing others in positions of importance. So, with a minimal amount of pomp and circumstance, but an abundance of gratitude and thanks for a job well done, today the baton of leadership of Club 10 will be passed from President, Jim Kosmo, to incoming President, John Guthmann.
The stage was festively and melodiously set, with music from the Mouldy Figs, including fellow Rotarian, David Laird. Chuck Field, Sheryl Vatne and Dick Nicholson greeted arriving members and guests, in their usual jovial manner. President Jim called the meeting to order at 12:15 p.m. Thanks to Doug Hartford, President 2009-10 and Chuck Field, President 1987-88 for providing piano accompaniment and song leadership to America the Beautiful. Carla Hauge provided today’s invocation, inspiring the incoming leadership of Club 10 and all of us, not to tire in our pursuit in our service above self.
Nancy McKillips, President 2001-02 welcomed visiting Rotarians from cities near and far including West St. Paul (former Saint Paul Rotarian and ADG Alan Ruvelson), Rochester and I hope I heard correctly, Fergus Falls. Guests and prospective members were introduced as well and included children and spouses of Club 10 members, as well as businessmen and women from the Crowne Plaza, Summit Hill Living Magazine, Jaycee’s, Clean n’ Press and the St. Paul Athletic Club.
Members and guests had the pleasure of meeting our 4th Century Scholar, Aimee Vue, who will be part of the 250th class of Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island. She expressed her gratitude and remarked “thank you for believing in me!” (See her note elsewhere in this HUB.)
President Jim presented the Mark Weber – Service above Self Award to Linda Mulhern for her commitment to our youth exchange program and Ed Coleman, for pitching in to help on whatever needs to be done!
Doug Hartford introduced the 2014/2015 Saint Paul Rotary Foundation board. President Jim recognized all past Club 10 presidents in attendance, and pinned all outgoing board of directors for their service in 2013/2014.
President Jim, reflected on his year, the 104th since Club 10 was founded. Even though he’s been a long time Rotarian, presidency gave him an opportunity to “participate in every element of club activity.” The presidency gave him an even greater sense of appreciation for the hard work and accomplishments of the club members in fulfilling our mission, service above self, “making others lives better” through our work. “Financial support of our Foundation is critical” and he encouraged everyone to consider making a gift by June 30th.
President Jim gave Sherry Howe a special shout-out and thank you for supporting all of his “crazy ideas” this past year, as she has done so well for all other presidents in the past almost 30 years. Club 10 is made up of 200 community leaders dedicated to improving people’s lives – locally and globally. President Jim recounted the many projects the club undertook in the past year in the area of Education, Hunger, Poverty and Leadership Development. A memo outlining our accomplishments was shared at all tables.
President Jim closed his personal remarks by saying that he was “honored and proud to be your President” and “all of the people in this room made my job easier.” A standing ovation followed.
President Jim squeezed in Happy Dollars, and they were abundant. Gifts to the foundation were made by John Guthmann, Jill Petsel, David Laird, Sherry Howe, Linda Mulhern, Ed Coleman, Joe Kovarik, Blake Davis, Doug Bruce and President Jim, all which will help us achieve our Foundation fundraising goal.
President Jim passed the gavel to incoming President John Guthmann, followed by Shelley Kosmo presenting Teresa Guthmann with a Rotary pendant, a tradition that started with Jeanne Meigs, wife of Jerry Meigs, President 1981-82. Newly installed President John presented a plaque to past President Jim, honoring and thanking him for his service. Dan McKeown, President 2013-13, presented Jim with the past presidents pin.
The incoming Board of Directors was introduced and pinned and John Guthmann made his first official remarks as incoming President. Taking a page from Rotary International, President John shared the year’s theme presented by the new RI President, Gary Huang. Based on the Confucius saying, “It is better to light a single candle than to sit and curse the darkness,” he challenges 1.2 million Rotarians worldwide to Light Up Rotary. If we each light a candle in service above self, we can do so much more than we could every do alone. Together, we can light up the world.
President John promises to work hard to continue our Club Strong tradition. He will focus on a growing and keeping members actively engaged, with goals and interests that align with our members. As President, he wants insure individual member needs are being met and proclaimed that no one should resign the club without talking to him first. He encouraged all of us to invite our spouses, families and friends to join Rotary too and believes that together we will have tremendous success!
President John asked us to join him in reciting the 4 Way Test – the cornerstone of all action. Of the things we think, say or do: 1. Is it the truth? 2. Is it fair 
to all concerned? 3. Will it build goodwill and better friendships? 4. Will it be beneficial to all concerned?
Meeting was adjourned at 1:15 p.m.
Beth Naughton, Scribe