This was the last meeting of the Rotary Club year.  Doug Bruce conducted his final meeting as President.  As President Doug stepped down, Dan McKeown was installed as the 103rd President of Club 10. 

Commencing at 12:15 p.m., Past-President Tom Farnham introduced the Procession of 2011-2012 Officers and Board members (those completing Board service).  The group was led in by Macalester College Director of Piping, Michael Breidenbach, on the bagpipes.  President Doug Bruce brought the meeting to order at 12:35 p.m.  Past-presidents Chuck Field with Doug Hartford "on the 88" led the assembled Rotarians in singing God Bless America.  Past-president Chuck Graham provided today's invocation giving thanks for the strong leadership of the past year and asking blessings for the new leadership for next year.  Past-president Carolyn Brusseau facilitated the introduction of visiting Rotarians and guests. Visiting Rotarians today included the incoming Presidents of Club 9 (Minneapolis) and the City of Lakes Club (Minneapolis/morning).  Today's Greeters were Past-presidents Blake Davis and Nancy McKillips.

ImagePresident Doug announced that there will be NO Tuesday meeting on July 3 due to the Fourth of July holiday.  Bill Handschin was called to the podium to provide the Foundations year-end report.  The report was that the annual fund raising goal for the RI Foundation was met and the annual goal for the Saint Paul Rotary Foundation was exceeded due to a generous gift from an anonymous donor.  President Doug asked President-elect Dan McKeown to come forward to introduce new member Paul Dzubnar, President and owner of Green Mill restaurants.

President Doug then presided over the "Changing of the Guard" program.  He recognized the 2011-2012 Officers, Directors and Committee Chairs for their service.  President-elect Dan assisted with the distribution of "thank you" pins to each of the outgoing members of the 102nd Club 10 Board.  President Doug then introduced the incoming Officers and Directors.  President Doug also had the opportunity to present one more Paul Harris Fellow award to his spouse, Dana Bruce.

President Doug then gave his outgoing remarks: "Thanks Club 10.  It was an honor and a privilege to serve as President of the best Rotary Club in the world."  He presented the presidential gavel and pin to incoming President Dan McKeown, initiating and completing the presidential transition.  President Doug then turned the podium over to President Dan.  In a second presentation recognizing the importance of the president's partner to supporting the president during the term, the traditional spouses' pendant was presented by Dana Bruce to Heidi McKeown.  President Dan made a presentation to Past President Doug of a gavel-plaque in recognition of his year of service as president along with a three-time Paul Harris Fellow award to past president Doug, as well.  Past President and current District Governor Joe Kovarik presented the "Past President's Pin" to past president Doug.  District Governor Joe presented President Dan and Club 10 with a new banner emblazoned with "Home of the District Governor" to appreciative applause from the audience.

President Dan recognized all past presidents, district governors and international board members in attendance and asked them to stand for an ovation.  He then offered his incoming remarks.  He thanked all members who have supported his work with the Club to this point.  He gave special thanks to Executive Director Sherry Howe.  He also thanked the incoming Board for their commitment and in return committed to facilitate their work in the coming year.  He outlined his general goals to enhance the member experience (fellowship and community service); mentoring of new members; and membership growth from the current 185 to 200.  He outlined the many initiatives that Club 10, both locally and through Rotary International,  delivers each year.  President Dan stated "what I can do in my community and around the world" is enhanced by membership in Rotary.  This is the message that our membership needs to deliver to others to engage them to become partners with us in this work as members of Club 10.

ImagePast President Tom called for the Recessional of 2012-2013 Officers and Board members, led by Mr. Breidenbach on the pipes, and adjourned the meeting at 1:22 p.m. 

Chuck Standfuss
Scribe