In an annual ritual of Rotary Clubs the world over, the Monrovia Rotary Club demoted 2016-2017 President, Susanne Hayek. The atmosphere was festive with a 4th of July theme of red, white, and blue flowers and balloons, white tablecloths and fun music arranged by club member and Monrovian Restaurant owner, Sia Soris.
Headed by Past President Bill Shieff, and assisted by his Demotion Committee, Sylvia Domotor, Jan Mueting, and Erica Hahn, the evening was well coordinated and enjoyable. An amusing “roast” of the outgoing leader included more than a few “blond jokes”.
A slide show of more than 350 images of the past Rotary year provided background to the proceedings, followed by the traditional president’s life video.
Bryan Earll was honored with the Carlson Award, the Club’s highest award, for his outstanding commitment and service to the Club. Steve Baker was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award for his 20 years of service to the club as a Past President, Board Member, and Executive Secretary. Jan Mueting was awarded “Tiger of the Year”, an annual tribute to the newer Rotarian who has made great contributions. Click here for more photos on FaceBook.
Other awardees were:
Excellence in Service
Monrovia Rotary Club
2016-2017
Andy Montgomery
Finemaster
For Raising Over $20,000 in Club Fines
Excellence in Stewardship
Monrovia Rotary Club
2016-2017
Bill Shieff
Excellence in Stewardship
Monrovia Rotary Club
2016-2017
Bob Helbing
Excellence in Stewardship
Monrovia Rotary Club
2016-2017
Bryan Earll
Excellence in Stewardship
Monrovia Rotary Club
2016-2017
Sylvia Domotor
Excellence in Stewardship
Monrovia Rotary Club
2016-2017
Julie Roybal
Excellence in Stewardship
Monrovia Rotary Club
2016-2017
Darrell Brooke
Excellence in Stewardship
Monrovia Rotary Club
2016-2017
John Campbell
Excellence in Stewardship
Monrovia Rotary Club
2016-2017
Felix Villanueva
Outstanding Service Award
Monrovia Rotary Club
2016-2017
Erica Hahn
For Special Assistance to the President
Outstanding Service Award
Monrovia Rotary Club
2016-2017
Jenny Pappano
for Dedication to Interact and Youth Services
Outstanding Service Award
Monrovia Rotary Club
2016-2017
Steve Knight
Room Set-Up
“Always Arrives Early and Always Stays Late”
Outstanding Service Award
Monrovia Rotary Club
2016-2017
Kris “K-Rail” Leonard
Bulletin Editor
Outstanding Service Award
Monrovia Rotary Club
2016-2017
Karen Lujan
Club Photographer
Outstanding Service Award
Monrovia Rotary Club
2016-2017
Jim Ward
The President’s “Swan Song”
It hardly seems possible that it was a year ago that I lead my first meeting. At that time, you may recall that I listed all the 21 past presidents of our club that are still active today. Because I think that is so remarkable I am going to list them again.
Bill Shieff 2015-2016
Bryan Earll 2014-2015
Alex Blackburn 2013-2014
Julie Roybal 2012-2013
Tom Hould 2011-2012
Cal Magro 2010-2011
Jim Ward 2009-2010
John Campbell 2008-2009
Dennis Franklin 2006-2007
Kris Leonard 2006-2007
Tim Mishler 2005-2006
Mary Ann Lutz 2001-2002
Paul Genino 2000-2001
Stephen Baker 1999-2000
Rob Hammond 1997-1998
Tom Adams 1995-1996
Sam Wright 1993-1994
Gary Kooiman
Steve Knight 1983-1984
Detro Sells 1982-1983
Herb hezlep 1964-1965
The Monrovia Rotary Club was chartered in 1922; This year, we are 95 years old.
The club has 57 members and 21 are past presidents…this is very telling because it shows that we are an amazing team. People stop participating in Rotary when they don’t feel engaged or appreciated, or they feel overwhelmed or burned out. This doesn’t happen in our club because we work together and we support each other.
I come away from my year as President with a deep affection for this club and its members. With a deep appreciation for all the grace that has been shown me and for the help that has been given me. I had barely been a member for two years when I was asked to serve as president. I didn’t even know every members name in the beginning. It was definitely a handicap not to have been steeped in the rich history of this venerable club but what made it possible was the help and guidance I received.
I thank you all for this opportunity to serve. Every job in Rotary is both and opportunity to give and an opportunity to receive. I have been richly rewarded in this past year and I thank you for the privilege. _Susanne Hayek