Wednesday, July 6, 2022
By: W Todd MillerThis week the Rotary Club of Washington, D.C., had a Presidential Assembly led by President Marilyn Nevy Cruz.
On July 6, 2022, the Rotary Club of Washington, DC, held its first meeting of the new Rotary Year. The meeting was a Presidential Assembly conducted as a hybrid live/Zoom meeting and began at 12:30 PM.
The Club’s new President Marilyn Nevy Cruz welcomed participants and led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Secretary Todd Miller led the introduction of guests and visiting Rotarians and Rotaractors.
Sergeant-at-Arms Lola Perez presented the Four-Way Test, recognized birthdays and anniversaries for the week, and offered words of wisdom.
Past President and former member Andy Cook provided the Member Moment. He explained the break he took from Rotary, his engagement in numerous community and professional activities, but his desire to return “to do [his] outside activities with [his] friends at Rotary.”
Dick Pyle discussed the work of the Program Committee and the desire of the membership to continue hybrid meetings. In this regard, volunteers are needed to assist with on-line and live production of the meetings on Zoom.
President Marilyn exchanged flags with a visiting Rotarian from Club Rotario San José Noreste in Costa Rica, Rotary District 4240.
President Marilyn thanked everyone for their support in her Rotary Journey as she begins her year as Club President. She shared her vision for the upcoming Rotary Year. She emphasized that her vision revolves around the three “E’s”: Excited, Engaged, and Elevated. She explained each term and its applicability to Rotary activities in the coming year. Of particular note were her announcement of plans for the celebration of the centennial of the DC Rotary Foundation with a special grant, the continued close collaboration with the Rotaractors, the tremendous diversity of the Club’s membership, and breadth of Club activities.
Past President Lisa McCurdy discussed the operation of the DC Club’s Foundation (the Rotary Foundation of Washington, D.C.). She explained that the Foundation adopted a new Vision and Mission Statement last October. She then reviewed the financials for the prior Rotary Year.
Mary Goldstein discussed fellowship events for the upcoming year. The Summer Soiree will be held on July 30, 2022, at the home of Dr. Nik. The Foundation Centennial Celebration will be held on September 10, 2022, and the Holiday Party on December 8.
Musa Kamara described the Community Engagement Committee. There will be an activity with Community Service Grant recipient Everybody Wins DC on July 28 and 29, 2022. An email with details was sent to the membership on July 6, 2022. Further activities are in the works.
Elise Egan detailed the work of the Community Service Grants Committee. There will be two cycles this Rotary year: one for the Centennial Grant this Fall and one for community service grants this coming Spring. A survey was sent out on July 6, 2022, to obtain member input on the focus of the Centennial Grant. The Committee will also continue its work to streamline the review process.
Mimi Kanda and May O'Brien discussed the International Service Committee and the breadth of activities in which the Committee engages. It provides support for numerous projects through small and global grants. The Committee also seeks ways to further partner with clubs around the world. They noted a speaker at the July 27, 2022, meeting on “Sustainable Cambodia.”
Steve Liston reported on the Embassy and International Relations Committee. He thanked David Klaus for all his work in making the Embassy Reception happen. Steve noted the many activities in which the Committee engages and explained that it was seeking to examine potential Twin Clubs beyond the 12 that the DC Club already has and to increase engagement in InterCountry Committees. President Marilyn thanked Steve for all his efforts in managing the in-person and Zoom meeting production.
Past Rotaract President Liz Moody provided a report on the Rotaract Club of Washington, D.C. She thanked the DC Rotary Club for its support and explained that new Rotaract President Allie Rivera intends to focus on service and fellowship during her term. She said that World Rotaract Week will be in March and District meetings will be in April.
DC Club Foundation President Lynn Holec discussed the Centennial Grant. She explained that the survey was intended to determine to which Rotary Area of Focus club members would like the Centennial Grant directed. Members should respond promptly as time is tight.
Past President Andy won the raffle.
President Marilyn adjourned the meeting at 1:30 p.m.
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