In case you missed our meeting last week, two important events occurred.  First our new officers were inducted and are now in place as of July 1st to serve you for the upcoming year.  Congratulations President Teresa Paige, President-Elect Jane Gordon, Vice-President Chase Erkins, Secretary Amy Byrd, Treasurer Scott Caulfield, and Sargent-at-Arms, Michael Barker. Its going to be a great year with this group leading us.

 Also, outgoing President Jim Martin, presented his “President’s Awards” at the meeting last Thursday.  This was something new that Jim decided to do.  He appreciated what all the members did to make this last year a great one, but he called out a few that he thought deserved special attention.

 Spirit of Service Award:  Renee Bade   Jim recognized Renee for not only choosing a career that focuses on service to others and volunteerism, but also for demonstrating through her actions as a member of Club the Rotary motto of Service above Self, without desire for personal recognition or reward.  Renee lives and breathes service every day and as it relates to our Club she made a substantial impact and is one who definitely walks the talk for all that she does.  She exemplifies the “Spirit of Service.”

Thank-You-For-Your-Service Award:  Constance Carlson.   Jim recognized that Constance has been a great member of our Board for a number of years and did a great job at the Treasurer of our Club.  She stepped down this year after many years of service.  And Jim thanked her for all of her efforts making our Club what it is today.  Scott has big shoes to fill.

Above and Beyond Award:  Amy Byrd.  Sargent Byrd was announced as the recipient of the President’s “Above and Beyond” Award.  Jim wanted to recognize Amy for all her amazing contributions to the Club which Amy took on and handled without a lot of direction or guidance and the fact that whatever she was asked or volunteered to do, Amy went to work and just got it done.  She stayed on task, always doing more than her fair share, no matter what the task, no matter what the project, and no matter how much time was involved.  She is active member of our Club who was always doing things that were “above and beyond” the call of duty.  Nice job Amy!

Rotarian of the Year:  Michela Swarthout.   Jim was also very pleased to announce that Michela was the  recipient of his President’s “Rotarian of the Year” Award.  Jim went through the long list of everything Michela did for our Club this year and all the extra effort she put in.  From all the marketing and other efforts for the Winter Wined-Up, to putting together the fantastic Club Showcase for District Conference, for being the Club’s liaison for numerous things, including Ethics in Business, Rotary Young Professionals, and the Boise Greenbelt Project, to co-chairing the international project committee, and for showing up for all of our Club’s service projects and giving yet, more of her time for the betterment of our Club.  Jim noted that he does not know what he would have done without Michela this last year and that the entire club owed her a big thank you.  Michela was a well-deserving “Rotarian of the Year.”