Holy Homer Nye called the virtual meeting to order (his last in what was a wonderful term as president) and gave some thoughts about the survival of the fittest, specifically the concept that those who adapt are the ones who survive. If we are to survive, he said, we must adapt to the changes and challenges provided by this pandemic. This applies to businesses, churches, and yes - Rotary clubs! We need to lean on the four-way test and our motto of service above self, Homer said. He provided an update on the exciting new Rotary Square project and thanked everyone for allowing him to lead the club.
Al Bonney oversaw the installation of new officers. He first thanked and recognized the 2019-20 officers and directors who are leaving: Sakura Takano, Katy McCain, Ramova Pleva and Bob Stow are all retiring from the board. Sid Van Slyke, Lisa Pointe, Tony Anderson, Lee Torey and Homer (immediate past president) will continue their service. New officers will be Mack Beers (president), Mark Eckhoff (president-elect) and Connor Miller (secretary). Steve Haskin, Paige "Michael Scott" Graves and Thom Paulson also join as directors.
Al also oversaw what has been a wonderful tradition over the years: former presidents offering the new president advice or thoughts. Their sentiments, greatly condensed:
Beth Karczewski: Believes Mack is the perfect person to take the ball and run with it. He is thoughtful and has a steady hand. Run the meetings on time and have fun!
Jeff Hickman: Be yourself. And long live the three Ps (past, former, current presidents).
George Powell: You're taking over the greatest Rotary club in the world. Embrace it and enjoy it as much as you can. It will be the fastest year of your life. Club supports you 100 percent!
Mike "The Spartan" Meindertsma: Have fun, make it your own, be ready to improvise and don't take yourself too seriously.
John Racine: Mack has always been a quiet leader with actions that speak louder than words. Has confidence Mack will inspire the club. Don't be shy about asking the club to help.
Homer: Don't worry about anything! Superstar Kathy Bussell will get everything done for you! Always be yourself...unless you're being a pain in the neck, then try to be someone else.
Al Bonney: Don't worry too much, there's only so much damage you can do in a year...
Mack virtually presented Homer with the most coveted pin of all, the IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT pin! He thanked Homer for being an inspiration to the club. Mack gave everyone a breakdown of the Life and Times of Mack Beers. He's from Traverse City (born at Munson) and was educated here through TCAPS before attending some junior college in Ann Arbor known as the "University of Michigan" to obtain an engineering degree and EMU for an MBA. He married Lorraine, fathered Emily (now Emily Beers, MD). He joined Rotary in 1984 (in August he will have been a Rotarian half of his life) and worked in banking for 41 years before retiring. He is a self-described high-functioning introvert who loves all things cars and traveling (he's been to dozens of countries and every continent except Antarctica. He'd like input from club members about how the club can be improved - everything from meeting time, place, frequency and content to member recruiting, engagement and empowerment.
