Mighty Mack Beers called the meeting to order and administered the pledge.
Ramona Pleva offered thoughts of gratitude and reflection.
Kat encouraged everyone to keep an eye on https://www.cherryfestival.
Ramona Pleva offered thoughts of gratitude and reflection.
Kurt Rivard spoke about all of the good work being done around the world by the Rotary Foundation and implored club members to support the Foundation through annual giving. Club support for the Foundation is lacking!
Mack said he would (and later did) email out a message regarding big club changes, along with a survey about those changes. Check your email and take the survey!
Mike Meinderstma introduced the speaker, fellow Rotarian Kat Paye. After many years and several positions with the National Cherry Festival, Kat was named executive director in 2016.
Kat spoke extensively about a Cherry Festival that has been very much impacted by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The festival was cancelled completely last year, and a scaled-back version will be held this year. Despite all of this, the festival has managed to retain all of its employees.
Among the big changes, this year will be the lack of an airshow and the bayside music stage. Planners were concerned about the ability to effectively social distance in those environments. Several other events were also cancelled (don't worry, the Beer Tent will be alive and well, and last year's pin will get you in!). Some events are expected to have both in-person and virtual components.
Kat encouraged everyone to keep an eye on https://www.cherryfestival.