President Susan Froelich called the Annual Meeting of the Rotary Club of Ann Arbor to order at 12:25 on December 1, 2021. Tom Strode played The Star Spangled Banner. Barbara Eichmuller’s Inspiration honored Rosa Parks on this anniversary of her defiance of the Jim Crow rules for public transportation, noting that perseverance will conquer even the deepest, most elemental tiredness. Steve Pierce and Marlena teamed up for a rendition of Let It Snow.

President Susan introduced one Visiting Rotarian and our transfer member Cyril White and his daughter. She thanked the people who make the meetings run smoothly and announced birthdays. She reminded us that Community Service Assessments are due by the end of the year and listed the many ways we can pay.

Don Deatrick updated us on the collection of personal Hygiene kits for veterans. Past President Joanne Pierson announced that her Annual Report is not yet ready for publication. She also honored out 50+ year Members: Russ Reister, 1971. Jim Irwin, 1970, Dallas Dort, 1969, Al Storey, 1965, and the Man to Beat, Tom Collins, 1962.

Secretary Kathy Waugh called the Club Assembly to order. She read the proposed slate of officers. There were no nominations from the floor and the slate was unanimously elected. That list is below. Attention turned to the proposed by-laws amendment that would remove the Sargent-at-Arms position and transfer those duties to the Set Up Committee. This proposed amendment was adopted.

Treasurer Steve Pierce reported on the financial position of the club as of June 30, 2021. The Club is in a strong financial position. Details of the finances can be obtained from the Executive Director.

President Susan reported on the search for a new Executive Director when Lori Walters transitions to Club Member in February. Then four directors reported on the committees in their portfolios.  All  the Directors emphasized the need for more members to join committees in order for our projects to be sufficiently manned to accomplish the objectives of the Club.  Most of the open positions are for short, finite tasks. Contact these Directors for more information: Dawn Johnson, Club Service; Norma Sarkar, Club Outreach, Lauren Heinonen, Public Image; Marsha Chamberlin,  Community Allocations.

President Susan closed the meeting with a quote from Stephen Sondheim which admonished us to be careful of

the things we say and do because out children are watching.

Officers for 2022-2023:

President – Mark Ouimet

President Elect – Mark Foster

Immediate Past President – Susan Froelich

Secretary – Kathy Waugh

Treasurer – Steve Pierce

New Directors:

Mary Avrakotos, Club Outreach

Jennifer Fike, Public Image

John Sepp, Youth Achievement