At our July 7, 2025 Rotary Meeting/Installation.
The inspiration was provided by Don Wolf, who told us it was World Chocolate Day but did not provide any chocolate for the attendees.
July 7th is World Chocolate Day! It marks the date when chocolate was first brought to Europe in 1550.
- “Life is like chocolate: you should enjoy it piece for piece and let it slowly melt on your tongue.”
- “There is nothing better than a friend, unless it is a friend with a box of chocolates.”
- “All you need is love, but a little chocolate now and then doesn’t hurt.”
- “Nine out of ten people like chocolate. The tenth person is a liar.”
- “If dark chocolate’s less fattening, eat chocolate with the lights off.”
- “If anyone tells you to stop eating so much chocolate, stop talking to them. You don’t need that kind of negativity in your life.”
- “A balanced diet is chocolate in both hands”
- “Chocolate comes from cocoa which comes out of a tree. That makes it a plant. Therefore, chocolate counts as a salad.”
- “Did you ever notice there are no recipes for leftover chocolate?”
- “Chocolate is the answer; who cares what the question is.”
Audrey’s Year End Remarks
As outgoing president, Audrey looks back on a wonderful year and commented that our members care about the community locally, in District 5050, and in Honduras. We had the highest return on the auction, which allowed us to accomplish so much, and we have high representation in leadership in District 5050 and in our presence at the Rotary International Convention. The loss of Karen Ryan was a sad highlight. She thanked everyone for their words of praise on her year as president and told us that she really cares what we think of her, which is unusual because she usually doesn’t care what other people think of her.
Audrey recognized the board members and gave each of them a Women in Rotary magnetic pin:
Connie-Committed here and in the district
Marty-dedicated and will be a wonderful new president
Lori-wake up you guys, let’s get this done
Keith-makes record keeping better, public image
Don Wolf manages books and works through the system
Patsy-community service passion
Danielle-willingness to be internation chair
Adam-tech, youth, foundation president, grants
Doug -farmers and merchants
Pam-keeping records for the foundation and sometimes leading the foundation
New Member Mike Cook received his badge.
Audrey turned the meeting over to Incoming President Marty Pease, who honored Audrey with the following:
Thank you so much for your leadership this year. You provided stability, organization, and a kind heart, which helped our club strengthen. We are small but mighty and during
your presidency, we accomplished so much.
A wise old owl lived in an oak.
The more he saw the less he spoke.
The less he spoke the more he heard.
Why can’t we all be alike that wise old owl?
You are like that wise old owl. You silently listened, observed and then took flight. As a
club we knew we could rely on your wisdom.
Thank you!
Audrey was presented an owl garden art piece that was too heavy to hold up and had to be viewed looking down at it. It will be sitting up in Audrey’s and Bill’s garden to be viewed by all who visit.
Marty introduced David Lukov, who had a few remarks before he proceeded with the installation:
Some highlights are:
Good evening and thank you so much for allowing me to come tonight.
I’m a big believer in families and connections. They are strong, consistent, passionate, self-disciplined, and have follow-through. 1/3 of your club was at the Rotary International Convention! Rotary is a family. Uplift and inspire others to greatness. Your club has made a difference in:
Eradicating polio
Clean water and sanitation
Maternal care
The environment
Peace making
Bringing people together to help people of the world
I hope your club will grow!
Installation:
David installed Marty as president and then the officers and directors who all promised to fulfill their duties to the best of their abilities.
Marty’s Closing Remarks demonstrate that she values each member of our club:
Rick: makes sure he is here every April to sell tulips
Lori: glad you retired and are more involved in the club operations, I appreciate your
frankness
Mike: we don’t know you well yet but I am looking forward to your coaching advice
Louise: big heart and has a strong energetic connection to Rotary
Bruce: your generosity and willingness to help wherever you can
Randy: flipping burgers, willingness to participate in projects
Patsy: your wonderful smile and love our community and the valley
Audrey: your calmness and steadiness
Lyanne: your previous Rotary experience and bringing social activities back to the club
Martin: your continued dedication and your cool ideas
Ollie: “Let’s get it done” and your community connections
Christi: Your drive to improve Rotary and our club
Adam: Computer skills and the kindness that goes with it
Connie: Your genuine consideration of all
Dennis: Your honesty and thoughtfulness behind it
John: Your historical and procedural knowledge
Doug: Your heartfelt participation and logical consideration
Danielle: Your consistency and love of Rotary at the club and district level, dedication to Rotary, where are we going next?
Pam: “I’m willing to do that” International convention is where?
Tate: Your desire to serve and learn
Keith: How can we procedurally improve?
Don: corny jokes and speaker connections
Jerry: loyal Rotarian for decades
Danya: Your bubbliness and energy
Don: Your integrity and making sure all is above board