At the end of every Rotary year, a Changeover event is held where the incumbent Club President officially hands the leadership over to the incoming President. On Thursday, July 20, we once again came together to enjoy a picnic at Kailee’s Little Free Library and Community Garden at 133 Kenwood Avenue. Outgoing President Lisa Norwood spoke about her two years as Club President and the remarkable successes achieved. She thanked the club for the support and the opportunity, which helped her personally and professionally.
One of Lisa's last duties as President was to induct three new members into our club: Lesia Telega, Dayanara Vazquez Comas and Germaine Knapp. Lesia, Director of Development & Membership of the Susan B. Anthony House, is the primary member of that organization’s corporate membership with our club, with Allison Hinman and Aisha Pierre as her alternate members. Dayanara is a clinical psychologist, and Germaine is the former director of the Sojourner House. Welcome to Rotary, Lesia, Dayanara, and Germaine! We look forward to having you as active members of our Club!Several club members were recognized both for their service and commitment to Rotary:
The Quiet Rotarian Award, designed to recognize a Rotarian whose important and vital work for the club is carried out diligently, efficiently and quietly without any call for recognition or fanfare, was given to past-president Eleanor Coleman, an inaugural member of our Rotary Club. She leads our twice-monthly cleanups of Kailee’s Little Free Library and Community Garden. Last year she instrumental is getting our garden recognized by the City of Rochester as the best pollinator garden.
The Spirit of Service Award, recognizing a Club member who exemplifies the true spirit of Rotary by active participation and involvement in the community and by promoting community service activities within the club, was given to Marcy Richer. By exemplifying the Rotary Motto to live a life of “Service Above Self,” Marcy earned this award through the many people she recruited as speakers to our club, her role on the Raise-A-Glass Foundation/Roc City Uncorked planning committee, and the creation of our club’s t-shirts for July’s Pride Parade.
The Rookie of the Year, presented to a Rotarian who has been in the Club less than 18 months, has become very involved in club activities and who has made a significant impact in supporting and strengthening the club, was awarded to Marv Knoeck. During his six months as a club member, he eagerly participated in service projects and fundraising activities from packing books for Rotary Books for the World, to working our concession stand at Red Wings baseball games and serving on the Roc River Ride planning committee.
The Rotarian of the Year Award, valuing outstanding demonstration of Service Above Self, a principled commitment to the 4-Way Test, contributions to the mission and operation of the club, and tireless and inspired promotion of Rotary through actions and involvements, was given to our vice-president and incoming president, Glenn Cerosaletti. Always calm under pressure, Glenn led the charge to adopt a two-mile stretch of the Erie Canal which our club beautifies every month. He is also the fearless organizer of our annual Roc River Ride through southwest Rochester.
Immediate Past-President Lisa then handed the reins Rotary bell, gavel and banner to incoming President Glenn. Glenn then introduced his executive board: Karen Emerson, President-elect; Karen Rogers; Vice-President Lisa Norwood, Secretary; Stephen Norwood, Treasurer. From there he discussed his plans for this Rotary year. Once the formalities were over, we enjoyed an evening of fellowship and socializing while eating delicious sandwiches and salads in our beautiful community garden.
