On Thursday, June 26, 2025, we held our annual Change-Over night, marking the beginning of our Centennial Year.
We had wonderful attendance at this meeting, with several guests, including District Governor Elect Jeremiah Sensenig and STRC Past President Brad Alderfer. President Kate Hoath delivered a wonderful presentation, highlighting the numerous achievements of our club over the past year. You can see photos from the event (CLICK HERE), including the members she recognized. She also thanked several members who were not in attendance, Tim Clemens, Steve Kendra, Janet Pesini, Darlene Scott, Nicole Spiese and Kelli Scarlett.
I had the great honor to recognize Kate for the amazing way she lead our club over the 2024- 25 year. The remarks I shared are as follows:
I think I know you well enough that having the spotlight on you, for too long might be a bit uncomfortable, but it is necessary I take this time to formally thank you.
The first way I would like to recognize you is by giving you a Paul Harris pin. By sharing my points with you, it will bring your total giving to a “plus 6”. The many conversations you and I have had, I know you are a believer in the work the Rotary Foundation does because you are a strong supporter. But this pin, means more than just showing your support of the Foundation, the ruby stone has a special connection for me. When I first joined our club in 2012, I found myself often at a table with Al Engel. I immediately noticed that Al had a ruby pin (at the time, not soon after he became a major donor). He took my observation of the pin as a way to introduce me to the Rotary Foundation. Al always, ALWAYS had his pins on! Over this past year, we very unexpectedly lost Al, but I will forever remember Al with the ruby stone. In the future, I hope you will look at this pin and reflect on how you led our club by utilizing a Global Grant with the Foundation. A remarkable achievement! Thank You.
Last summer, you invited me to your house for lunch – we had a lovely quiche. You then led me through the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. I could immediately tell you were excited – and all I thought was WOW look at all the colors on this chart – and good golly there are 17 goals!!! Artificial Intelligence (AI) must have been listening because on my cell phone, soon after this visit, Samsung informed me I could download these goals as an app. So I did – and suddenly, every time my lock screen came on (which is often) I was learning about another way to promote awareness and action towards the UN Goals, and I received inspirational quotes – WOW the power of tech!
Now, I was glad that I did this preparation work, learning about the goals, because…you were all on board to take a bus to visit the UN. What an experience with 11 adults, four Rotary Youth Exchange Students and 35 Souderton Area High School Interactors. And guess what I noticed right away upon arrival – the UN Sustainable Development Goals. I felt so prepared! This kind of adventure was my kind of thing – lots of people, lots of talking, lots of learning new things…and you went above and beyond by not only organizing the entire adventure, IN ADDITION you scheduled a luncheon speaker from the UN. To be honest, I am still a bit in awe about this part. It was so interesting to hear Robert Skinner, Deputy Director and Chief of Partnerships for the UN share about his work. It was interesting to hear about his educational journey and the expectations of his job at the UN. One thing I found interesting was that UN employees are expected to be loyal to the UN, not the country they are representing, and act with impartiality, objectivity, and professionalism.
I’m writing this, because I want to make sure I properly, formally thank you. As I reflect on that last line about the UN speaker it reminds me a lot of you and what I value about you – besides your friendship. You have led this club being objective, impartial and professional - Thank You
To recognize your year, I have another pin for you. This is a pin that shows the colors from the design of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. I hope you will look at this pin in the future and recall this year as a great one.
The Board and I decided to give a gift in your honor to the Foundation you hold closest to your heart – KAFO . For those of you not familiar with this charity, I would advise you to “google it” or ask Kate after the meeting. I am confident you can utilize this $500 gift to continue empowering people in Burkina Faso.
Thank you Kate for being our President 2024 – 2025
After a round of applause, I then shared these remarks
Let us welcome the 100th year of the Souderton-Telford Rotary Club! It is an honor to be elected as the President for this special year. Thank You.
I follow in the footsteps of 99 leaders – but there is a special 5% of the list I would like to recognize tonight:
- Barbara McClennen – 1998
- Carol Washko – 2010
- Suzi Berry – 2018
- Karla Myers – 2021
- Kate Hoath – 2024
Thank you for being a trailblazer and being a woman leader.
If you have been a president, lead a committee year after year, attended meetings, contributed at an event – you have been a part of Rotary. This club needs everyone. I look forward to seeing how you can become involved further over this very exciting year!
We have some great events coming up – I don’t want you to miss a thing so make sure you are reading the BULLETIN and attending meetings when you have a chance.
Thanks for your commitment to our club and our community!