On July 27, the Rotary Club of Niwot installed its new leadership slate for the 2009-2010 Rotary Year and recognized club members for achievements.

At the installation meeting and bar-be-cue, Jo Kirkenaer took over the reins of the local club from out-going President Eli Buzas. During Eli's tenure the club became established,officiallychartered, and performed all the requisite steps to qualify for a Presidential Citation. These included performing service in all main Rotary areas of service and extra efforts identified by national leadership as priorities of the Rotary International organization. The Niwot Rotary Club has been noted as a fast starter and a high achieving club in the district.

Jo's job will now be to continue that work and strengthen the club with his knowledge and administrative skills gained from his experience as a past president and Rotarian from California and New York clubs. Already, added events and service projects are being planned for the coming year. You've seen several in Niwot such as holiday parades, community service and clean-ups, and educational support programs like Rotary Youth Leadership Awards, and dictionaries, but this year an Oktoberfest is also in the works. Two more of Jo's goals for the coming year include adding 7 new members and locking in a good venue for its downtown Thursday breakfast meetings.

Other officers installed to assist Jo were President-Elect Maryann Ruck, Secretary Kaye Reich, Treasurer Kamla Chopra, and Sergeant-at-Arms Steve Pasma. Recognized for their Board Member roles were Matt Dolan (Projects), Kirk Stewart (PR and Communications) and Scott Stockert (Membership).

The club also made two special annual awards. For its initial year of operation, Dr. Kirk Stewart was selected and recognized as the club's Rotarian of the Year and Mr. Matt Dolan was chosen as the Rookie of the Year in a competition that included all of the club's members who had not previously been Rotarians.

The club will be heavily involved in the 4 th of July activities in Niwot by working at the pancake breakfast at the Niwot Market, organizing and running the parade, the club and bicycle hordes, and in post-parade activities. Come out and join the fun from Cottonwood Square through old downtown, and to Whistle Stop Park.

To learn more about the Rotary Club of Niwot, visit their website at: niwotrotary.org or contact a local Rotarian, any of whom can be emailed by their first-initial and last-name@niwotrotary.org.