Rotary Club of Tehachapi honors past and incoming presidents

Provided.

On June 27, at the home of Don and Marian Stephens, the Rotary Club of Tehachapi held its annual Step Down event to honor outgoing President Paul Kaminski. Rotary also formally welcomed incoming President, Jennifer Palakiko, who will serve for the 2024-25 year.

The Rotarians and their guests enjoyed a delicious meal provided by Red House BBQ, with lovely desserts made by Linda Pettitt.

Kaminski presented Paul Harris Fellows recognitions to five Rotarians for their contributions in the past year. Paul Harris Fellows certificates and pins were presented to Teresa Waller, Linda Carhart, Suzie Andreas-Bervel, Jennifer Palakiko and Lisa Hughes. The award is named after Paul Harris, who established the first Rotary Club in Chicago in 1905. In 1957, Rotary International established the Paul Harris Fellows recognition in honor of its founder, to show appreciation and encourage substantial contributions to the Rotary Foundation or club service.

Kaminski gave a number of acknowledgements to club members who had performed noteworthy service during his tenure. Each year, club member and master quilter, Cathy Criger, creates a special, one-of-a kind handmade quilt to present to the outgoing president. She presented her magnificent quilt, designed with a patriotic theme, to Kaminski.

Kaminski then introduced incoming President, Jennifer Palakiko. She thanked the current board members for their encouragement and support over the past year, then she shared her vision for her upcoming term. She introduced her Rotary Board for the 2024-25 year: Past President Paul Kaminski, President Elect & Secretary Suzie Andreas-Bervel, Treasurer Chris Naftel, Youth Service Chair Judy Trujillo, Fundraising Chair Linda Carhart, Community Service Chair Rhonda Brady, Membership Chair Tim Trujillo, International Service Chair Jerry Munson, Club Service Chair Marsha Huff, Social Media & Publicity Chair Teresa Waller, Foundation/Peace Builder Chair Paul Kaminski, Program Speaker Coordinator Lisa Hughes and Sargeant at Arms Scott Hammer.

The Tehachapi Rotary Club meets at noon every Thursday at Kelcy's. Rotary is committed to "Service Above Self," and devotes time and resources to projects in the local community, scholarships for college-bound high school seniors, and supporting global efforts for polio eradication. For more information about the Rotary Club, you can visit their Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/RotaryClubofTehachapi/.