Rotary Club of Santa Monica Welcomes New Board of Directors

Rotary District Governor Alex Parajon, far right, dethroned the president and board including, from left, Tanya Gilbert, Secretary; Karin Wallerstein, VP; Gary Ogden, VP; Len Lanzi; and Timur Berberoglu. In front, Monika White and Ken Waltzer, past presidents.

Congratulations to the new officers of the Santa Monica Rotary Club for the coming year: Mitchell Kraus, President; Hodge Patterson, IV, Vice President; Vicky Curtis, Vice President; Alan Glick, Treasurer; and Tanya Gilbert, Secretary, for a second term.

On Friday, July 11, about 100 Rotary Club members, family, and friends gathered at Tiato Kitchen and Garden in Santa Monica to honor outgoing president Monika White and the board of directors.

They also welcomed the incoming officers and board. Officiating over the "dethroning" and installation was Rotary District Governor, Alex Parajon.

Len Lanzi, board member and event coordinator, presents a beautiful bouquet of flowers to outgoing President Monika White.

The Western theme of the event was prominent with a genuine BBQ dinner, the sound of great Bluegrass music by Dennis Witcher and the Brew Band, and the majority of guests in country-western attire.

It was a lively, festive evening celebrating the Club's past year of numerous service projects, grants, and scholarships provided to the community, as well as the more than $80,000 raised by the members to support non-profits assisting families and individuals affected by the wildfires.

By Monika White