Past president, Deb Bruckschen passed the gavel to the Sheboygan Rotary Club’s new president, Mary Pitsch during the annual Changing of the Guard event held at Pine Hills Country Club. Mary is the founder and geriatric care manager of Embrace Care Management, LLC established in 2007 after working with the senior population for 16 years as a Certified Social Worker. Mary received a Master’s in Social Work from UW-Milwaukee and is an adjunct professor. She is involved in various community organizations including Women in Management and the Dementia Care Network.

New officers include Steve Stauber - President-Elect, William Weissert – Vice President, Kristin Blanchard – Secretary, Tom Liebl – Treasurer, and Sergeant-At-Arms – Jeanne Kliejunas. Directors for the 2011-12 year are Steve Scharrer, Kristin Abell, Dan Gray, Sharon Winkle, Carl Rickmeier and Scott Luedke. Recognition was extended to members through an Academy Award style presentation after votes were tallied in several categories. This special event was attended by nearly 100 Rotarians and guests of the Club.

Judy Slawny was chosen as Rotarian of the Year for her continued service and 100% attendance since joining the Club in 2002. Last year, she participated in six committees and chaired two of them. She has served as a past Club President and is currently a Sheboygan Rotary Club Foundation Trustee. Judy has been a strong supporter of Rotary on a District level and has participated in several international service projects including Polio Plus vaccinations in India, a top priority for Rotary International to eradicate this disease world-wide.
Several members were honored for their past service including Sam Zelpe and David Zimmermann – outgoing Board Members, and Jeff Mehn – outgoing Foundation Trustee.

Additional “Academy Award” winners for projects the Club sponsors include:
Best Community/Local Service Project – Meals on Wheels chaired by Sam Zelpe
Best “New Generations” Project – Rotary Interact Clubs chaired by: South High-Deb Wente and North High-Steve Scharrer
Best International Project – Polio Plus chaired by Gerry Van De Kreeke
Best Fundraiser – Rotary “Survey Says” chaired by Sue Kieffer which will next be held on Saturday, February 25, 2012.

Founded in 1915, the Sheboygan “Downtown” Rotary Club is Sheboygan County’s largest of the area’s four clubs. One of 33,000 affiliates comprising Rotary International, Sheboygan Rotary brings together more than 140 local business people who provide community service, encourage high ethical standards, and build goodwill. Rotarians join to establish friendships, play a role in community affairs, network with other business professionals, and give back to the communities that have supported their companies’ growth and success. Meetings are held at noon every Monday at the Elks, 1943 Erie Ave., Sheboygan.