Special to the Reporter

The Rotary Club of Mercer Island gathered at the Mercer Island Community and Event Center on the evening of June 30 to celebrate its new Rotary year, which begins every July 1 through the following June 30.

Called a “change over” dinner, this event was a mini-milestone for the club as it is the first time since 2019 this event has been held due to the pandemic. The purpose of the dinner is to thank the outgoing club board and welcome in the new. L’Experience of Mercer Island provided catering for the event.

Club past president Jenny McCloskey was master of ceremonies, passing on leadership of the club to incoming President Debbi Gillotti, who received her title in a “pass the pin” ceremony. The ceremony involved former club presidents, which included Bob Lewis, a member since 1963. Linda Senff, the first female Rotary Club of Mercer Island president, was also in attendance.

Gillotti is a Mercer Island resident whose community service includes serving on other boards, including Seattle Humane, Mercer Island Youth and Family Services (YFS) Foundation and the Mercer Island Farmers Market. She will serve through June 2023.

The club serves the community by supporting many causes both financially and with volunteer service. Throughout the years, members have participated in feeding the hungry through Northwest Harvest and Operation Nightwatch programs, donating to the YFS Food Pantry, building tiny homes, supporting the Mercer Island Historical Society, sponsoring Peace Poles on Mercer Island and many more local activities. They look forward to participating in the return of the beloved city of Mercer Island’s Summer Celebration, which is coming up July 9.

To learn more about the club, visit https://mirotary.org/.