submitted by Communications Chair Ron Carter
 
Kingston North Kitsap Rotarians celebrated the Alpha and Omega - the beginning and end - of their Rotary year Friday, June 30.  During a special dinner at Kingston’s Village Green Community Center, outgoing President Stan Mack recounted numerous accomplishments, including a more-than-successful golf tournament and two Rotary Foundation giving awards, during his year in office.  Mack honored several club members for their contributions and named Fredrick Branchflower Rotarian of the Year.  In accepting the award Branchflower said he hadn’t learned how to say the word “no.” 
Incoming President Doug Hallock cited Bill Gates Sr. as a role model on how to get things done when Hallock was associated with Boy Scouts of America. 
Perhaps the most exciting element of the event was a report from co-chairs Breanne Martinez and Alice Amas on the financial success of this year’s Swing for Rotary Golf Tournament, June 16.  According to Martinez, “it was amazing to watch the day unfold.  In 2015, tournament net income was $20,000; in 2016 it was $35,000.  This year, with a full field of golfers, nearly sold-out sponsorships, and an amazing raise-the-paddle response, net income was more than $45,000.”  This money will support Kingston North Kitsap Rotary causes including Kids of North Kitsap (Kingston High School scholarships, Food4Kids, ShareNet backpacks and school supplies, and others), Kingston electronic reader-board, and Village Green Community Center.