Jan Wallace passes gavel to new Rotary Club of Longboat Key head

Outgoing Rotary Club of Longboat Key President Jan Wallace started off her final speech as the club's leader by proudly proclaiming the relatively small club has had a mighty impact in the community in the course of only a year.

She attributed those accomplishments to the members who energetically, enthusiastically and passionately found ways to keep the club going.

Wallace officially passed the gavel to Terri Driver during a ceremony on June 24 at Hugo's II.

Members credited Wallace with her unwavering dedication to keeping the club running, even when membership reached a low point and members potentially faced disbandment. Her hard work has paid off, though, as the group continues to grow and has a wider impact on the community.

Jeff Driver, who previously served as president in 2022, started the festivities with a toast. He focused on one of Rotary's central tenets, "service above self."

"John F. Kennedy said, 'Every accomplishment begins with the decision to try.' The contemplation of trying is transformative for us, and that's what our presidents here have represented," he said, adding that their club members follow that initiative with action.

Reflecting on her term, Wallace said, "I could joke and say I'm taking away relief, but really, it's been better than I ever expected. I feel I've done better than I thought I could as president."

She took up the role to keep forward moving the mission started by Sydelle Pittas, the late wife of her husband, Philippe Koenig.

Wallace said she had little knowledge of Rotary, but when no one else could step up to the role and she realized just how much the club meant to Philippe, she rose to the challenge.

"I'm very happy, now, that I did," she interjected. "He was immensely appreciative, and I made all these new friends. I learned how even the smallest thing you can do makes a difference in people's lives."

She found the work with children in the community, especially the reading program with Tuttle Elementary School, most rewarding. Though outgoing as president, she looks to continuing that work as a club member.

Wallace has every confidence in Terri Driver's vision, adding, "She's very capable and has lots of ideas."

With an exchange of pins, parting gift and a gavel handover, Terri assumed her new role.

She has long been deeply involved in the community, whether by rescuing a great blue heron in distress, working with Longboat Key Turtle Watch, or speaking to the importance of tree replanting as a member of the Longboat Key Green Team.

"I want to add a thank you to Jan for guiding us through this last year," Terri added. "Her creativity is amazing, and that helps me in looking forward, though in slightly different ways. I'm excited about it."

Rotarians also took a moment to recognize Nancy and Jack Rozance for their years of contributing to Rotary. Carol Erker presented Nancy with a certificate of appreciation from the Joshua Collingsworth Memorial Foundation for promoting water safety.

They also played an instrumental role in coordinating a large-scale cleanup of hurricane debris on the Key in February, among many other initiatives.

Wallace said, "Words cannot express how grateful we are for what they have done, and what they've taught us about do-goodery."