The Rotary Club of Wilsonville celebrated a successful year for 2023–24, with outgoing president Gladys Boutwell presenting several awards honoring key contributions to the club at the club’s installation banquet on June 25.
The Wilsonville Rotarian of the Year Award went to Glenda Walls, a member of the Club Administration Committee and the Club Public Relations Committee. Walls joined the club in July 2023 and has hit the ground running in her first year of membership by helping recruit interesting program speakers for the weekly meetings, writing and publishing a weekly club newsletter to keep members informed, suggesting and implementing key process improvements, and consistently volunteering at club events throughout the year.
“Glenda has truly embodied the spirit of Rotary through dedication, support, and an unwavering commitment to improvement,” Boutwell said. “Much like a Rookie of the Year, she leapt into action without hesitation, searching for opportunities and building connections from day one. Thanks to her efforts, we’ve seen tremendous advancements in both our administrative and public relations processes. The improvements she has implemented in processes for inviting speakers, setting clear expectations and following up have been remarkable.”
Walls is self-employed as a CPA.
The President’s Award for Service went to Curt Kipp, who chairs the Club Administration Committee and co-chairs the Good Eggs Committee, the Sponsorship Committee and the Summer Concerts Committee. He also serves on the Club Public Relations Committee as graphic designer and webmaster.
“Curt has provided me with unyielding support and guidance throughout the year,” Boutwell said. “He’s been a steadfast pillar, ensuring everything runs smoothly and systematically. His attention to detail and structured guidance have been invaluable.”
Kipp works in Wilsonville as the director of publications and communications for the Oregon Association of Nurseries.
The club’s Committee of the Year award went to the Youth Services Committee, chaired by Zoe Mombert. This committee coordinates the Rotary Youth Exchange program, sponsors Rotary-affiliated Interact community service clubs at both Wilsonville High School and Riverside High School, and manages the Wilsonville Rotary Foundation’s college scholarship program, among other things.
“The Youth Services Committee has demonstrated relentless dedication and hard work,” Boutwell said. “Its members have been actively engaged in every program area, from ensuring our exchange students were integrated into our club, to establishing the new Interact club at Riverside High School, to ensuring timely completion of all required paperwork, this committee has set a high bar for excellence. They have skillfully managed leadership succession for all their projects and programs, making sure the roles that support them continue seamlessly.”
Mombert works for the City of Wilsonville as the assistant to the city manager. Other members of the Youth Services Committee include Dr. Laura LaJoie, Lauretta MacColman, Hilly Alexander, Jake McMichael, Josh Golston, Danielle Easterly and Amber Moore.
Boutwell also gave out a variety of GOAT (“Greatest of All Time”) awards to recognize people who were helpful or inspiring in particular ways. These went to Dick Spence, Josh Dalglish, Steve Duffin, Bob Bauer, Amber Moore, Dr. Joe Schwab, Bob Harland, Jaimy Beltran, Jake McMichael and Richard Martens.