Celebrating the last year, honoring the past, and honoring the future of service in our community, the Rotary Club of Forest Grove toasted another year at the club’s President’s Dinner on Thursday, June 18.

Andrea Stewart, the club’s 2025-26 president, spoke about the accomplishments of the year, which included a critical look at many of the club’s longtime activities and fundraisers.

• The steering committee for the club’s signature event, the Concours d’Elegance, behind co-chairs Bruce Cummings and Amanda Hartmann, have brought new ideas and energy that will make the 52nd edition, on July 19, another success.

• The club’s Membership Committee has worked diligently on streamlining the membership proves, and is looking into how to help longtime members feel more connected to the club.

• The Foundation of the Rotary Club of Forest Grove established an endowment, ensuring that future generations of Rotarians can continue the club’s legacy of service and impact.

• The club partnered with the Forest Grove Daybreak Rotary Club for a successful Pints for Polio event in October, raising over $3,000 for the effort to eradicate polio.

• The club partnered with other clubs in the area to fund and install peace poles at Pacific University’s Forest Grove and Hillsboro campuses.

• The club established a new relationship with the Forest Grove School District’s Family Resource Center, providing funding and volunteer hours to serve families and students in need.

• For the first time, the club converted one of its weekly meetings into a social. The Third Thursday meetings, held at Zesti Carts, allowed Rotarians to get to know each other better in a low-key setting.

At the end of the evening, Stewart passed the gavel to the club’s 2026-27 president, Hector Mendez-Colberg, who will begin his leadership of the club on July 1.

Stewart also used the evening to present awards to members of the club for their significant contributions to the life of the club and to Rotary International.

Blake Timm was selected as the Rotarian of the Year. Timm serves as the club’s public image chair, managing all of the communications for the club, including the member newsletter, website, social media, and media outreach. He serves as the area governor for District 5100’s West Region and is the media relations coordinator for the district’s Public Image Committee. “Blake has been a true ambassador for Rotary, sharing his time, talents and enthusiasm,” Stewart said.

Bruce Cummings received the President’s Award in recognition of stepping in to co-chair the Concours Committee and serving on the Membership Committee. “When our club needed leadership for one of our biggest responsibilities, Bruce stepped up without hesitation,” Stewart said. “His willingness to lead and his steady presence have been invaluable.”

Claire Agner received the Service Above Self award. The club’s secretary since 2024, Agner has provided solid support to the club’s executive leadership and is working to document the role for future leaders. “Claire quietly and consistently gives her time, energy and heart in support of others to strengthen our club,” Stewart said.

Sharon Olmstead was presented with The Four-Way Test Award. The club’s longtime treasurer and chair of the Scholarship Committee, Stewart singled out Olmstead as someone who seemingly puts The Four-Way Test into everything she does. “Sharon consistently leads with integrity, kindness, and thoughtful decision-making,” Stewart said. “She embodies these principles in everything she does.”

Mallory Hiefield was honored with the Spirit Of Rotary Award. One of the club’s newest and youngest members, Hiefield has not hesitated in becoming very involved with the club. She will be the club’s president-elect in 2026-27. “Mallory brings positivity, generosity, and a genuine passion for building connections and serving others,” Stewart said. “She reminds us what Rotary is all about.”

Amanda Hartmann and Carla Kimzey received Rising Star Awards. Hartmann joined the club in June 2025 and has stepped into multiple leadership roles, including as co-chair of the Concours Committee, assisting with the Plates For Passports Committee, and serving as community service chair. Kimzey joined in April 2025 and has been involved with the Membership Committee. She will serve as the chair of the satellite club in 2026-27.

“These two members have jumped in with enthusiasm, fresh ideas, and a willingness to serve,” Stewart said. “Their energy is contagious, and they represent the bright future of our club.”

Pamelajean Myers received the Inspiration Award for not only providing inspirational moments at the club’s weekly meetings, but for always being willing to step up and help with whatever is needed. “Her willingness to quietly serve and consistently show up make a bigger difference than she probably realizes,” Stewart said.