1/8/26 Rotary Off the Cuff: Molly Pepper & Rick Eichstaedt
How did you ring in the New Year?
Rick: We have two New Year’s traditions; on New Year’s Eve we always
go to the Symphony and see Beethoven’s 9th. And then on New Year’s Day
we do a snowshoe hike at Mt. Spokane which this year was just the hike
no snowshoes.
Molly: Went out to the casino to bet on the horses a little bit.
Home by nine to watch the ball drop in New York.
New Year’s Resolutions – Yay or Nay?
Molly: Yes, I believe in New Year’s resolutions. All resolutions,
I think you should make them all the time.
Rick: I agree.
What’s something you’d like to get better at in the New Year?
Rick: I am in a running group and we run 2 or 3 times a week.
I’d like to go farther and faster.
Molly: That’s exactly my plan as well.
Not in a running group but farther and faster.
What are you most excited about in 2026?
Molly: So many things. My son who now lives in Oklahoma City might
be moving back to Spokane so very excited about that.
Rick: Ooh, that’s a hard one. Not going to get political but looking forward
to seeing what happens in November. Also, not to get too political,
it’s the last year before my wife has to run again for re-election
so the quiet before the storm.
How long have you been a Rotarian and
who or what inspired you to join?
Rick: I joined the first year of COVID (2020) and Gary Stokes encouraged me.
I was looking for an opportunity to connect with more folks in the community
and I was excited by the service opportunities that Rotary provides.
Molly: I joined in 2017. Mary Heitkemper started bringing me to meetings
and I just fell in love with all of you and Rotary’s emphasis on service.
(Molly was no stranger to Rotary, her Dad and Grandfather
were both Rotarians for many years.)
