President John Belisle presided over his last official meeting as this year's Rotary Club President. John highlighted some of our accomplishments over the year.
It was a challenging year to raise the funds needed to achieve our club goals as we were plagued with inclement weather for both the Liberty and Balloon Feistivals. We still were able to to award seven $1000 scholarships, one more than the privious year, five community donations totaling $3500, $1000 to the District Project, $1000 to the Haiti Relief Fund, $250 to the Afganistan School project and another $200 in miscellaneous requests. John thanked all those who helped make it possible to raise $13000 during the 2009-2010 Rotary Year.
John highlighted our Polio Plus donations of more than $2000 and our EREY goal was exceeded as well.
As we look to strengthen the leadership of our club, we sent a new member to the Rotary Youth Leadship weekend; Three members attended the Rotary Leadership Institute and our President-Elect and Secretary went to the P.E.T.s training in St. Georges, Quebec.
We also had the dinstinct privilege of having one of our very own members as District Governor. Sylvia Plourde worked extremely hard in making sure to visit every club in our district. She continued her effors with the immense responsiblilty of orgainizing the most exceptional and succesful District Conference experienced in our district in decades. She is, without a doubt, an exceptional Rotarian and worthy of our club sponsorship for receiving her second Paul Harris fellow's distinction.
Our club was honored with both The Presidential Citation and the District Governor's Citation at the district conference because of the goals we have achieved during the past Rotary year. John thanked all members for their part in reaching and exceeding the goals set for achieving these awards.
It was a challenging year to raise the funds needed to achieve our club goals as we were plagued with inclement weather for both the Liberty and Balloon Feistivals. We still were able to to award seven $1000 scholarships, one more than the privious year, five community donations totaling $3500, $1000 to the District Project, $1000 to the Haiti Relief Fund, $250 to the Afganistan School project and another $200 in miscellaneous requests. John thanked all those who helped make it possible to raise $13000 during the 2009-2010 Rotary Year.
John highlighted our Polio Plus donations of more than $2000 and our EREY goal was exceeded as well.
As we look to strengthen the leadership of our club, we sent a new member to the Rotary Youth Leadship weekend; Three members attended the Rotary Leadership Institute and our President-Elect and Secretary went to the P.E.T.s training in St. Georges, Quebec.
We also had the dinstinct privilege of having one of our very own members as District Governor. Sylvia Plourde worked extremely hard in making sure to visit every club in our district. She continued her effors with the immense responsiblilty of orgainizing the most exceptional and succesful District Conference experienced in our district in decades. She is, without a doubt, an exceptional Rotarian and worthy of our club sponsorship for receiving her second Paul Harris fellow's distinction.
Our club was honored with both The Presidential Citation and the District Governor's Citation at the district conference because of the goals we have achieved during the past Rotary year. John thanked all members for their part in reaching and exceeding the goals set for achieving these awards.
During John's Presidential year, we were able to raise the awareness of Rotary's presence in the community. We had several brochures, pens and our for way test printed, telling our story of Rotary, its history, our mission and the avenues of service.
John went on to thank all the board members and special Rotarians who helped make this a successful Rotary year. John recognized Tom Knight, Dennis Barriault, Allison Szczesny, Shawn Wright, Chris Martel, Kathy Becvar, Bill Denehy, Tom MacDonald, Nancy Richard, Peter Kowalski, Phil Nadeau, Terri Cook, Claire Durgin, Mac McPeake, Stephanie Gelinas, Sylvia Plourde, Nancy Brown and Jennifer Hogan.
In closing, President John said, "I have to tell you that as much as I expected this job to be monumental in every way, it has actually turned out to be an educational experience that I will never forget. What I have experienced from existing members, especially Past Presidents, new members, members from other clubs and just the camaraderie that is shared among club members in general, has been a fulfilling experience for me and one that I will never forget as a Rotarian."
John received a standing ovation from the membership in recognition of his leadership, direction and guidance.
Before closing his final meeting, John passed on the gavel and club charter to incoming President Jen Hogan.
John went on to thank all the board members and special Rotarians who helped make this a successful Rotary year. John recognized Tom Knight, Dennis Barriault, Allison Szczesny, Shawn Wright, Chris Martel, Kathy Becvar, Bill Denehy, Tom MacDonald, Nancy Richard, Peter Kowalski, Phil Nadeau, Terri Cook, Claire Durgin, Mac McPeake, Stephanie Gelinas, Sylvia Plourde, Nancy Brown and Jennifer Hogan.
In closing, President John said, "I have to tell you that as much as I expected this job to be monumental in every way, it has actually turned out to be an educational experience that I will never forget. What I have experienced from existing members, especially Past Presidents, new members, members from other clubs and just the camaraderie that is shared among club members in general, has been a fulfilling experience for me and one that I will never forget as a Rotarian."
John received a standing ovation from the membership in recognition of his leadership, direction and guidance.
Before closing his final meeting, John passed on the gavel and club charter to incoming President Jen Hogan.