President's Night 2007

Posted by Norm Lyons

A social gathering took place on June 27, 2007 at the Algoma Water Tower Pavilion where Rotarians and guests enjoyed discussion, hors d'ouvres and soft music on the piano before assembling for dinner in the East Hall.

President Joe Ruscio led the meeting, with Rev. Don White saying grace and Doug McChesney leading the anthems. Wine was served along with a fine meal of salad, chicken and a strawberry crepe dessert. A PowerPoint presentation featuring the 2007 Dragon Boat Festival and the Honduras Water Project that Neil McLean, Theresa Mudge and Bruce Dewhirst participated in played on throughout dinner.

Members introduced their partners. Paul had several guests from New York who were sharing in the occasion of his becoming Rotary North's President. Rod Stone was present from the Sault Ste. Marie Rotary Club andRita Taillefer's mother also joined us. President Joe placed a photo of the late Bill and Reta McGauley at a table setting that was uninhabited.

Following dinner President Joe thanked the directors and members for a satisfying and productive year of Rotary activity. Special to his term in office was the presentation of $20,000 to the Water Project and the reinstatement/ procurement of Charity Status. All planned activities including the two major fundraisers went well and we met our budgeted commitments to our community service projects.

Recognition of Rotary Service was presented to Al Cameron and Pierrette Brown, honouring them with Paul Harris Fellows (PHF) and to Norm Lyons, honouring him with an additional PHF sapphire pin.

Perfect attendance certificates were presented to Neil Mclean (1), Pierrette Brown (3), Dave Seabrook (19), Tony Gallagher (24), Chris FitzGerald (26), Norm Lyons (29), Dr. George Luus (30) and Bruce Dewhirst (36).

An exchange of Presidential pins and the traditional plaque took place. Then newly elected 2007-2008 President Paul Labelle presented President Elect Pierrette Brown with her pin.

Paul then went on to assure us (in his unique humour) that he now has the easiest job. A key focus of the club this year will be ongoing fellowship events under the chairmanship of Chris FitzGerald. He introduced those members present who will be chairing the various committees and functions in the upcoming Rotary year embracing the theme set forth by RI President Wilfred Wilkinson "Rotary Shares".