This was the first Induction Celebration for our Club presented virtually. There were some hurdles prior to the meeting, but we overcame them and the meeting started just after the scheduled time.
Guests arrived just before 6:45 pm and were entertained by our SAA Rod Collard until 7:00 pm. We look forward to hearing the answers to the questions this Thursday morning.
All stood as Piper, Gordon Scott, piped Owen, Nima and family in to start the celebration in true Scottish Canadian form.
Family and Guests were welcomed and the traditional proceedings were started by David Dean at the piano playing the National Anthem. Assistant Governor Janet Canavan led us with the Toast to Canada and Rotary. Bernie Scrivener gave us the history of the Herb Stoneham Presidential induction event.
David Roscoe gave his final speech as President with reflections of his Rotary year. He thanked the Board of Directors and SAA and announced two Rotarians of the Year. Joe Watson and Keith Williams.
Lesley Barmania, District Governor, gave us an inspirational speech prior to the start of the formal presentation of the Pin exchange.
Lawrence Leung retired his Past Presidents Pin and said a few parting words thanking the Club members for assisting him during his year as president.
David Roscoe removed his Presidents Pin and replaced this with his Past Presidents Pin thanking the board members for all their assistance during the past year.
Owen McElhinney removed his President Elect Pin and Nima McElhinney pinned his kilt jacket with his new Presidents Pin.
Rene Papin received his President Elect Pin and said a few words looking forward to the next year prior to his presidency.
Kathy Thomas (Past President and Honorary Member) and Andrew Gaydon were asked to say a few words to help us better understand our new President – Owen McElhinney. This ended with all singing Happy Birthday to Owen who just turned 60 the Monday previous.
The Rotary Club of Burlington Central, 35th President, Owen McElhinney, gave an inspiring speech and direction for the upcoming year, reflections and a sincere thank you to fellow Rotarians, past and present. Owen greeted his Board of Directors for 2020/2021 and announced his Sergeant at Arms for the upcoming Rotary year – Mr. Joe Chalklin.
The meeting ended with Owen reciting the 4 Way Test, with some help from David, Lawrence and Rene. Twice!
A special thank you to Sandhya Maini, District Governor Nominee, for all her support with the Zoom meeting.
Thank you to everyone who attended the Zoom meeting!