OH what a night !!!!
Thank you to everyone who came to our Installation night to thank President Rickfor his year and to wish Alison a great year as President of our Rotary Club. The theme this year was 'tartan'  The evening could not have been better at Saint Street Grill !!! Beautiful weather and everyone mingled on the deck. Just before we were all going in for dinner, up the stairs comes a 'piper' and he lead us all into the dining room, and then came the head table !!!! What a wonderful way to start the festivities. Gary lead us in "Oh Canada' which was brilliant as usual and then Cleone did a moment of gratitude for our Rotary Club, Rotary in general and our members. Well done by both.  Cleone's moment of Gratitude: Tonight, we celebrate Rotary leadership:The art of saying “yes” before asking, “Wait... what’s the job?” This is Rotary… And in Rotary, we serve not for applause, but for impact. We lead not for titles, but for the chance to make things better. And we meet regularly because... well, we kind of like each other. Most days. To our outgoing leaders – thank you for being there when we needed you. You’ve given your time, your heart, and possibly a few gray hairs. To our incoming officers—welcome. You’ve been chosen because you care deeply, lead boldly, and—let’s be honest—probably made eye contact at the wrong time, or went for coffee with Susan one too many times. But we know our club is in good hands, possibly overcommitted, but good ones. As we look ahead, may we always measure our work—not only by the Four-Way Test—but by the smiles we create, the lives we change, and how we leave our communities better both here and internationally. Enjoy tonight, the installation, each other, and the fantastic meal we are about to savour. Trish was the MC and she was amazing !!! & Susan was her backup. Special guests were: DG Isabelle Martinez Hayer, President Elect of Coquitlam Sunrise, Ron Postma, President Elect of Port Coquitlam Centennial, Greg Archibald, Sheila, President Ricks partner, President Elect Alison's husband Matt, AG Glen, AG to be Maureen Boyd  Paul was asked to speak and to thank Rick for his Rotary year. He did an amazing job as only Paul can do. !! President Rick gave a summary of this last Rotary year and the accomplishments of our Rotary Club which there are many. He thanked many people who took him along this journey.  He presented a gift to George Balzer [who was not in attendance] for all the work he does for the music at RIBFEST and for Summer Sundays that we as a club help sponsor.  He presented two Paul Harris' which has also been a tradition with our Club. One to Peter Muir who is so deserving for all the work he has done for our Rotary Club. Peter has changed all our financial reporting to something everyone can understand and is so helpful with so many aspects of our Rotary Club. Well deserved Peter !!! He also gave a Paul Harris to myself and I am still shocked and so very grateful !!! Thank you so much I do so appreciate that. HUGS  Rick then presented Alison with her own gavel for this coming year, which has been a tradition since the beginning of our Rotary Club.  Alison talked about how and why she became a Rotarian and what her vision is for the coming year.  District Governor Isabelle Martinez Hayer swore in all the new officers of the Rotary year 2025 - 2026. They are as follows: President - Alison President Elect - Darrell Past President and RI Foundation chair - Rick Secretary - Neil Treasurer - Peter M Membership - Mike C Club Service - Susan & Joan Community Service - Darrell International Service - Al & Glen Vocational & Youth Service - George Environmental Service - Bill What a great board and we all look forward to a fantastic year ahead. Saint Street Grill did a wonderful job as usual ! It was so nice to have Jay there serving us. Thank you to Brian for the sound system AND thank you to Clayton who is now our resident Photographer. Always fun to have Clayton come to our events and he is always dressed in 'style' Photos by Clayton - more photos in the 2025 Installation night album |