Our annual Changeover was held on Tuesday 25th June. Our celebrations included some important acknowledgements:
Citation – Stuart Armstrong
Stuart Armstrong was presented with a citation acknowledging many years of diligent service to Howick Rotary and our community. Stuart was very active as our secretary, treasurer and auditor during his time as a member of Howick Rotary Club. He has been supported by Karen all that time and she thank everyone on behalf of them both.
Karen & Stuart Armstrong receiving Stuart’s citation for long and faithful service
New Member – Jenny Naley
Jenny was introduced to the club by Garry Donoghue and welcomed to Rotary International by Ian Fox. Jenny is a social worker managing The Sowers Trust in Howick.
Sowers provides wrap around support for the whole family. This includes youth development groups, mentoring and social work support to parents / caregivers.
Jenny Naley our newest member’s induction
Paul Harris Fellow – Alan Peterson
The board was pleased to make this award to Alan acknowledging many years as a member. He has spent time, often unacknowledged, quietly doing his thing, most noticeably taking everyone’s attendance when they arrive. Alan the little things matter. Thank you.
Alan Peterson reacting to his Paul Harris Fellow award
Past President Dave’s Address to Changeover
Welcome to Howick Rotary Changeover 2019. Tonight we celebrate a 58 year tradition of service to Howick and further afield. “Service before self” has made us all better people and our community a better place to live and work.
What an interesting and at times challenging year:
- We have had some interesting speakers. Two that stick in my mind are Guy Slocum who enthralled us with his experiences as a fighter pilot during the cold war.
- Recently Ashleigh Ali-Aziz told us about her experience as a Muslim refugee coming to New Zealand and how much she is doing for our country.
Our projects continue to serve Howick. Some examples:
- Bookarama was the most successful in recent years
- Howick Fun Run and Walk was the biggest yet and resulted in a large donation to Howick Coastguard
- Apprentice Awards
- Police Awards
- RYLA – Rotary Youth Leadership Awards
- Howick College
- Muna
- Science Camp
- Speech Awards
- Annual planting of Mangemangeroa
- Howick Historical Village
- And there are more.
We responded to unanticipated issues quickly and generously
- A simple request for undies for kids in squatter camps around Suva resulted in making a big change in the sanitary conditions of hundreds of poor kids
- Christchurch was a shock to us all and Howick Rotary made an immediate donation through the Rotary Club of Riccarton to be used at their discretion
We have made some important changes
- We are growing and crucially we have more women as members with more to come
- We now meet twice a month rather than weekly which is a big adjustment
- We have moved venues after a long and excellent association with Howick Bowling Club
The last twelve months have been a busy time. Apart from the Christmas break there has always been something happening.
It has been my privilege to be entrusted with the leadership of such a dedicated hard working club.
Thank you hardly seems enough to express my gratitude to everyone who has contributed in so many ways. To our club executives, directors, project leaders, families and friends you make this club an important contributor to our community. I am in awe of how much some give of themselves year after year. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Jeannette you have supported me through thick and thin over the past 52 years and the last 12 months have been no exception. You were the best decision I ever made.
Enough from me. We have a busy night to come. Enjoy our celebrations.
Past President Dave handing the chain of office over to President Mike Abercrombie. Why is he smiling you ask?
Your new board plus past President Dave
Flowers for Jeannette – thanks for the table arrangements
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