“Peace Through Service” is the new Rotary Club slogan for this year. Assistant District Governor, Jim Ferris, said that he hopes members find peace, joy and happiness in serving others. He was speaking at the Anguilla Rotary Club annual Change of Board luncheon at the Anguilla Great House on Saturday July 7. The event was attended by more than 20 Rotarians from St Martin/St Maarten with 15 members from Mid Isle Club led by President Jon Hart) and included Rotaract and Interact members as well as the Anguilla Rotary members.
The new President is Dr Vernon Buffong who takes over from Dr John Jones. He was installed by Jim Ferris. Retiring President Jones spoke of the work of the Club, during the past year, that included creating a Strategic Plan for the next five years, supporting the Arijah Foundation, importing defibrillators for the five clinics, continuing the dictionary project and the sailing programme. He thanked the outgoing Board for their support during the past year.
The Assistant Governor, Jim Ferris, is responsible for six clubs in St Martin, St Maarten, St Barths andAnguilla, with a total membership of 139. He thanked all the members for their hard work, service, fellowship and generosity in supporting the foundation. He said that it is one big happy Rotary family and he hopes they will continue the strong fellowship.
President Buffong said that it is a great privilege to serve as president and he looks forward to working with members. He pledged that the Club will serve as best they can with a passion of service to humanity. He also aims to keep up the membership and to encourage younger persons to join. He introduced the new Board members that include Secretary, Seymour Hodge; Treasurer, Calvert Carty; Past President, John Jones; Sergeant at Arms, Louis Bardfield; and members Alexander Fedee, Lindel Brooks, Kitty Bucso, Kafi Gumbs and Shenika Connor.
A presentation of US$1,000 was made to Renuka Harrigan of the Arijah Foundation who thanked members for their kind support. She said that she has proved that by serving others you gain peace and explained the work of the Blossom Centre that assists children with special needs. The donation was made possible through donations from the Rotary Club of Arlington and the Rotary Club of Crystal City/Pentagon.
A donation of four ‘One Touch’ diabetic testing machines was made to Dana Ruan, Vice President of the Diabetic Association. She thanked the members for their support, over the years, saying that future plans include more education for the public on the symptoms of diabetes and the necessary changes in lifestyle.
A laptop computer, courtesy Alexander Fedee of Wall, Roof and Ceiling Services Ltd., was made to Veda Harrigan for the Albena Lake Hodge Comprehensive School Campus B. She said that the Education Department appreciates all that the Rotarians are doing for education and wished the new Board a fruitful year in office.
Jose Vanterpool and Clemvio Hodge recently attended the World Affairs Seminar, inWisconsin, on Global Communications. They reported that it was an eye opening experience where they met other young people from 27 countries around the world. Vanterpool said that the most important information he attained is that anyone can determine his/her success if he/she knows how to manipulate technology. They particularly enjoyed the talent sharing and the baseball competition, and thanked the Rotary Club for sponsoring them.
President of the Sunrise Rotaract Club from St Maarten,ElisiaLake, promised to keep in touch with the Rotaract Club ofAnguillaand join them in painting the Dental Unit in the near future.
The Rotary Club of Anguilla has expressed thanks to the following for their contribution to the Rotary Foundation Raffle.
Raffle winners:
First Prize: Shervin Rouse,IslandHarbour, Ticket # 0460
Second Prize: Skyla Davis, Blowing Point, Ticket # 0284
Third Prize: Carol King, Rock Farm, Ticket # 0650
Fourth Prize: Romma King, Back Street, Ticket # 0426
Fifth Prize: Earl Margloire, North Hill, Ticket # 0251
Sixth Prize: Venessa Walters, Blowing Point, Ticket # 0454
