The Rotary Club of Osoyoos celebrated its 10th anniversary, honoured its past presidents and swore in a new board last week.
The club held its celebration and annual general meeting at the Walnut Beach Resort June 27 and most past presidents attended.
Each past president commented about their year at the helm or made observations about the Rotary movement in general.
MP Alex Atamanenko and Mayor Stu Wells also addressed the meeting. MLA Linda Larson couldn’t attend because the legislature was in session.
Brian Rawlings, who took over as president from Dennis Smithers, outlined three goals he would like the local club to take on over the next year.
These are to have every member contribute at least $100 toward the Rotary Foundation, to increase engagement with students and to take on an international project.
These goals come from 11 previously identified, he said, adding that five of the 11 goals have already been accomplished.
Among the past presidents attending was founding President Michael Welsh, but all past presidents attended except for Randy Laroche.
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Member of Parliament Alex Atamanenko brought greetings to Rotary Club of Osoyoos’ 10th anniversary celebration.
Mayor Stu Wells brought greetings to Rotary Club of Osoyoos’ 10th anniversary celebration. He also expressed his thoughts about the energy of Osoyoos, drawing parallels to the way Sedona Arizona markets its energy vortexes.
Rotary district governor Garry Hollingshead (right) presented Paul Harris Fellow Awards to outgoing president Dennis Smithers (left) and Ron Leigh. The award is given to those making donations of more than $1,000.
Michael Welsh, who spearheaded the founding of the Rotary Club of Osoyoos 10 years ago and was also its founding president holds the certificate that issued to recognize the club as a member of Rotary International. At left is district governor Garry Hollingshead and at right is new president Brian Rawlings.
Past presidents of the Rotary Club of Osoyoos pose with new president Brian Rawlings (left) at the celebration of the club’s 10th anniversary. From left are: Rawlings, Peter Steele, Bill Collins, Ryan Erickson, Ron Leigh, Cheryle King, Michael Welsh, Roger Clinton, Raleigh Chinn and Dennis Smithers. Randy Laroche was absent.
Incoming Rotary president Brian Rawlings (left) pays tribute to outgoing president Dennis Smithers.
Incoming Rotary president Brian Rawlings (left) presents a plaque to outgoing president Dennis Smithers.
Rotary district governor Garry Hollingshead left) swears in the new Rotary Club of Osoyoos board.
