In the beautiful outdoor setting in the garden of Grey Sail Brewery and South County Distillers, we listened as President Alan said some final thoughts about his past year - and what a year it was. This small but mighty Club produced four fundraisers during the year - two of them with total net proceeds plus going to Jonnycake Center and Chorus of Westerly - and introduced a fifth fundraiser to build a brick walk to the Children's Garden in Rotary Park. Under Alan's leadership our net proceeds from fundraising events allowed us to donate over $50,000 in scholarships and donations to local and international organizations.
President Alan also announced five awards presented at the District Conference and delivered to us by Frank Thacker who represented our Club at the conference. Our Club was awarded Presidential Award of Leadership Excellence (having achieved several requirements), the Public Image Award ("through creative storytelling, community engagement and powerful promotion of your club's service and impact"). Joe Nigrelli and Doug Rayner received the Longevity Award for their 56 and 52 years in Rotary, respectively. Joe's award was actually presented at his birthday celebration. Humbly, this writer shares that she received the Unsung Hero Award ("in recognition of your quiet dedication and unwavering commitment...."), so grateful and appreciative.
And finally, newly inducted President Suzanne and her Board were sworn in and a new year begins with Rotary's motto "UNITE FOR GOOD".
