Over 350 Rotarians, friends and family packed the Danversport Yacht Club on June 29th for the Installation Celebration. Right from the beginning, the evening had a great buzz with lots of fellowship and activity. Attendees were encouraged to stop by the Veteran's Support table and help write over 100 thank you notes to active duty military. Rotaplast Chairs Lisa Collin and David Boudreau also hosted an active presentation on the mission to the Philippines scheduled for this October. Clubs members were invited to become a "gift" and take a photo inside a life-sized Rotary themed gift box. Each club was presented a copy of the classic Make Way for Ducklings, a gift from the district for clubs to "gift forward" to a local child care, library, shelter, or early learning center. Roaming storytellers, led by Rotarian Bruce Whear entertained the crowd while attendees chatted about service projects.
Among the biggest surprises was a stirring rendition of our National Anthem performed by Bruins legend Rene Rancourt. District Governor Dave commented, "We wanted him to be a surprise. It was tough to not let that one slip early!" After his performance, Rancourt posed for photos with the incoming Presidents and allowed guests to wear his $16k Stanley Cup Championship ring.
In preparation for the evening, from the start, District Governor Dave Manzi emphasized that the focus was on the incoming Presidents. In fact, over 40 Club Presidents were in attendance to administer the Oath of Office to the District Governor. DG Dave noted, "I was very overwhelmed by the support of our presidents! For them to be the ones to administer the oath of office was extremely emotional for me!" In addition to Dave's installation, the crowd was gifted by words of wisdom from Past District Governor John Hall on the history of the Four Way Test. District Governor Peter Simonsen's recapped some highlights and gave thanks for his 2014-15 year. Dave Manzi also took a moment to thank Peter for being, "a great mentor but even greater friend," and presented him and Dianne Simonsen with gifts from the district.
After a New England buffet dinner, District Governor David greeted the audience with some insights on his plans for committees this year including the Homelessness and Hunger Initiative, support for veterans, Rotary Foundation, member retention, public image and more. He also thanked his friends and family for their support of his involvement in Rotary and reminded us that the, "need for service in our communities is constant." DG Dave followed his presentation by welcoming the new District leaders including District Governor-nominee David Gardner and over a dozen Assistant Governors. Unfortunately, DGE Sheryl Meehan was unable to be there as she was under the weather. We know that she will be at 100% soon and will officially installed at an upcoming Cabinet meeting!
Clearly the highlight of the event was the installation of Club Presidents. "It was a joy for me to administer the oath to the incoming club leaders. They're the foundation of Rotary and their leadership is critical this year," noted DG Dave. With each President's name, the crowd erupted in applause, shouts of support and a virtual paparazzi of photographs. One President noted, "The support was tangible. I haven't been to a District Installation quite like this!"
As one of the highest attended District events in the past several years, the Installation Celebration committee wishes to thank and congratulate the following volunteers for their support, work, and effort: Joan Arsenault, David Boudreau, Lisa Collin, John Ferguson, Tom Hankard, Christina Harris, Amy Luckiewicz, Ed Luckiewicz, Susan Luckiewicz, Adria Duijvesteijn, Olle Duijvesteijn, Jen Sanders, Dennis Sweeney, Bob Wood, and Susan Wood.
The next District event will be on Thursday, August 20th with the Red Sox for Rotaplast event. More information is available HERE!
Over 350 Rotarians, friends and family packed the Danversport Yacht Club on June 29th for the Installation Celebration. Right from the beginning, the evening had a great buzz with lots of fellowship and activity. Attendees were encouraged to stop by the Veteran's Support table and help write over 100 thank you notes to active duty military. Rotaplast Chairs Lisa Collin and David Boudreau also hosted an active presentation on the mission to the Philippines scheduled for this October. Clubs members were invited to become a "gift" and take a photo inside a life-sized Rotary themed gift box. Each club was presented a copy of the classic Make Way for Ducklings, a gift from the district for clubs to "gift forward" to a local child care, library, shelter, or early learning center. Roaming storytellers, led by Rotarian Bruce Whear entertained the crowd while attendees chatted about service projects.
Among the biggest surprises was a stirring rendition of our National Anthem performed by Bruins legend Rene Rancourt. District Governor Dave commented, "We wanted him to be a surprise. It was tough to not let that one slip early!" After his performance, Rancourt posed for photos with the incoming Presidents and allowed guests to wear his $16k Stanley Cup Championship ring.
After a New England buffet dinner, District Governor David greeted the audience with some insights on his plans for committees this year including the Homelessness and Hunger Initiative, support for veterans, Rotary Foundation, member retention, public image and more. He also thanked his friends and family for their support of his involvement in Rotary and reminded us that the, "need for service in our communities is constant." DG Dave followed his presentation by welcoming the new District leaders including District Governor-nominee David Gardner and over a dozen Assistant Governors. Unfortunately, DGE Sheryl Meehan was unable to be there as she was under the weather. We know that she will be at 100% soon and will officially installed at an upcoming Cabinet meeting!
Clearly the highlight of the event was the installation of Club Presidents. "It was a joy for me to administer the oath to the incoming club leaders. They're the foundation of Rotary and their leadership is critical this year," noted DG Dave. With each President's name, the crowd erupted in applause, shouts of support and a virtual paparazzi of photographs. One President noted, "The support was tangible. I haven't been to a District Installation quite like this!"
