[return to Installation Dinner] My Dear Rotarians and Friends: It has, indeed, been an extraordinary year. I would like to thank all of you for giving me this opportunity. This past year was the finest learning experience of my Rotary life. I believe that with the help of everyone we were able to "Sow the Seeds of Love" this year and helped those less fortunate. Together we were all part of the family of Rotary. Each of you understood how the ideals of Rotary are necessary in the world at large and you understood how Rotary fits into your own unique political, cultural, religious and social backgrounds. And from this understanding, your dreams and aspirations flowed. From this understanding springs your desire to serve. Each of you are very important members of the "Family of Rotary," a unique group that encompasses not only our sixty members but also our spouses and other family members who provide such critically important support to Rotary's service efforts. Like most families, the Rotary family provides a haven where we can gather the strength and encouragement to face the challenges of the world. It offers comforting traditions, asking that we honor those who came before us and celebrate our newest arrivals. As much as any President would like to think that he/she had a good year, it is only based on the enthusiasm and dedication of its members. Each of you have showed such enthusiasm and support to our commitment to "Service Above Self." We made a great commitment this year to support the campaign toward the "Eradication of Polio," without the support of the membership; this would not have been possible. What a way to earmark our 30th Anniversary. There could have been no finer moment of presenting our District Governor with the donation, totaling $30,000 for this year. I want to thank so many of you for going that extra mile for me this year. From Past Presidents to our newest members went to great lengths to make my year easier. I truly hope that Paul is as fortunate. We have funded so many endeavors this year, including education, literacy, supported various organizations like ours in our community, fed local families in need during the holidays, and made children smile at Christmas. We enjoyed great fellowship throughout the year and even went to Broadway for the first time. We honored ten high school seniors of the month. Thanks to Vinny the scholarship program was restructured and we gave a total of $27,500 out to Lacey, Southern and Monsignor Donovan High School Seniors. What an overwhelming response we received from the young lady who was the recipient of our $10,000 scholarship. Rotary really shined that night. Again this year we supported the Gift of Life to help a needy child in desperate need of heart surgery. That program has really become a bright light for many families in third world countries. Thanks to Bud Defiglio for helping us plant the seeds to have some new members join us. The club really worked hard on spreading the word of Rotary and bringing in new members. The efforts of all of you greatly aided our club in accomplishing so much for so many in so many different parts of the world. Our aggressive fundraising efforts and the impeccable organizational skills of the chairmen who made them a huge success need to be applauded. Dick Ritchie, Autumn Windfall; Dan Cortese and Joe Kuna, Casino Night; Bill Ridgway, 5K Run; John Lorton, Adopt-A-Flag Program; and Bruce Halliday, Go For The Gold. I would like to thank them and their committees. We all know that fundraising is the backbone to the success of our club and the many acts of kindness that we do. Finally, I would like to thank my board of directors and officers as well as Vinny Layton (Scholarships) and Glenn Candeletti (Elf Program). Any past President knows the importance of having a strong board and chairmen. Each individual "MADE TIME FOR ROTARY" that was asked of us by District Governor Larry Ninerell. My sincere thanks to Bill Ridgway for guiding me through this year. He is a wealth of knowledge when it comes to Rotary, a real asset to our membership. Thank you so much. But most of all I must thank each and every one of you for making this year a success and so much fun for me. All of the accomplishments of this club would not be possible without the support of each of you and your families. I turn this wonderful club over to President-Elect Paul Rizzo who will lead us into the future. Yours in Rotary,
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