Incoming President Peter Malone welcomed everyone to Huff Estates Winery on Thursday to celebrate the two terms of outgoing president Darrell Smith. Smith was the first president in Belleville Rotary Club history to serve two consecutive terms. Other presidents have served two terms before but never back to back. Peter Malone thanked Darrell for his leadership and work and described Darrell as quietly confident as he led the Club for the past two years as President.
During the President’s Dinner, Darrell Smith gave a heartfelt speech where he thanked a number of Rotarians who helped make his time as president a success. He first called Paul Fleming and Janeen Halliwell, recognized their exemplary work during the past twelve months, leading the Club through the Refresh Rotary program and providing amazing leadership and providing us with their expertise and skills during this process. Darrell was very pleased to report that the Board of the Rotary Club of Belleville voted unanimously to recognize both Paul and Janeen with Paul Harris Fellows for their significant contributions to Refresh Rotary (pictured L to R, President-Elect Peter Malone, Paul Fleming, Janeen Halliwell and President Darrell Smith)
Darrell went on to recognize three Rotarians with the Rotary Warrior Pin, a recognition initiated by Past President Paul Vandegraaf, in recognizing significant efforts by Rotarians, much of those efforts taking place behind the scenes in enhancing the effectiveness of the Rotary Club of Belleville. Pictured here being presented with the Rotary Warrior Pin are President Elect Peter Malone, Past President Tim McKinney and Vice President/Treasurer Karen Baker with President Darrell thanking them for their many hours of service to the Rotary Club of Belleville and their support and friendship along the way.
By supporting the Rotary Foundation as a Club as well as individuals supporting the Foundation, credits for every dollar that is contributed by the Rotary Club of Belleville can be used to award Paul Harris recognition points to other people. Darrell took this opportunity to recognize three individuals for their support, encouragement, friendship and a little prodding as well during his tenure as President of the Club. A Paul Harris Plus 3 was awarded to Tracy Bray, the Chair of the Special Needs Christmas Party, Co-Chair of Camp Merrywood as well as the Program Director for our lunch meetings as well as her participation and volunteering at many, many other Rotary events.
A Paul Harris Plus 2 was presented to Jo-Anne Wheeler with Darrell thanking her personally for all her help these past two years, to navigate the challenges that came their way, an encourager, a confidant and an incredible friend and supporter. Beyond her role as Secretary of the Club, Jo-Anne works hard and way beyond the scope of her official role.
Finally and most importantly, President Darrell presented a Paul Harris Fellowship to his better half and love of his life Carmen, someone who believes not only in the value of volunteering herself, but also lives that reality in her own life along with the rest of Darrell's family. He considers himself blessed.
During the event, Smith reflected on the past two years and all the club accomplished during them, from enduring the tail end of COVID lockdowns to many successful fundraisers. “Now that I’ve seen so much, the club gain so much traction and so much enthusiasm, it’s almost tough to move out of that president’s position as you know we’re going to be so impactful in our community,” said Smith. Smith isn’t planning on leaving the club. While he is stepping down from the presidency, he plans to continue to be a part of the club’s ongoing activities.
During his speech to the gathered members, Smith took the time to announce the committed donation to the YMCA of Central East Ontario. A cheque for $100,000 was presented to YMCA CEO David Allen as Rotary's commitment towards the organization’s capital campaign fundraiser to build the Centre for Life. This represents the Rotary Club of Belleville's total contribution over the next three years, part of the 9 million dollar fundraising initiative that is being carried out by the YMCA.
The success as a Rotary Club is not defined by any one person, but by a collective effort of many passionate Rotarians who are concerned not only about the well being of our community both locally and globally, but also the club itself through leadership on committees, events, participating in the democratic processes of approving budgets as well as special initiatives. President Darrell thanked the Board of Directors - Terry Thomas, Tracey Vandervoort, Samantha Reid, Collin Myers, Anya-Deane Best, Brenda Snider, Heather Hall and Rosi Ouellette and the Executive of Past President Tim McKinney, President Elect Peter Malone, Treasurer Karen Baker and Secretary Jo-Anne Wheeler for all their efforts and service above self. It has been deeply appreciated. Much is accomplished through our Club and Darrell mentioned all that has gone on before us in this Rotary Year and relayed his excitement as we move forward into a new era. The best is yet to come and to quote Gandhi "be the change you want to see in the world".