President Karen was honoured to take to the podium to close the 105th year of the Rotary Club of Belleville. While this was Karen's "Second Time Around" as President of the Club, she said many things have changed over the 21 years since she was last President. As a Club, a lot gets done throughout the year. The Club raises money and spends money, gathers for lunch and dinner, welcomes guest speakers and have a lot of fun. Karen is enjoying a book entitled "My Road to Rotary", a Paul Harris biography that states early on that his reason for creating Rotary was for fellowship and to share business contacts. We still do that 120 years later as Rotary Clubs here and around the world.
Karen thanked the awesome Board of Directors that came along for her year as President -- Past President Peter Malone, President-Elect Tracey Vandervoort, Vice-President Hazzem Koudsi, Treasurer Rose Ouellette, Secretary Jo-Anne Wheeler, Directors Tracy Bray, Heather Hall, Andrew Kole, Dr. Ruth Mathieson, Collin Myers, Carmela Ruberto, and Brenda Snider. A standing round of applause was given by those in attendance. There were others who Karen thanked, Coreen Reynolds for hosting the monthly Board meetings at the Belleville Club, Ryan Hilmi and staff at Capers who prepared lunches and served at the evening meetings as well. Karen also thanked each and every Rotarian for joining the Club, for staying in Rotary, for donating their time, talents and resources to support all the projects, for attending events, for chairing committees, for sourcing sponsors and donations. Every bit counts! Karen was also grateful for the support of many during some health concerns that have pushed her into retirement with plans to relocate to Ottawa to be near her daughter.
Karen shared her report card (always an educator) for the Rotary Year July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025. The Club welcomed 9 new members, almost replacing the 12 who had resigned over the past year. We held 22 lunch meetings and 22 evening meetings. We raised $174,000 on a number of fundraising events including RLK Golf and party, 50/50 draw, Clowns for Kids, Diners and Duffers, Rotary Winter Games, Bottle Drive, Waterfront Festival Parking, Happy Bucks. Great work! The Club spent $152,000 on International projects, Indigenous Peoples Partnerships initiatives, community grants, Rotary Foundation, Special Needs, YMCA Centre for Life, making the final proud installment of the Club's commitment to the YMCA on their new facility. Karen recognized eleven Rotary Angels, people who Karen chose who have gone above and beyond in their Rotarian life, dedicating themselves to making the Club a great one. Karen also handed out ten Paul Harris Fellows.
Rotary has different meanings for everyone. For some it is the opportunity to serve and help those in need. For others it is the fellowship that the members of the Club offer. Whatever the reason, Karen hopes everyone was a Rotarian by action and not just association and hopes the memories of Rotary are of the things done to make a difference in the world and the friendships made.