Rotary Club Sint Maarten Mid Isle, installs new board in a small ceremony at Belair Community Center on June 27, 2020. The Rotary Mid isle board members for 2020-2021 are: President and Service Project Chair Grace Linger, Vice President and Foundation Chair Aernout Kraaijeveld, Secretary and New Generations Chair Jon hart, Sergeant at Arms and Fundraising Chair Wayne Wilkie, Treasurer Tony Da Cunha, Membership Chair Quincy Lont, Public Image Chair Anjali Manek and Disaster Relief Chair Dr. Sonia Swantson- Meade.
The Rotary Club of Sint Maarten- Mid Isle inducted its new board in a small ceremony at Belair Community Center on June 27. Grace linger is the club's new President, taking over from outgoing President Aernout Kraaijeveld.
"Considering the economic state that our island is in, and the fact that we are still not fully COVID- free, the club decided to do this year's change of board ceremony in a smaller setting for Mid isle members( plus spouse/partner or immediate family member) only, and not as a fundraiser," said the club in a press release on Monday.
Besides Rotary Mid Isle members, Rotary Assistant District Governor Marcellia Henry attended the ceremony. Rotary Mid isle member and Rotary District Nominee Louis Wever gave a speech and thanked Kraaijeveld and his board for their dedicated service to the community. He also thanked Rotary Mid isle members for "everything they have done to make Rotary work, even in these difficult time." Wever said the club's members have lived up to the ideals of "Service above Self" and to Rotary District Governor Delma Maduro's theme of " Service Humanity, secure our Future".
Aernout presented tokens of appreciation to his outgoing board. Rotarian of the Year went to Jon Hart for his work with the Annual Rotary/Rotaract Spelling Bee. Hart was New Generations Chair and Spelling Bee Chair in the outgoing board.
"Even though the past year had its own challenges with COVID-19, and even more economic challenges, President Aernout and his team were able to collect some awards and recognitions from our District and Zone," said Linger in her speech as incoming president. She also said the club will do its best to"follow in the footsteps of our past leaders." She said her main goal is to"continue to put a lasting smile on the faces of those we help", adding that this endeavour has its own reward.
"A great team has been assembled and I am confident that the Rotary Year 2020-2021 will be successful," she said. The Rotary Mid isle board members for 2020-2021 are: President and Service Project Chair Grace Linger, Vice President and Foundation Chair Aernout Kraaijeveld, Secretary and New Generations Chair Jon hart, Sergeant at Arms and Fundraising Chair Wayne Wilkie, Treasurer Tony Da Cunha, Membership Chair Quincy Lont, Public Image Chair Anjali Manek and Disaster Relief Chair Dr. Sonia Swantson- Meade.
Rotary Mid Isle Past President David Antrobus was presented with a plus-eight Paul Harris Fellow recognition, while Rotary Mid Isle Past President Denise Antrobus was presented with a plus-four and plus-five Paul Harris Fellow recognitions. The club also presented David and Denise with major donor pins.
The Paul Harris Fellow recognition acknowledges individuals who contribute, or who have contributions made in their name of US $1,000 to the Rotary Foundation, according to Rotary International's website. A plus-eight recognition signifies an initial $1,000 donation, with eight additional gifts in the same amount.
"We would also like to extend a special thank you to Belair Community Center for everything they have done to accommodate us during our change of board. We greatly appreciate it," said the club.
