Welcoming our New President

On Monday, June 30 Douglas A. Rayner was installed as our club President by RI District 7950 Governor Valerie Perry. Sitting Club President Cal Lord welcomed everyone and thanked those Rotarians who were present for coming. Clark Rumfelt offered the Invocation and Walter Kimball, a fifty year Rotarian, led us in reciting the 4 way test.

Bob Elmer took over as the Master of Ceremonies and spoke about the history of the club. While we were waiting for the buffet to be set up, Marty Boughner came forward to present Doug with the winnings from their little wager on "state superiority." It seems the two of them had a wager on college sports teams from their respective states, Michigan and Connecticut. 

President Cal then shared a twelve minute PowerPoint presentation titled "This is Westerly Rotary" that featured photos from our activities over the last six years. From Summer Pops, to pasta dinners to check presentations to WARM, Jonnycake and RiCan, to the Columbus Day Parade and Christmas Parties it reflected the depth of our involvement within our community and beyond. There were photos from International Nights and District Conferences, work days at Rotary Park and visits from past District Governors. It featured the great work the club has done under the Presidencies of Clark Rumfelt, Bob Elmer and Cal Lord.

Dinner was a wonderful buffet that included pasta, chicken ,potato, bread and salad. Two very rich cakes were offered for dessert.

District Governor Valerie Perry invited Doug and Jean to come forward as she installed Doug as our new President and welcomed Jean into her role as First Lady. Doug is no stranger to the office. He was club President from 1980-81. He was also club secretary for several years and has worked on many projects including the recent very successful Chowder Festival. 

Doug went on to share his vision for the club in the coming year. He highlighted increasing our membership as his first priority. Frank Celico is going to be working hand in hand with him to encourage every member to bring in a new member in the coming year. He also noted that he intended to increase our fundraising efforts so that we could be more philanthropic going forward. He has penciled in three fund raisers in the next year: a golf tournament in October, the Chowder Festival in February and a charitable auction in May. 

Assistant District governor Rona Mann then installed our officers and Board of Directors for 2014-15. She gave them instructions on how to support the President and to build a better club. 

As the evening drew to a close, President Doug thanked President Cal for his efforts over the last tow years and presented him with some gifts, including a past President pin and badge. 

Then President Doug adjourned the meeting and wished everyone a good night.