June 28th, 2016 was an historic occasion. The club held its last meeting at the Citadel, a location of 15 years. This meeting was also the time for a change of club presidents. John Channell gave an excellent summary of the work of the Education Committee during the past year including projects to give backpacks, dictionaries and tennis lessons to needy students.
President Paul Stoney spoke to the members about his year of service. He praised the members one and all for their work on behalf of our community. He expressed thanks to the membership for giving him the honor of service as president, noting that he looked forward to each weekly meeting. It is a monumental experience just to BE a Rotarian, and he further praised the past presidents who always were ready to assist him. He noted that Rotary is one of the most significant forces operating for good in the whole world, a world which is in great turmoil. Changes are taking place and Rotary must be ready to deal with them. He recalled that the speaker at his first meeting was a 94 year old veteran who had been injured by agent orange and he thanked Rotarian General Livingston who was present that day and again today. He charged each member to continue to be the best Rotarian [and person] that you can be. While he thanked all members, he particularly thanked Carroll Schweers, Dan Ravenel and Paterson Smith for their strong support.
In closing he noted that Alissa would be a wonderful new president and asked all members to follow the international motto of the year “Be a gift to the world”.
New president, Alissa Lietzow, having been inducted to office by Assistant DG Andy Brack, gave a brief report on her experience at the International Convention in Korea. She noted that an estimated 40,000 members were in attendance! Her personal goal at the convention was to meet and speak with as many Rotarians as possible. This resulted in being given the opportunity to speak at a breakout session on the use of best practices of utilizing social media.
She took several side trips that she selected for their connection with Rotary and an opportunity for face to face contacts. She visited the site of the third underground tunnel discovered between North Korea and South Korea. She also visited the DMZ line, an amazing market, and used a hiking and exercise trail near the hotel.
In closing, she gave honor to the new board and told of the various duties that each member has agreed to accept. Beyond the board she announced that Past President Digit Matheny would chair the Rotary Foundation and Past President Jermaine Husser would serve as program chairman.
President Alissa gave recognition to Rotarian and Past President Jimmy Stuckey, who returned for the first time following over a year of rehabilitation.
— Fred Sales, Keyway Committee