The 2016-2017 Rotary Club of South East Nassau (RCSEN) board members pose for a photo at their changeover event that was held on July 7, 2016 at Doctor’s Hospital Conference Room. The executive from left to right are: Immediate past president and Foundation chair, Bridgette Rolle, Tonya Farah, community service, Jamaal Davis (back) fundraising, Azaleta Ishmael-Newry, public image, Johann Bain (back), international service; Mario Smith, assistant district governor and past president of the Rotary Club of Nassau Sunrise, Lillian Russell, president of the RCSEN, Nekisha Rolle (back), youth and literacy, Cerys Howells, club administration, Godfrey Bethell Jr (back) president-elect and membership, Erinn Storr, secretary, PP Bruno Pletscher, treasurer, and PP and ADG Tim Ingraham, club trainer. Missing are: PP Peter Goudie, disaster preparedness, Delmaro Duncombe, fellowship/family of Rotary, Bruce LaFleur, vocational service, and PP Rochelle Wilkinson, attendance.
“Be A Gift To The World” was the Rotary International theme for 2015-2016, and it was successfully represented by the Rotary Club of South East Nassau (RCSEN), resulting with a gold award from Rotary International and a platinum award from Rotary District 7020. The club’s Early Act group at Columbus Primary were also winners for a “best song and video” about “Bullying.”
Every year towards the end of June or early July, Rotary clubs around the world install new presidents at a changeover event. The RCSEN recently held theirs on July 7, 2016 where outgoing president, Dr. Bridgette Rolle presented awards and pinned incoming president, Lillian Russell, a lawyer and financial services professional. Russell has been a member of the RCSEN since 2002 and has served in various directorships as well as being a recipient of awards and recognitions.
Russell kicks off this Rotary year with “Rotary Serving Humanity” and her club’s 40th Anniversary, with the first celebration taking place on July 20th to mark the original charter date of July 19, 1976. Other objectives will include greater engagement of the club’s membership, returning to some of the older fellowship events with focus on family, service projects with the Robert Smith Ward at Sandilands, the Nurse Naomi Christie Centre for the Aged, the Salvation Army, its partnership with the Ministry of Social Services for bi-monthly food distributions to families, and heightened financial and hands-on support to the club’s youth arms being: EarlyAct at Columbus Primary, Interact clubs at St. Andrew’s and Dame Doris High Schools, and the Rotaract Club of Southeast Nassau Centennial.
Addressing her fellow Rotarians at the changeover event, president Lillian said, “You have given me a wonderful opportunity to be able to serve our Rotary Club as president; it is a role that will be a great challenge and I am humbled to have been chosen. We have a great tradition of “service above self” and each president before me has continued to build and develop our club into one that we are proud to serve.”
Russell also spoke about the theme set out by Rotary International president, John Germ. “In a way, this year’s theme reminds us of what it is that we already do - we serve humanity! Every day that you serve in Rotary, you have the opportunity to change lives. Everything you do matters; every good work makes the world better for us all. In this new Rotary year, we all have a new chance to change the world for the better, through Rotary serving humanity.”
The 2016 to 2017 board of directors for the Rotary Club of South East Nassau are: Lillian Russell, president; Godfrey Bethell Jr., president-elect and membership; Errin Storr, secretary; Bruno Pletscher, treasurer; Dr. Bridgette Rolle, immediate past president and Rotary Foundation; Tonya Farrah, community service; Cerys Howells, club administration; Nekisha Rolle, youth service; Azaleta Ishmael-Newry, public image; Bruce LaFleur, vocational service; Johann Bain, international service; Jamaal Davis, fundraising, and Delmaro Duncombe has the fellowship portfolio.
Past directors and Rotarians from the previous board received awards from immediate past president (IPP) Bridgette Rolle. Directors Awards were presented to: then incoming president, Lillian Russell, past president (PP) David Moncur, PP Rema Martin, Dominic Williams, Robert Gayle, PP Reginald Saunders and Rishad Bain. Recognition for those who held “chair” positions went to: Afton Moxey, PP Peter Goudie, PP Rochelle Wilkinson, Johann Bain, PP Sean Blyden, and Nekisha Rolle. Presidential Awards were given to Ralph Barnett and Azaleta Ishmael-Newry while the Rotarian of the Year award went to PP and PADG, Charles Sealy II and PP and AG, Tim Ingraham. Special recognition for Club Trainer and Adviser included PP and PADG Roger Kelty, and PP and AG, Tim Ingraham. Tonya Farah was recognized as Club Secretary and PP Sean Blyden and IPP Dr. Bridgette Rolle also received recognitions.
Rotary represents 1.2 million neighbors, friends, and community leaders who come together to create positive, lasting change in our communities and around the world. Our differing occupations, cultures, and countries give us a unique perspective. Our shared passion for service helps us accomplish the remarkable. The Rotary Club of South East Nassau meets every Wednesday at 12:30pm at East Villa Restaurant on East Bay Street.
Immediate past president of the Rotary Club of South East Nassau, Dr. Bridgette Rolle transferred the president’s medal and pinned incoming president (2016-2017) Lillian Russell a lawyer and financial services professional. In the background is assistance district governor and past president of the Rotary Club of Nassau Sunrise, Mario Smith. IPP Bridgette joined the Rotary Club of South East Nassau in 2004 and President Lillian in 2002.
The Rotary Club of South East Nassau’s Edwin Deal Award (2015-2016) was presented by past president Dr. Bridgette Rolle (right) to past president and past assistant district governor, Charles Sealy II for exemplary service and recognition of his work as District Conference 2016 Chair. At left is past secretary Tonya Farah who joined the RCSEN in 2014, Sealy joined in 1997 and Rolle in 2004.
The Rotary Club of South East Nassau’s second Edwin Deal Award (2015-2016) was awarded to past president and assistant district governor, Tim Ingraham for exemplary service. Shown in the photo is past president Dr. Bridgette Rolle at left presenting the award as well as a certificate of thanks (from the past district governor, Felix Stubbs) at the club’s changeover event on July 7th, 2016. Rotarian Tim joined the RCSEN in 2002 and Rotarian Bridgette in 2004.
Rotarian Ralph Barnett of the Rotary Club of South East Nassau addresses the club after being presented with the President’s Award for dedication and commitment to the club during the 2015-2016 year by past president Dr. Bridgette Rolle. Rotarian Ralph joined the RCSEN in 1982.
Rotarian Azaleta Ishmael-Newry of the Rotary Club of South East Nassau proudly poses with her president’s trophy and district conference certificate of thanks for photography work completed during the recent District Conference. Past president Dr. Bridgette Rolle presented the President’s Award for dedication and commitment to the club during the 2015-2016 year at the changeover event on July 7th. Rotarian Azaleta joined the RCSEN in 1995.
By Azaleta Ishmael-Newry
