Service clubs

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It was an exciting Kincardine Rotary Club meeting Tuesday (June 29) as the club welcomed a new member, installed its new executive and chatted with a Rotarian from Australia.

The meeting was held at the Kincardine Legion with about 25 members in attendance.

Rotarian George Armstrong inducted new member Larry Walton, a civil engineer, who was presented for membership by his sponsor, Charlene Randle-Clayton.

Armstrong also installed the executive for 2010-2011: president Greg Wilhelm, past-president John Hill, president-elect for 2011-2012 Nancy Khan, secretary Caroline Young, treasurer Ewa Pyszczynska, and directors Paul Rigby, Jennifer White and Matt Harvey.

Carol Christian was named Rotarian of the Year for her outstanding "Service Above Self." She joined the Rotary Club in December, 2005, and has worked on numerous committees and volunteered at many events.

The club greeted Rotarian Anton Van Doornik of the Southern Region of Australia. He is the immediate past-president of the Geelong Rotary Club and attended the Rotary International Conference in Montreal.

Attending the conference from the Kincardine Club were Lynn and Charlene Randle-Clayton, Rick and Donna Sue Robson, John and Helena Hill, and Bill Mathers. There were about 20,000 Rotarians at the conference.

Lubi Horvathova, the Rotary exchange student from Slovakia, had just returned from two weeks in California and said she had a great time, meeting other exchange students and touring through the United States.

The group of 45 students and four chaperones travelled to Chicago and toured the Sears Tower but there wasn't much of a view because visibility was zero, she said.

They rode along Route 66, went to a cowboy ranch in Texas, and saw the Grand Canyon which she said was amazing. They spent three days in Los Angeles, touring Hollywood, the Walk of Fame, and Beverley Hills.

"We met some surfers and they taught us to surf," she said.

From there, it was on to San Francisco where there was poor weather. They cruised around Alcatraz. Then it was back to Chicago and the return trip to Kincardine.

"Then I had to study for exams," she said, with a laugh. "Now, my exams are over and I can enjoy the rest of my time here. I'm looking forward to Canada Day, the Kincardine Scottish Festival, the Grand Rapids Conference, and touring Niagara Falls."

President John Hill (R) congratulates Rotarian of the Year Carol Christian

Past-president John Hill (R) hands over the gavel to new president Greg Wilhelm

Lubi is here until July 18. While she will be sad to leave Kincardine, she is looking forward to seeing her family and friends back home.

The Rotary Club is holding a farewell party for her on Thursday, July 15, at Rotary Park.

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Wednesday, June 30, 2010