Posted by Valentino Bethell, 3rd Vice President 24-25 on May 16, 2025
A Double Celebration: 62 Years of Service & 50 Years of Impact
 
On Friday, May 16th, the Rotary Club of East Nassau held a truly special joint meeting with our sponsor club, the Rotary Club of Nassau — the very club that chartered us 62 years ago on May 6, 1963. This “Celebration Meeting” was filled with joy, pride, and reflection as we marked not just one, but two major milestones:
  • The 62nd Anniversary of the Rotary Club of East Nassau
  • The 50th Anniversary of the Fox Hill Run Feeding Program, our club’s longest-running community initiative since 1975
 
A Room Full of Energy, Cake & Fellowship
The atmosphere at the meeting was vibrant and upbeat from the very start. Sergeant-at-Arms Dianne Miller got the energy flowing with her signature humor, drawing laughter from the crowd — including a few jokes sparked by the fun had at our 38th Annual Golf Tournament earlier that week.
 
3rd Vice President Valentino Bethell led a dynamic and nostalgic fellowship segment, complete with a Rotary trivia session that highlighted stories and contributions from long-serving Rotarians. Members were treated to a journey through time, with vintage black-and-white photos of fellow Rotarians from their younger days, sparking laughter and fond memories of mustaches, full heads of hair, and dapper styles.
 
Honoring Legacy & Leadership
The heart of the meeting featured touching tributes and shared memories from esteemed members and leaders of both clubs:
  • President-Elect Kino McCartney and Past President Sheila Bethel of the Rotary Club of Nassau brought warm remarks and historical anecdotes in celebration of our 62nd anniversary.
  • Beloved East Nassau stalwarts, including PDG John Robertson, PP Robert Lotmore, and PP Peter Andrews, shared reflections and cherished memories of “the good old days” and the enduring spirit of Rotary fellowship and service.
 
Celebrating with Cake & Gratitude
In true celebratory fashion, President Kenrad Wilchcombe and President-Elect Rafique Symonette had the honor of cutting two beautiful cakes to commemorate both milestones — a sweet treat enjoyed by all in attendance.
 
President-Elect Rafique followed with heartfelt remarks about the profound impact of the Fox Hill Run and its role in shaping the identity and legacy of our club over five decades.
 
A Year of Recognition
To close the celebration, President Kenrad delivered final remarks filled with pride and gratitude. Fresh off the return from the District 7020 Conference at Sea, he announced that the Rotary Club of East Nassau had been awarded the Pink Diamond Award by the District Governor — a reflection of our hard work, unwavering commitment, and the embodiment of “Service Above Self.”
 
Happy 62nd Anniversary, Rotary Club of East Nassau.  Here’s to 50 years of community impact through the Fox Hill Run, and to many more decades of service, fellowship, and excellence.

 
#62YearsOfService  #FoxHillRun50  #ServiceAboveSelf
 
 
 
 
 
Sponsors