Clearwater Beach Rotarians Welcome New MembersBy Anne McKay GarrisThe 57-year-old Clearwater Beach Rotary Club welcomed new members and installed a new president during its annual charter meeting at the Carlouel Yacht Club on Wednesday. Following a sumptuous buffet dinner, outgoing club president, Angie Monteith, opened the meeting with a report on the accomplishments of the club during the 2009 - 2010 year. "Our club donated $1,000 to Polio Plus," she reported, referring to a Rotary International program, which is close to eradicating both the disease of polio, plus diphtheria and whooping cough, from the entire world. "We have also donated 144 dictionaries to Skycrest Elementary School, $406 to the RCS Grace House for homeless families, books for children in Mexico, and $1,953 for students to attend the Seminar For Tomorrow's Leaders," she added. Rotarians manned Clearwater Beach parking lots on the weekends to earn the money for some of these donations. President Monteith also reported on the socials held by the club, including a trip on the Clearwater Beach Jolley Trolley to enjoy the Christmas lights on Island Estates in December, and the annual party at the Palm Pavilion, hosted by Rotarian Ken Hamilton. Four new members: Ibrahim Ibrahim, Chris Phillips, Garry Sullivan, and Nick Ekonomides were inducted into the club and welcomed by Rotarian Tom Piernick, who challenged them to take up the philosophy of Rotary International, reaching out to make the world a better place to live for all. Former President Hilmer Beckers, who is currently Governor Elect of Rotary District 6950, installed Rotarian Sul Hemani as club president for 2010 - 2011. The Clearwater Beach Rotary Club meets on Thursdays at noon in Shepherd's Beach Resort on Clearwater Beach, welcoming visiting Rotarians from the throughout the world and in the Tampa Bay Area.
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