Category Archives: North Haven Rotary Club

North Haven Rotary Club installs New President and Officers

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Mike Hallahan and Debbie Volain

Mike Hallahan and Debbie Volain display the Public Image award received at the District Conference.

About 100 attendees participated in the North Haven Rotary Club ‘Pass the Gavel’ which was held on June 10th at the Country House in East Haven.

Mike Hallahan, current club president, did a great job with the program as he recognized many of the club members for their significant achievements during the year and presented the awards received at the District Conferemce. PDG Colin Gershon presented numerous Paul Harris awards and joined me in swearing in the new slate of officers.

Bernadette Casella received the ‘Rotarian of the Year’ award for her service to our club.

Debbie Volain, 2013-14 President, was sworn in and gave a brief talk about her vision for the year ahead. Debbie has successfully led numerous significant projects in our club including Wine & Roses and the Pancake Breakfast. Debbie will build on many of the things that Mike has put in place while bringing her own style of leadership to the club.

We congratulate Mike Hallahan on a successful year as President, he did a great job.

Planning for the D7980 Rotary 2013-14 year

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Do you see your photo? Drop us a comment.

Do you see your photo? Drop us a comment.

When most people think of what a Rotary District Governor does images of all the club visits and the amount of Rotary Chicken meals consumed often come to mind. I like to look at it as 3 years of getting ready (learning and planning) and 1 year of executing.

An incoming District Governor (DG-Elect) has to arrange  for many events long before their year even starts. Events such as: Pre-PETS, PETS, District Conference, District Assembly and District Installation (Pass the Gavel) to name a few.

At times it seems as if all of these events run together into a big blur and it is often challenging to get people excited about arranging agendas, outcomes, menus and venues a year or so before they happen. I’ve been lucky to get the help and support of my Rotary Club, North Haven Rotary, during this process and about a dozen dedicated Rotarians from other clubs in the district but still it is a big job.

What makes this process especially challenging is my overarching goal that each of these events provide some significant value to the attendees relative to the resources (time and money) which each will expend. I am striving to keep the costs as low as possible for the nicest places possible.

With GETS, International Assembly and Pre-PETS behind me I was finally able to get these big things off my plate this week:

  • The contract for the May 2-4, 2014 District Conference @ The Mystic Marriot
  • The contract for the April 13, 2013 District Assembly @ Southern CT State University
  • The contract for the July 1, 2013 Pass the Gavel @ Anthony’s Oceanview in New Haven

I’m looking forward to these events coming off nicely and am happy that I have so many dedicated volunteers who are willing to help make them successes.

North Haven Rotary Club inducts Donna Mae Cangiano as their newest member

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Dr. Richard Bassett, a SCSU professor and the Governor Elect for Rotary District 7980, inducted Donna Mae Cangiano into the North Haven Rotary Club on January 25th at Bellini's

Rick Bassett, a SCSU professor and the Governor Elect for Rotary District 7980, inducted Donna Mae Cangiano into the North Haven Rotary Club on January 25th at Bellini’s

At a recent Friday evening of fellowship in the new banquet facility at Bellini’s Restaurant, the North Haven Rotary Club gathered for some relaxation, as well as a review of their first six months of service to the community under the leadership of President Michael Hallahan. However, the night’s activities opened with the official induction of new member, Donna Mae Cangiano, by Rotary District Governor Elect, Dr. Richard Bassett.

The fifty members and guests present learned from LuAnn Buono, the new member’s sponsor, all about Donna Mae’s remarkable community service accomplishments.

In retrospect over the weekend, Donna Mae made the following comments about her special evening at Bellini’s, “It was a wonderful evening with welcoming friends, marvelous food, mid-year Rotary highlights, entertaining music, and relaxing conversations. I am looking forward to rolling up my sleeves and helping with the many volunteer efforts of this great organization!”

Text courtesy of David Marchesseault & photo by George Guertin, Rotary PR Committee