By Michelle Caceres
Rotary Club of FishHawk-Riverview changes leadership annually and this year is no different. Last month during its installation dinner at River Hills Golf and Country Club, Duane Williams was named president.
Williams, a retired veteran who has 15 years experience as a Rotarian, replaces outgoing president Dr. Kim Tyson. Other board members include Vice President Michael Broussard, Secretary Marilyn Everett, Treasurer Pearl Chiarenza, Sergeant-At-Arms Greg Huff, Foundation Chair Elijah Heath, Membership Chair Ed Odom, Service Projects Chair Deborah L. Williams (Duane’s wife), Admin Chair James Everett and President-Elect Christopher Jones.
“I feel humbled that the members voted for me but it’s not just about me,” said Duane. “Without the board and our members we wouldn’t be able to do all the good work we do.”
Rotary is an organization of business and professional leaders united worldwide who provide humanitarian service, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations and help build goodwill and peace throughout the world. Meetings are nonpolitical, nonreligious and open to all cultures, races and creeds.
Rotary Club of FishHawk-Riverview is the organizer behind such events as Trick-or-Treat Street, Poker Run and Alafia Lighted Boat Parade. Deborah said the fundraisers provide opportunities to serve community organizations such as the YMCA, A Kid’s Place and Emergency Care Help Organization of Brandon, and work with other Rotary clubs to provide international relief. The group is excited about a water filtration project that provides clean drinking water to residents of Honduras.
“We do a lot of good right here in the community but it has been a big deal for our club to tackle an international project,” Deborah said.
Rotary Club of FishHawk-Riverview meets every Monday at 12 Noon at the Beef O’ Brady’s located at 4330 Bell Shoals Rd.
Duane relishes the task of leading the club as it serves the needs of local as well as international charitable causes.
“I look forward to assisting the club and its members to fulfill its mission this year,” he said.
For more information, visit www.FishHawkRiverviewRotary.org or call 368-2699.
