Posted by Lyle Goodin on Jun 29, 2018
On Monday June 25, 2018 the Rotary Club of Bowmanville held a very unique and extra special meeting.  The occasion was held in conjunction with the 2018 Rotary International Convention being held in Toronto.  Rotary tradition has Rotarians from the hosting nation plan local events for attendees from other countries.  The Rotary Club of Bowmanville was delighted to host about fifty fellow Rotarians from Finland, Ghana, The Kingdom of Bahrain, the United States, and other far-flung and exotic locations such as Calgary and Halifax.  The attendees travelled to Oshawa by GO Train (we only lost one who exited at Pickering but was recaptured when he caught the next train) and thence by motor coach to Rotarian Jason Van Stiphout's home for the festivities.  Our very own Bob and Doug Mackenzie welcomed the visitors in true Canadian style and performed an induction ceremony to make our guests honourary Canadians.  This required them to sing our national anthem, drink Molson Canadian and kiss an NHL puck all while wearing a toque. 
Our Guests become honourary Canadians
 
Dinner was a steak and/or chicken BBQ with all the fixin's, libations, and butter tarts for desert .  The "formal" part of the evening included the transfer of the President's pin from outgoing President Reg Freethy to incoming President John Burns.  Following this Mandy Leufkens and Chris Zelasko were inducted as our newest members of the Club and a Paul Harris Fellowship was bestowed on Darlene Bastianelli for her tireless work with the Bowmanville Memorial Hospital Foundation.
Outgoing President Reg Freethy (R) introduces incoming President John Burns
 
The evening continued with a bonfire, marshmallow roast (dipped in Bailey's once toasted), and great conversation.  Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end and about 9:00 PM the newly minted houourary Canadians were ushered onto their motor coach for the ride back into Toronto.  There were many handshakes and hugs as our guests departed.  It truly was a party to remember.
 
Special thanks to Eli Brooks, Jason Van Stiphout, and all the other hosers who pitched in to make this such a memorable event for our guests and ourselves.