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Community : Service Organizations Last Updated: Jan 1, 2008 - 9:11:17 PM


Rotary Club of Freeport holds Installation Ceremony on board the historic Atlantis II
Jul 17, 2007 - 4:15:33 PM

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GRAND BAHAMA ISLAND - It was not your usual Rotary function and not your usual venue! Wanting to do something entirely different for the Rotary Club of Freeport, President Mike Stafford decided to hold their Installation Ceremony and party on the historic research vessel, Atlantis II presently docked at the Freeport Harbour.

July 14th, 2007 was a night to be remembered, and it had all the right ingredients to make it so, like great hors d’oeuvres, a free-flowing bar, live entertainment, and dancing under the twinkling lights of the harbour.  All this, on a one-of-a-kind famous historic vessel built in 1962, which just happens to be the same year the Rotary Club of Freeport was formed. Throughout the evening owner of the vessel, Gordon Hunsucker, the ship’s captain Gray Henricksen, and their crew gave tours of the 210-foot vessel that has seven levels.   

Presentations and announcements where made on an upper deck looking over the dance area and those seated at tables below.   While the past Assistant Governor, Sonny “Mr. Rotary” Waugh presented each new board member with their pins, President Mike Stafford gave a speech on how Rotarians think big, and how through the power of Rotary, good people come together, and through this connection, Rotary can accomplish almost impossible tasks and positively affect the world.

The new 2007/08 Board of Directors is as follows:  President, Mike Stafford;  President Elect, Chris Lowe;   Treasurer, Dominique Norris;  Secretary, Melinda Mitchell;  Vice President, Stephen Wilchcombe;  Director, Bert Lightbourne;  Director, Wilbur Major;  Director, Eunice Morris;  and Director, Ann Bain.

In closing the presentations, Rotarian Diane Johnson was called forward and was presented with flowers and given thanks for organizing such a fabulous and memorable party.    The owner of the Atlantis was also thanked for offering his vessel to the club at no charge.  

The big surprise of the evening was when Mike Stafford called on his longtime girlfriend, Vicki to thank her for her help and in front of everyone popped the big question, “Will you marry me?” while everyone below went wild with cheers and clapping.   Now Vicki is Mike’s new fiancée, and it is the start of a great new Rotary year.

The excitement did not end there!   In impromptu, Gordon Hunsucker of the Atlantis II donated a one-week expedition trip for two aboard the Atlantis II.   In total, over $8500 was raised for Rotary that night. Josephine Morasco was the highest bidder and the recipient of the trip.

The Rotary International theme this year is, “Rotary Shares” and it certainly was an evening that depicted that!

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Rotarians arrive on board

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Mr. Rotary, Sonny Waugh makes announcements and presentations

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The new board await their pins during the Installation party

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Officially installed executive: Chris Lowe, Melinda Mitchell, Wilbur Major, Dominique Norris, Mike Stafford, Eunice Morris and Bert Lightbourne

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Mike Stafford proposes to Vicki Howden, sharing his joy with his Rotary family

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The happy, now engaged couple! (Photo by Monica Bates)

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Rotarians enjoy a special evening - photo by Monica Bates

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Gordon Hunsucker, owner Atlantis II, Josephine Morasco, auction winner of the trip for two on the Atlantis II and Mike Stafford, President, FRC

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The unique environment

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At a Freeport Rotary Luncheon held July 19th, Atlantis II owner, Gordon Hunsucker was their guest speaker, and answered many questions from Rotarians that had the opportunity to see the vessel first hand. He was also presented with a plaque to mount on the vessel, showing appreciation for his generosity to the Club. Pictured right is Diane Johnson, new Rotarian and installation event organizer

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The new 2007/08 Board of Directors is as follows: Treasurer, Dominique Norris; Secretary, Melinda Mitchell; Director, Ann Bain; President, Mike Stafford; Vice President, Stephen Wilchcombe; Director, Eunice Morris; Director, Wilbur Major; President Elect, Chris Lowe; and missing is Director, Bert Lightbourne



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