The Southampton Rotary Club celebrated the beginning of a new Rotary year with its annual President’s Handover and Board at Chantry Breezes on Wednesday evening. Members enjoyed a potluck dinner and an evening of fellowship, recognizing the achievements of the past year while looking ahead to another year of service to the community.
The past Rotary year was another active one for the Club, with members contributing hundreds of volunteer hours and raising around $100,000 to support local and international initiatives. Highlights included support for the Helliwell Park “Light Up the Pitch” campaign, youth leadership and literacy programs, community organizations, seniors’ initiatives, environmental projects and international humanitarian efforts. Through these projects, Southampton Rotary continued its proud tradition of improving lives both locally and around the world.
The event, generously hosted by Don and Jenny Amy, featured the formal handover of the Rotary President’s pin from President Cathy Janveau to President Sylvia Sheard. The ceremony was officiated by Rotarian Bob Speight, who also inducted the Club’s Board of Directors for the 2026–27 Rotary year.
The incoming Board consists of:
· President – Sylvia Sheard
· Immediate Past President – Cathy Janveau
· Secretary – Trish Saunders
· Treasurer – Ken Harlock
· Club Service – Bob Speight
· Community Service – Rob Hughes
· Youth & Vocational Service – Mary Ellen Harrigan
· Membership & Program – Cathe McIntosh
· International Service – Tony Sheard
Reflecting on her year as President, Cathy Janveau said, “Serving as President of the Southampton Rotary Club has been one of the greatest privileges of my Rotary journey. What makes our Club so special is our members. We come from all walks of life, bringing different talents and perspectives, but we’re united by a shared passion for service, friendship and what we affectionately call ‘Do-Goodery.’ I’m incredibly grateful for the enthusiasm, kindness and support our members have shown throughout the year, and I know the Club will continue to thrive under Sylvia’s leadership.”
Incoming President Sylvia Sheard thanked Cathy for her outstanding leadership and reflected on the Club’s future.
“Cathy has led our Club with dedication, enthusiasm and a wonderful sense of fun, leaving us with a strong foundation to build upon. It is an honour to serve as President of a Club that has such a proud tradition of community service. I look forward to working alongside our members as we continue to make a positive difference locally and internationally, while building on our past for a better future.”
One of the evening’s lighter moments came when President Sylvia presented Cathy Janveau with a gift basket containing a bottle of whisky, a whisky tasting glass and, naturally, plenty of popcorn, a playful tribute to Cathy’s well-earned reputation as the Club’s beloved “Popcorn Queen.” The presentation drew plenty of laughter and appreciation from members.
One of President Cathy’s final official duties was to present Honorary Membership to long-serving Rotarian John Conlin in recognition of his exemplary service, unwavering dedication and many years of outstanding contributions to both the Southampton Rotary Club and the local community. Members responded with a standing ovation as John received one of the Club’s highest honours.
Looking ahead to the coming Rotary year, President Sylvia said the Club will continue its proud tradition of supporting local charities, youth programs, seniors’ initiatives and international humanitarian projects, while welcoming new members who share a passion for service.
“We have inherited a wonderful legacy from those who came before us. Our challenge now is to build on that legacy, welcome the next generation of Rotarians and continue making a real difference in the lives of others. Together, we’ll keep building on our past for a better future.”
Founded in 1938, the Southampton Rotary Club has been serving the community for 88 years, bringing together local volunteers committed to making a difference through friendship, service and community leadership. Guided by Rotary’s motto of Service Above Self, the Club continues to invest in projects that strengthen Southampton today while creating opportunities for future generations.
