Photos by Claudine Housen/Staff Photographer
LEFT: Sandwiched between her big brother, Gleaner Director Winston Dear, and sister-in-law Denise, new president of the Rotary Club of Montego Bay, Judith Dear, cannot contain her smile following her installation brunch at Half Moon in Montego Bay.
RIGHT: Principal of the Granville Christian Centre for the Deaf, Doret Russell (left), receives the distinguished citizen award from outgoing president Antoinette Chen during the installation brunch for the new administration of the Rotary Club of Montego Bay on Sunday.

Claudine Housen, Staff Reporter

WESTERN BUREAU:

Rotary Club of Montego Bay's outgoing president Antoinette Chen pulled out all the stops to pass the baton to new president Judith Dear at Half Moon's Cornwall Room last Sunday, July 1.

The spacious conference room was beautifully decorated in pink and white heliconias and sprays of orchids, arrangements by Anne Mills atop each table.

However swanky, the event still managed to have that warm family feel to it, largely due to the efforts of new president, Mrs. Dear.

Dressed in a brightly coloured blue and orange ensemble, Mrs. Dear flitted across the room greeting guests with warm hugs and hellos, proudly introducing friends and family as they enter.

It was her day and she was literally glowing with pride at having the support of her family on such an auspicious occasion.

Kicking off proceedings with a rich rendition of the National Anthem, followed by the grace, guests were treated to brunch buffet-style.

Having been welcomed to her position with rousing applause after being installed as president, Mrs. Dear expressed thanks to those who helped her along her journey.

The Rotary Club of Montego Bay was chartered on March 21, 1961, and is the second oldest club in Jamaica. Under the auspices of then president Antoinette Chin, the club raised and disbursed some $5 million for charity. Mrs. Dear is the 48th club president.

The new administration includes president -- Judith Dear; vice-president - Erica Kerr DeSilva; president-elect - Kay Ann Reuben; secretary - Terrence Gordon; treasurer - Michelle Daswani and immediate past president, Antoinette Chen.