On March 25, our Club met via Zoom. It was a regular Club meeting that happily coincided with our Club’s anniversary. To mark the special occasion, all five of our Charter Members who are still active in our Club today: Charter President Patrick, Past President Charles, Past President Peter, Past President Kay and Past President Antonio, were invited as special speakers to share their memories of the early days of our Club. Several special guests also attended, including our Honorary Member Professor Tim Tong. Past President Eric Wong, our Club’s second President, also attended. As did Past President Douglas (our 14th President), Past President Veronica (our 15th President), and Gilbert Chan, a past member who was active in the early days of our Club. From service projects and youth development to sports day and overseas trips, members shared their memories of being a Hong Kong Harbour Rotarian. The meeting ended with Past President Douglas thanking our Club for supporting his fundraising event at his current Club in the United States, Rotary Club of Walnut Grove, and wishes to maintain active connection with our Club through his Rotary and community work in the United States.
On July 9, our Club met for lunch at Regal Hongkong Hotel, our first meeting of the new Rotary year. While the government has somewhat relaxed gathering rules, special precautions were still in place: all attendees were required to get their temperature checked and their hands alcohol-wiped before entering the venue; and attendees were divided into small tables. During the meeting, President Mark gave updates of various District-level and Club activities, as well as upcoming Installations of other Clubs. Past President Grace described in detail our hot meals distribution program at Holy Cafe on July 4. Past President Dora updated us regarding constant liaison with our sister clubs. Our Club’s Foundation AGM was also held. Past President Kay, as Chair, reported on the finances and activities of our Foundation. Several matters were discussed and motioned during the AGM, including the reappointment of Past President Kay, Past District Governor Belinda, Past President Grace and President Elect Sam as directors of the Foundation and election of Past President Kay as Chair. Finally, President Mark noted that, as we enter the new Rotary year, we should be careful while addressing Rotarians as many of them may have new Rotary titles. While President Mark…
On January 15, more than a dozen Hong Kong Harbour Rotarians and spouses were present at the naming ceremony of Patrick SC Poon Amity College at Hang Seng University of Hong Kong. Patrick SC Poon, of course, is our Club’s Charter President and well-known philanthropist. During Charter President Patrick’s speech, he mentioned that Rotary philosophy of service above self is one of his chief guiding principles when he does philanthropic deeds. Plenty other District dignitaries were present, including District Governor Wilson Cheng, Past Governors Moses Cheng (Chairman of the University’s Council), Anthony Hung, Jones Wong, Peter Wan, Ada Cheng, YC Ho, and District Governor Nominee Keith Chow.
On December 19, our Club hosted a trifecta of meetings: Board Meeting, Club Assembly, and Annual General Meeting. At Club Assembly, President Mark shared with attendees the progress of various projects, including our Global Grant projects with Rotary Clubs of Pudu and Taoyuan Southeast. President Mark also detailed our Club’s plans to go ahead with putting together a project with Hummingfish Foundation. At Annual General Meeting, members approved, among other things, the financial accounts of RY2018-2019, expertly prepared by last year’s Treasurer Barry. After President Mark declared the closure of Annual General Meeting, our Christmas-themed party began. The dinner menu was specially designed by Regal’s catering for the occasion, with a colorful and delicious dessert spread to complement the festivity of the evening. President Mark and Rotarian Sam brought wines and whiskeys, respectively. Before tasting, our resident sommelier Past President Kay shared a bit of information and history about the wines on offer: one Chateau Montelena and one Negru de Purcari, a prized Moldovan wine brought home by President Mark when he visited Château Purcari near the Ukrainian border in Moldova half a decade ago. Members lucky enough to be sitting at Rotarian Sam’s table also got his expert take…
After our meeting with the District Governor, we jetted to HKU Alumni Association for our monthly Board meeting. The meeting was nourished with excellent food from the kitchen, with a menu specially crafted by Rtnne. Catherine and input from Charter President Patrick Poon. Our Board members and observers continued the Connect-The-World Wine Program with two wines: a Malbec from Patagonian Argentina, and an Aglianico from Campania, Italy. Past President Kay Lau, an expert in wines, gave us an overview of how to appreciate the two wines on offer. When Board members were not too fixated on aromas and finish, we turned our attention to Club affairs, with special focus on various service projects, including those with local service partners and those with sister clubs abroad.
Our Club’s RY2019-20 Installation was held on July 25 at Regal Hongkong Hotel. The presidential sash and gavel were passed on from Imediate Past President Lily Chan to President Mark Tong, while new pins were received by our incoming directors. The Club Installation was well-attended: 60+ Rotarians, family members and friends were present to witness this most important Club event. Many District leaders also attended, including: District Governor Wilson Cheng, Immediate Past District Governor YC Ho, District Governor Elect Eric Chak, and Assistant Governor David Thomas.