The Rotary Club of St. Maarten installed its first couple. Maria Hovius a lawyer by profession and Theo de Kluijs with a background industrial medicine and who worked for Hydroshop Design both left their former employers after 15 years of hard work and went into business for themselves.
Having been entrepreneurs for six years, retirement became the next logical step. St. Maarten is where Maria and Theo call home for several months of the year, particularly the cold months.
What can new members expect from being part of this international organization?
W hat Rotarians get out of Rotary depends largely on what they put into it. Many membership requirements are designed to help club members more fully participate in and enjoy their Rotary experience. Attending weekly club meetings allows members to enjoy fellowship, enrich their professional and personal knowledge, and meet other business leaders in their community. If members miss a meeting of their own club, they’re encouraged to expand their Rotary horizons by attending a meeting of any other Rotary club in the world. By participating in local and international service projects, club members can volunteer their time and talents where they’re most needed.
The four Avenues of Service are Rotary’s philosophical cornerstone and the foundation on which club activity is based: Club Service focuses on strengthening fellowship and ensuring the club’s effective functioning. Vocational Service encourages Rotarians to serve others through their vocations and to practice high ethical standards. Community Service covers the projects and activities the club undertakes to improve life in its community. International Service encompasses actions taken to expand Rotary’s humanitarian reach around the globe and to promote world understanding and peace. More information is available on www.rotary.org.
Rotarian Fred van de Peijl sponsored the Hovius and de Kluijs couple bringing the club to 41 members strong. The members of The Rotary club of St. Maarten welcome Theo and Maria to this great service club.
By Rotarian Maria Buncamper-Molanus
