Ville Platte Rotary Club Installation of Officers Banquet

June 17, 2014

      The Rotary Club of Ville Platte had a double celebration Tuesday night: celebrating the club’s 85^th birthday and held its installation of officers at Nick’s on Main in Ville Platte.

       Past District Governor Linwood Broussard installed the new slate of officers which included new Club President David Mayeaux, President elect Mitch Fontenot, Vice President Wayne Vidrine, Treasurer Vic Slaven, Secretary Janice Helmer, Sgt. At Arms- Dr. Jerry Veillon and Immediate Past President Bill Brunet. The members of the board include Annette Johnson, Allen Farr, Larry Lachney and Dr. Joey Soileau.

   Outgoing president Bill Brunet reported that the club showed as  increase of 13 new members:9 new members, one transfer and 3 former members that re- joined the club. That increase was the second highest  in the entire rotary district. Rotary Club members Wayne Vidrine and Larry Lachney were recognized for their efforts in recruiting new members and both were named Rotarians of the Year by the club.

     Linwood Broussard noted that the Ville Platte club is the second oldest club in the rotary district He recognized two members who were named Paul Harris Fellows for their contributions to Rotary International:  Greg Vidrine and Eric Gil.

     Rotarian Brent Coreil was recognized for being the longest serving member of the local club, over 40 years.

   New club president David Mayeaux said he was looking forward to working with the board and club members. One of his goals this year will be to improve the name recognition of rotary in Ville Platte through the news media so residents will know more about the club.

    Sgt. at Arms Dr. Jerry Veillon shared some historical information about the club by reading minutes from a club meeting in the 1940’s.