At the 22nd Annual General Meeting of the Potton Heritage Association held April 1st 2012, we had the opportunity to thank Hans Walser for his 7 years as President and to welcome Sandra Jewett as new President.
Hans and Sandra - Sculpture by Almut Ellinghaus
A word from our new President
Our Annual General Meeting, held April 1st was quite an event! It was entirely fitting that the vagueries of air travel from Cuba should play a trick or two by delaying the arrival of Jean-Louis, our Secretary. Jacques was quickly conscripted as « scribe for a day ». In Yolande’s absence, Serge donned the Treasurer’s cap and presented our financial statements; and without skipping a beat, proceeded with his web master’s report. Carol and Edith did a lovely job of organizing our luncheon and making the room spring-like and inviting. Thanks go to all of them.
As you know, Hans has decided to step down as our President. Yesterday was his last in the Chair; lending a bitter sweetness to the AGM. Hans has been a force to reckon with on Potton Heritage. He has been our very hardworking Chairman for 7 years, and a member of the Association since 1992. In addition to his wise financial management, his legacy of accomplishments is impressive. Central to these of course, was his untiring work to save, obtain citation and protection of the Round Barn in Mansonville, as well as the Province Hill covered bridge, both important heritage elements of Potton.
Yesterday, I was honoured to be elected President, and thus, privileged to say the following to Hans on your behalf: « You have put your heart and soul, and considerable talent into making us into the well-respected group that we are in our Township. You have kept us current– keen and interested and in the forefront of those places where we needed to be…
…not only you have been our leader and public face, keenly devoted to the preservation of the heritage of this Township; but you have also devoted yourself to the progress of Potton. History will continue to unveil your legacy and show the influence of your leadership of this Association – of that I am certain! You have given much of yourself to us. For years, you have not only listened but heard – researched and understood, observed and participated as a productive member of committee after committee; at each, generously offering considered and concise observations on questions which would frustrate many. To each you have given the benefit of your considerable experience. If you were met with tenaciousness equal to your own, you restated your position and continued onward! In my opinion, few problems have presented themselves to you as insurmountable.”
I am personally grateful that Hans will remain as member of the Board of Directors. Inevitably, I will bring my own style and «flavour» to the Board – and with your encouragement, continue the legacy of our previous presidents. I feel most privileged and look forward to your continued support of Potton Heritage Association.
Sincerely – Sandra Jewett
2012-2013 Board of Directors
The following picture presents, in order, the newly elected Members of the Board : Jacques Huppertz, Denis Lamontagne, Hans Walser, Sandra Jewett, Édith Smeesters, Carol Bishop and Serge Normand. Yolande Lamontagne and Jean-Louis Bertrand were not present. Hans is holding our gift to him, a garden sculpture by Almut Ellinghaus, a Ruiter Valley artist.
Members from the Board of Directors
We would like to remind you that it is time to renew your membership for the current year. Please do so before July 1st 2012, because the family fees will increase from $ 30 to $35.
