From our new President:
Dear Fellow Rotarians and Friends,
What a night.
Thursday's Installation Dinner at the Weston Golf Club was everything Rotary is about — fellowship, tradition, purpose, and joy. More than 60 members, guests, families, and friends filled the room, and the energy was extraordinary from the first welcome to the final handshake. On behalf of the entire incoming board, thank you for showing up, for celebrating with us, and for making the evening so memorable. To those who could not be with us — you were missed, and we look forward to welcoming you at our next gathering.
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AN EVENING TO REMEMBER
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Outgoing President Robert Blackburn opened the evening with grace and warmth, welcoming the audience and setting the tone for a smooth, celebratory transition. Brenda DeVito then gave an inspiring update on our Student Exchange Program, congratulating our current beneficiaries and offering heartfelt thanks to the dedicated host families who make it possible.
President Blackburn honored the outgoing directors and officers for their extraordinary service — including a special acknowledgment of Immediate Past President Vera Lucia Dias, who was unable to attend but whose leadership left a lasting mark on this Club. He then formally initiated the leadership transition, passing the gavel and presenting me with the president's pin.
I was deeply honored to accept — and to begin by presenting President Blackburn with the Past President's pin and a Rotary International plaque in recognition of a year of exceptional service. I then had the privilege of welcoming and pinning the incoming members of our new Board of Directors before delivering my presidential address.
As my first official act as President, I inducted Robert Finley, Esq., as the newest member of the Rotary Club of Weston and Wayland. Welcome, Robert — we are glad you are here.
What a night.
Thursday's Installation Dinner at the Weston Golf Club was everything Rotary is about — fellowship, tradition, purpose, and joy. More than 60 members, guests, families, and friends filled the room, and the energy was extraordinary from the first welcome to the final handshake. On behalf of the entire incoming board, thank you for showing up, for celebrating with us, and for making the evening so memorable. To those who could not be with us — you were missed, and we look forward to welcoming you at our next gathering.
——————————————————
AN EVENING TO REMEMBER
——————————————————
Outgoing President Robert Blackburn opened the evening with grace and warmth, welcoming the audience and setting the tone for a smooth, celebratory transition. Brenda DeVito then gave an inspiring update on our Student Exchange Program, congratulating our current beneficiaries and offering heartfelt thanks to the dedicated host families who make it possible.
President Blackburn honored the outgoing directors and officers for their extraordinary service — including a special acknowledgment of Immediate Past President Vera Lucia Dias, who was unable to attend but whose leadership left a lasting mark on this Club. He then formally initiated the leadership transition, passing the gavel and presenting me with the president's pin.
I was deeply honored to accept — and to begin by presenting President Blackburn with the Past President's pin and a Rotary International plaque in recognition of a year of exceptional service. I then had the privilege of welcoming and pinning the incoming members of our new Board of Directors before delivering my presidential address.
As my first official act as President, I inducted Robert Finley, Esq., as the newest member of the Rotary Club of Weston and Wayland. Welcome, Robert — we are glad you are here.
This is a talented, committed, and energized team. I am proud to serve alongside each of them.
2026–2027 Board of Directors
Dr. Jimmy Belotte — PresidentStanley David — President-Elect
Robert Blackburn — Immediate Past President
Valdet Abazi — Vice-President
Rob Mosher — Treasurer
Richard DeVito — Executive Secretary
Edwin Gaw — Secretary
Warren Green — Board Director
Katya Portnaya — Board Director
Jan Luchetti — Board Director
Brenda DeVito — Board Director
Joy Viola — Board Director
Paul Lualdi — Board Director
Janika LeMaitre — Board Director
Richard Devlin — Board Director
OUR PRIORITIES FOR 2026–2027
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As I shared in my address, this year will be guided by one principle: build on our successes and be bold enough to evolve. Specifically, we will:
• GROW MEMBERSHIP — with renewed outreach, stronger onboarding, and a club culture that makes every member feel at home.
• DEEPEN COMMUNITY IMPACT — expanding our partnerships in Weston and Wayland and launching new projects that reflect the evolving needs of our communities.
• INVEST IN YOUTH — actively involving high school students in our programs through RYLA, Interact, the Children's Business Fair, and new leadership development initiatives.
• FOSTER SHARED LEADERSHIP — increasing member participation, honoring the wisdom of our senior members, and embracing the innovative energy of those who are newer to our ranks. The Rotary of today is not the Rotary of yesterday — and that is a strength, not a threat.
• CHAMPION POLIO ERADICATION — continuing our End Polio Now advocacy with new energy and visibility as your District Polio Chair steps into the presidency.
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MARK YOUR CALENDARS — WHAT'S COMING
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ANTIQUE & CLASSIC CAR SHOW — September 2026One of our most beloved community events returns. Details coming soon — start spreading the word!
PINTS FOR POLIO — October 2026Our signature End Polio Now fundraiser is back. A great evening for a great cause. Stay tuned for the date and venue.
Last night reminded me of why I first fell in love with Rotary — not in a meeting room, but through the Rotary wheel on a water project in rural Haiti, and later through a Christmas Tree sale right here on Boston Post Road. This Club has given me a community, a purpose, and a home. I do not take that lightly.
Service Above Self — let's make it count.
With gratitude and in fellowship,
Service Above Self — let's make it count.
With gratitude and in fellowship,
Dr. Jimmy Belotte
President 2026-2027
om.
