Last Friday Night

Posted by Steven Walden 
 
As many of you witnessed this past week, we celebrated our 25th anniversary as a Rotary club. The following is what will be printed in the District 5870 newsletter:
 
"On February 11, the Rotary Club of Killeen Heights celebrated the 25th anniversary of its charter by holding a black tie optional banquet at the Harker Heights Activity Center. The keynote speaker for the gala was Rotary International Director Noel Bajat, who attended with his wife, Sis. As the first order of business, the club recognized 14 members who passed away during the club's 25 year history during a moment of silence punctuated by the gentle ring of the club's bell for each member. The invocation and pledge were lead by charter members Jim Mobley and Steve Ernst, the Four Way Test was lead by Stan Passman, a 25 year member of the club.

Members and guests attending the event were treated to stories, legends, and tall tales of the club's history by Gene "Bubba" Silverblatt and Ick Hook. During the meal, a slide presentation of historical photographs, documents, and awards was shown. Afterward, RI Director Noel Bajat spoke to the club about developments at Rotary International and the impact on individual clubs.

After a short intermission, the club recognized 17 members for their contributions to The Rotary Foundation. The 17 Paul Harris Fellows included one first-time fellowship, the remaining 16 included an array of subsequent fellowships, to include a Two-Diamond Pin awarded to Pat Derr for her contributions to the Foundation.

Club president Steve Walden then awarded Rotary Club of Killeen Heights coins with certificates to RI Director Bajat, Past District 5870 Governor Tim Buckley and club Past Presidents Beth Adams and Steve Ernst. As the final order of business for the evening, the club's newest member, Larry Phelps, was inducted. President Walden's closing remarks for the evening highlighted the club's rich past and an outlook for the club's future."

As you know, these events do not just happen; they are planned, orchestrated, and executed by some very bright and energetic people. I had a chance to thank these folks last Friday, but I would really like to thank them again, and again, because of their hard work. They are Mike Pinson and his wife Mary, Pat Derr, Rich Kaye, Bubba Silverblatt, Stan and Elaine Passman, Stu McLennan, Ick Hook, Greg Schannep, Charlie Brown, and Mary Hanik. Thank you all for making the gala a lot of fun and a huge success!!

Lastly, I want to especially thank Barbara Merlo and the members of our CTC Rotaract Club who volunteered their time to man the coat-check room.

See you at the 50th anniversary!!

Have a fruitful week.

Yours in Rotary,

Steve Walden