2016 Fred K. Jones Award to Paula Nordgaarden

 

Joe Bruce, President-Elect, made the following speech as part of the presentation to Paula:

 

"I have the honor of presenting this year's Fred K. Jones Rotarian of the Year Award. This is the highest honor that Club 21 bestows on a member.

 

Who was Fred K. Jones?  To start off, he was a member of this club and our president in 1940-1941. He served as District Governor of our district in 1942-1943. He served at the Rotary International level and was a Director of the RI board 1945-1946. He is also remembered as a civic and Rotary leader.

 

The Fred K. Jones Memorial award was established in 1984 by family members Kennard, Barry and Scott Jones. Barry and Scott are with us today. 

Thank you Barry and Scott.

 

The award was initiated to recognize members who have made major contributions to Rotary and in particular Club 21.

 

The award is given annually and the recipient is selected by past recipients.

 

The person receiving this award is one who best epitomizes Service Above Self and whose life personifies the Four Way Test.

 

I would like to use a very eloquent quote from our own Past President Mike Church regarding what It truly means to wear the "tag" Rotarian.

 

Mike writes, 'When we walk through those doors each Thursday, we step away from the pressures of our daily lives, and we have the opportunity to be inspired by the company we keep. We know the Rotarians sitting around the table with us are focused on something much more important than their individual daily struggles-the notion that we each have made a commitment to make life better for others by adhering to the principle of Service Above Self, and by following the Four Way Test in everything we say or do.'

 

Our Fred K. Jones Rotarian of the Year, is the epitome of this statement. 

 

As long as I have known this person, making life better for others has been paramount and ......demonstrating Service Above Self seems to come naturally and with heart.

 

Our recipient can light up a room with a smile and does so with a team that visits Rotary Club shut-ins, letting them know that they are Rotary Club 21 even if they can no longer attend weekly meetings.

 

During the transition time of our club's executive director, she was key in keeping your club operating.

 

This person shuns the spotlight and points it back onto others.

 

In her current position she continues to bring light to those in need as a Life Celebrant.

 

She is a proud momma of one daughter, two sons and has five grandchildren.  Garry is her proud husband.

 

Paula Nordgaarden,........ the spotlight is on you, .......our 2016-2017 Fred K. Jones Rotarian Of The Year.

Would you and Garry please join me up front?"