By Tim Dempsey

 

Rich Babjak opened the meeting, Doug Fendon gave the Pledge, Howard Jaffe led us in prayer giving special thanks for the $120,000 we can give to local charities, and Dennis Kratohwil, in honor of Tony Bennett helped us through “I left my Heart in San Francisco”.

 

-John McDonald bragged about the recent wedding of his grandson and having his son, who lives in England, in for the wedding.

 

-Bill Rickert had 2 golf brags. He and his wife scored an eagle in their Wednesday league, and he won a putting contest on a golf trip to Wisconsin this past weekend.

 

-Patricia Bleck said we had 16 volunteers at the “Build a Bed” session recently at St. Joseph’s Church.

 

-Visiting dignitary Kevin Stevens bragged about the Navy League which advocates for the sea services.

 

-The fifth week of August we will visit the Joyful Gourmet. This will be an opportunity to invite prospective new members.

 

-Today is Tom Zengler’s birthday. He must be off celebrating!

 

Elliot Pinsel substituted for Brad Gutzler and gave a movie trivia quiz.

 

Today’s program was the presentation of “Service Above Self Award”. Our Club has been presenting the award for over 25 years. Recipients must be nominated by Club members and must be a non-Rotarian. Candidates are judged on their service activities that improve the community and who don’t seek recognition. Service activities must be outside their regular job and create a warm and caring environment. They also may have overcome adversity in their own lives.

 

Our recipient this year is Jim Wogan. Jim spent 24 years as an Army officer and followed that with 25 years working with Catholic Charities. Jim coordinates their Christmas gift program that benefits 14,000 kids and adults. He also serves as a site manager for PADS, is founder of Sharing Hands Furniture, and is a deacon at St Mary of Vernon church. Jim was nominated by Elliot Pinsel who confessed he didn’t know Jim very well. He talks to Jim one month each year when Elliot does his Christmas ornament program. Recently Jim was injured in a car accident but still went to the warehouse where the gifts are stored. He gave Elliot a warehouse tour during the height of the pandemic.

 

Jim epitomizes the ideals of Service Above Self. Bill Rickert presented Jim with a Rotary World clock in recognition of Jim’s dedication of time to service. He also presented Jim with a check for $1000 in the name of PADS. His name will go on the Service Above Self plaque at the Civic Center. Howard Jaffe presented Jim with a Paul Harris Fellow award in recognition of his service.  Jim said: “I am honored and humbled to accept the award on behalf of the many volunteers I work with. I have a world of respect for Rotary.”

 

-Daily: $21 won by Dave Potts.

-Progressive: $302 (44 cards). Dave Potts drew the 8 of clubs. ROLLOVER!

 

-Greeter & Prayer: Greg Hill

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-Fun & Frolics: Jeff Harger.

 

-Program: Presentation of checks to the charities we support this year.

 

“Efforts and courage are not enough without purpose and direction.” John F. Kennedy