Photo 1: Mayor Handwerk left, Rich Corfman right Photo 2: Newest Rotarian Kristen Buchs
Orrville Rotarians had a busy meeting on Tuesday September 5th! From a new member initiation to a speaker, to a new fundraising game for the club the Rotarians are really making strides. New member, Kristen Buchs, transferred to the Orrville club a few weeks ago and will be a valuable member of the international avenue. She is truly looking forward to what is to come of her time in the club and is already settling into her new home in Orrville.
Mayor Dave Handwerk gave a quick flash back of what his time looked like serving for the city of Orrville for over 28 years. He began with his wife and kids as a transplant to Orrville, teaching and coaching within the city schools which he did for 32 years. During that time, he was approached to fulfill someone's term on city council for two years. All the while, two years turned into 18 years on city council, serving in a few different roles including president for 12 of those years. He then was encouraged to run for Mayor, and against one of his very good friends at that.
As he ran during that election, he did a lot of door-to-door conversations with community members and citizens and got a real feel for what this community is like and how we can be better. He proceeded to re-run for Mayor 4 terms in a row and has served almost 16 years straight. In his time as mayor, he remembers the time when Ella Street was renovated, the schools were combined and torn down, and all new lighting was put in to give kids in the community a better school experience and education. New schools were built and grown, and he remembers that as a true highlight of his time in service. Many times he also attended quarterly meetings and conferences down in Columbus with other local mayor's and often times came back more thankful for all we do and have in our small town.
Looking into the future, Mayor Handwerk believes that Matt Plybon will have his share of challenges but will have some time to settle into his new role. One of those challenges will be working with an Insurance Company to cover our current Power Plant for our local Utilities; one thing we are all very lucky to have to have! As Mayor Handwerk moves on to retirement, he looks forward to mowing his lawn, working out at Thad's, and being able to attend as many events as he can for his grand kids! Lynn Horner, Orrville Rotarian, leaves him with this "we are very thankful for all that you have done for the city, and you have done a wonderful job taking every inquiry and concern seriously, and actually following through with them. Thank you very much."