At the club's December 12 meeting, three outstanding members of the community were recognized as Paul Harris Fellows - two members of the Rochester community and a Paul Harris+3 pin was given to club president-elect Steve Sperling.
In addition to Steve receiving his Paul Harris pin, he recognized community member Jan Vetter as a Paul Harris Fellow for her work in social services. Jan has served as a conduit for people who had furniture and home furnishings to donate to people who had needs for those items. She became well known for her leadership in Olmsted County in the Adopt-a-Family Christmas program. Hundreds of people would not have received a Christmas gift if not for her efforts through the years. She has been recognized by United Way and KTTC as one of "10 People Who Make A Difference" for her volunteerism. She is active with her church's "Open Table" program which serves free meals to the underserved in our community and feeds upwards of 250 people each week. Steve capped his introduction of Jan referring to her as an "energizer bunny" and someone who personifies "Service Above Self."Past club president Leigh Johnson recognized John Wade, president, RAEDI, as Paul Harris Fellow. After serving as RAEDI's interim president, he was hired as president of the organization in August 2021. Known throughout Southeast Minnesota, John shares his extensive background in communications, business development, and public-private partnership in the Rochester community both professionally and through his volunteerism.