There were plenty of tears and cheers to go around as President Kim Clement presided over the Pal-Mac Rotary Club changeover picnic at Gravino Park in Macedon on Wednesday evening, June 28.
The first order of business was a prayer for Godspeed and safe travels, as our Club bade farewell to our Exchange Student, Julia Bos, as she leaves this week for her cross country tour of the U.S. before heading home to her native Belgium. Never at a loss for words, Julia was subdued as she took her final turn at the microphone for her weekly update of her activities. We will miss you, Julia!
Next, President Kim read a thank you note from graduating Pal-Mac Senior Mariette Koeberle, who is the recipient of this year’s Rotary “Dollars for Scholars” scholarship.
The Prez also announced her selection of two community service organizations to receive $500 each, as her “President’s Choice” awards for the year. These donations went to Laurel House in Newark and the Veterans Outreach Center of Rochester.
As is the custom at this changeover event, Rotarian Gene Bassage presented “Perfect Attendance” pins to a number of members. While not admitting to his own award, Gene has an amazing record of 56 years of Perfect attendance at Rotary, both here at Pal-Mac and his “adopted” Rotary Club in Florida. Rotarians receiving perfect attendance pins were: Eric Chapman, 35 years; Dick Kirchhoff and Pat VerPlank, 29 years; Margaret Brooks, 27 years; Joan Shaffer, 20 years; Dave Read, 18 years; Bill Dean, 16 years; Bob Yost, 15 years; Anne Morrell, 14 years; Mark Clement, 12 years; Gary Hopkins, 11 years; Pam Dean, Dianne Sloan, Bob Sloan, Tom Breen and Leslie Vecchiotti, 8 years; Kim clement, 7 years; Maurina Schmidt, 2 years; and Marie Fessler, one year.
The highlight of every changeover event is the presentation of the Rotarian of the Year Award (determined by vote of the Club membership) and the annual Paul Harris Fellowship Award (chosen by the most recent three PH recipients).
Last year’s Rotarian of the Year, Bob Sloan, presided over the presentation of the 2016-17 ROY award, which deservedly went to Assistant DG Pam Dean in recognition of her many contributions to Rotary at both the Club and District levels.
Next, President Kim took the microphone to list the many examples of Service Above Self displayed over the years by Rotary’s newest Paul Harris Fellow, Bob Sloan. Bob has worked tirelessly on behalf of Camp ONSEYAWA; chaired the annual Golf Tournament to benefit the camp; worked more than his share of shifts at Hill Cumorah and the Fair Booth; and, with wife, Dianne, has been instrumental in establishing the Club’s latest major fundraiser, the annual Purple Painted Lady parking event. Congratulations, Bob!.JPG)
Finally, President Kim closed out a most successful Rotary year as she handed over the gavel to incoming President Gary Hopkins. We look forward to another great year in 2017-18 under Gary’s capable leadership!