SMOKY HILL ROTARY INSTALLATION BANQUET 2014
The passing of the Rotary torch is always a satisfying event, signifying both the promise that comes with new leadership and the satisfaction that comes from knowing that the past year has made lives better. On June 29, that torched passed from President Betsy Jansen to new President Paul Urtz. The event was held at the Valley Country Club, organized by Club Services Director Nancy Jones.
President Betsy had a great year with significant accomplishments in all of the areas of service. The 2013 Golf Fundraiser was the most successful golf event so far, allowing the club to provide water to people in Nepal, scholarships to students at Pickens Tech and Overland High School, refrigerators for Comitis Crisis Center residents, clothing for Century Elementary Students, food for needy families, and so much more. Betsy exercised her privilege as outgoing president to award President's Awards to three people who made her job easier and more effective:
- Past District Governor Talee Crowe, who served as inspiration and confidant, as well as serving as the Club representative for the Area Meeting, a time consuming job that she did with her accustomed skill.
- Past President Jeff Kaes who helped Betsy figure out what the job of president was all about, always responding quickly and positively and was always ready to provide ways to solve problems.
- The third recipient was not present, so that award will be presented at the club meeting on July 28.
The big announcement of the evening is always the recipient of the Tschappat Award, which goes to the non-board member who had the strongest impact on the club during the previous year. It is Smoky Hill's equivalent of Rotarian of the Year. Again, the recipient was not present, so that award will be present at the July 28 meeting as well.
Secretary and Past President Bev Edwards presented perfect attendance awards to: 1 year-Darryl Harvey, Betsy Jansen, Hugh Radke, and Paul Urtz; 14 years-Craig Essex; 19 years-Bev Edwards and Gary Frisch; 23 years-Gary Fletcher; 26 years-Talee Crowe. The undefeated champion of perfect attendance was again Past President Jim Wingert with 29 years.
President Betsy was presented with a beautiful award honoring her outstanding leadership this past year by 2014-2015 President Paul Urtz. Paul was president in the year that Talee Crowe was District Governor, so much of his year went toward organizing District Conference that year. So, this is kind of a do-over year for Paul. Paul presented his board.
I am sure we are all excited to begin a new Rotary year with such capable leadership in place.
Once again, congratulations to Betsy for a great year, and to Paul for being selected by his Rotary peers to lead the Club into next year.
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