feature story-july 15, 2020

 by Susan Morton

The Union City Rotary Club Annual Dinner, hosted by Barb Wallen, was held last week and was an opportunity for the Rotary Club to recognize members and others for their committed involvement with Rotary.  The Annual Dinner is also the Officer Changeover Dinner and honored Jim Hayden, the Outgoing President, for his leadership during the most unusual and challenging Rotary year the Club can remember.  He welcomed Brendan McCarthy, the 2020-2021 President, and presented him with the President's Pin.

Two members were voted by the Club to be 2020 Paul Harris Fellows.  Paul Harris Fellows are individuals that meet high professional and personal standards and are selected because the Club believes their life exemplifies the humanitarian and educational objectives of the Rotary Foundation.  The honor represents a contribution of $1,000 by the Club for each Paul Harris Fellow to the Annual Program Fund, the Polio Plus Fund or the Humanitarian Grants Program of the Rotary Foundation.  

Kim Miller was voted by the Club for the 2nd time to receive a Paul Harris Fellow Award.  She was honored for her service as the liaison from Union City High School to the Rotary Club.  She organized bringing the Students of the Month to a Rotary meeting, encouraged students to take part in RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Award) Weekend, identified those who could benefit from the Shoes, Boots, & Coats provided by a Rotary grant, and served as the Rotary Club Assistant Treasurer.

Rick Walterspaugh, our newest Rotary member, was the 2nd member voted by the Club to be a Paul Harris Fellow.  Rick was honored for his many contributions to the Union City Rotary Club annual Maple Syrup project.  He contributed in many different ways, including helping to prepare the hangers with the bags and Power Washing all the tanks and tankers throughout the season - including the major end-of-the season cleaning of the sap collecting equipment.  He also arranged for hanging the Rotary sign on the Rotary Sap Shack, as well as securing a second sign for the Sap Shack.

Ed DeLisle and Faith Robertson were honored as recipients of the Paul Harris Level 2 Pins from the Rotary Foundation for their continued support to the Foundation.

Janice Vosburg was honored for her 27 years of service as an honorary member.  She has been a Paul Harris Fellow, spearheaded the Club "Pennies for the Foundation" collection, and exemplified in so many ways the Rotary motto "Service above Self!"  

Honorary member Ray Batterson received the Rising Star Award for his 8 years of service assisting the Club with the Rotary Maple Syrup project.  He loves to participate and cheerfully helps out with every Rotary project that can use his help.  

The Union City Rotary Club is always looking for new members to share our commitment to serving our community and enjoy our fellowship.  We would encourage anyone interested in  joining to speak to a member and come to a meeting.  Or just come to a meeting - normally held every Tuesday noon in the basement of the Fire Hall.  The Coronavirus has required creative other meeting locations so best to check before going to the Fire Hall.