Rotateller Rotary Club of Owego, NY
Tuesday, June 24, 2008 Gary Williams, Editor

It is my hope that this evening we will all be reminded of the things we’ve dreamed – reminded of the things we believe – and leave here determined to pursue – as Rotarians do. Rotary shares because Rotary cares. Matt Adler

There was a very nice turn-out in the beautiful outdoor venue for a lovely evening. I didn’t get the names of all of the guests. Annette had a good representation of her family in attendance. It was great to have Suzanne back. John Jones did a masterly job and Carolyn Galatzan and her committee did their usual excellent job of making selections and putting the event together.

John had all of the Paul Harris Fellows stand.

ROTARY FOUNDATION PAUL HARRIS AWARDS:

Orv gave a brief history of the Foundation whose inception was in 1917 only 12 years after the creation of Rotary when it was decided to have an endowment fund to do good in the world. By 1928, $5000 had been collected, but with the death of Paul Harris in 1947, the funds increased substantially and it was decided to start making grants. The first program was Ambassadorial Scholarships which is still a very active program, having given 800 over the years for a total contribution of $500 million.

The largest single Foundation program was teaming with the WHO, UNICEF, and CDC with Polio Plus to work to eradicate polio in the world. Rotary’s initial contribution was $120 million. Polio was present in 125 countries and now only exists in India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Nigeria. The Bill Gates Foundation has pledged $200 million if RI will match it.

GSE started in 1965 with teams of young professionals (25 – 40) having exchanges with another country. RI covers the transportation and the local club handles the rest.

Grants to teach in foreign countries started in 1985. Peace and Conflict Resolution commenced in 1987and Matching Grants in 1965. Health, Hunger, and Humanities started in 1978. Polio Plus spun out of this program. There are now 1,000,000 Paul Harris Fellows world-wide.

CAROLE LAPLANTE: Carole was presented by Jody who was Carole’s office-mate for Jody’s first job out of college. Carole sponsored Jody’s Rotary membership. Jody briefly noted Carole’s many activities, but it could not match Paul’s song.

ANNETTE SCHWEIGER: Laura shared how Annette is always smiling and enthusiastic. Not bad for someone born second of 9 children who raised a family and has had a few successful careers.

MIKE EBBERS: Terry introduced Mike and discussed his father’s influence. Mike was introduced to Owego Rotary by his father who has been a Rotarian since the 1950’s. Terry shared how each of us has been influenced by many. We, in turn, through many activities including Rotary, have the opportunity to affect many other lives.

PASSING OF THE GAVEL

Matt summarized this past year, which as an exceptional one for the Club. Under Laura’s guidance, youth services was even more outstanding with contributions from many other members. Orv shared that District 7170 had the most new members in our Rotary zone and Owego Rotary had the second largest number of new members and the highest percentage of members within the district.

Our fund raisers were very successful thanks to everyone in the Club

We had great programs thanks to Steve

We diversified and had some enjoyable evening meetings

We met Matt’s goal of having more fun

The bus trip was fun

As was the BU basketball game

The progressive dinner was a big hit

DISTRICT CONFERENCE!

Matt recognized a number of people for their contributions starting with Kathleen. Kathleen created a panoramic photo of the village from the cemetery and Matt gave copies to Al, Gary, Judy, Steve, Carl, Annette, Carolyn G., John Spencer, Laura, and Carolyn and Orv. (Everyone who has been president knows how important the secretary is!)

Orv won for his duck and he contributed it to the RF. Matt gave special recognition to Joao, Mati (and Suzanne).

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