The guests at the meeting included: Ned Dull of the Van Wert Rotary Club and his daughter Cindy.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
The meeting was the last meeting presided over by Judy Budi as current club president. A number of those to be inducted for new or continuing terms of office could not be present because of other commitments, but those inducted at the meeting by member Harvey Smith included: Vas Appalaneni, president; Brad Thorp, president elect; Ron Hollenbeck, vice-president; Bob Fry, treasurer; Ann Blackburn, youth services; Peachy Metzner, community service.
L to R: Harvey Smith, Judy Budi, Ron Hollenbeck, Peachy Metzner, Ann Blackburn, Brad Thorp, Bob Fry, Vas Appalaneni
The new set of officers includes: Mark Balsan, secretary; Carol Kennard, Club Affairs; Bill Abrams, Rotary Foundation; Ram Nunna, International Service; Kim Senf-Paras, Educational Foundation.
President Judy Budi announced that the Rotarian of the Year award would be going to Ed Flohre, who has served as the club's secretary for the past 12 years, just recently handing over the job to new member Mark Balsan, mentoring him in the mechanics of the job. Much of Flohre's work has been behind the scenes, though he has worked the Pancake Breakfast fundraiser, among other things, and has been responsible for all the box lunches coming from Dorothy Lanes Market, including those with their Killer Brownies and turkey, roast beef, and ham sandwiches and slaw, or pasta or potato salad, and chips in this meeting's luncheon.
Perennial regular guest Irene Ullmer, mother of member Kitty Ullmer, was surprised to be awarded an honorary membership to the club at the meeting. The last such membership was awarded in the early 90s, said member Harvey Smith, who along with president Budi congratulated Irene and welcomed her as a new member. She already is a Paul Harris Fellow and has donated to and helped out with the Pancake Breakfast fundraiser and book labeling sessions. A polio-survivor, Irene grew up on a farm in the Bay City, Michigan (we'll forgive her for her Michigan connection) area, as one of 15 children. Soon to be 91, she enjoys the camaraderie of Rotary and is proud to now be an official member of the Centerville club.
Member Boyd Preston received a Paul Harris Fellow award for his generous donation to the Rotary Foundation. He is shown here with now past-president Judy Budi. Thank you for your commitment to Rotary, Boyd!
Brad Thorp gave an update on the status of the club's Educational Foundation investments, which his office manages. Thorp said the second quarter is about to end so final figures are not in, but last year the account had a gain of 15.6 percent, or $10,541, and this year to date the gain is $4,555, up 5.85 percent, with an average gain over the past years of investment of 16 percent. The account has $82,415, which would allow the club to add about $3,000 each year to their scholarship giving without going into the principal, based on the income coming into the account he said.
President Budi said the club's board has decided to keep the scholarship number at 6 ($2,000 apiece), because they would like to use any excess money coming in to do more things in the community.
Judy gave a shout out to many of the club members who helped make the club and her job better and/or easier throughout her term as president, noting she appreciated Dan Johnson's work on recruiting new members besides being a new dad. Five new members have been added during her term in office, she said. She praised Ed Flohre for his 12 years as secretary to the club and his mentorship of Mark Balsan to replace him, and Cynthi Fraley and Erich Eggers and Ron Hollenbeck and Deb Dulaney and Don Overly and Kim Senft-Paras and Bill Abrams and Harvey Smith and Brad Thorp and Bob Fry and Carol Kennard, and all those who served on committees with them in the various endeavors, working many hours to pick the college scholars, RYLA recipients, or work with non-profits, or getting new Paul Harris fellows, and or as Erich does, keeping the members in order, and gathering Happy Bucks, etc, ..."We really do make a difference in the community," she said.
Lee Hieronymous reminded those who plan to ride the fire engine at the Americana Parade on Friday to meet at 9:15 to 9:30 a.m. at the city building...He said he's been warned to not drive erratically during the parade but told they could bring squirt guns to spray the crowd if they want to have fun along the way...he asked those riding to bring squirt guns...Brad Thorp said his office will be open for those who want to park close to the parade route. It has bathrooms that can be used and they will be available an hour before the parade and up to 30 minutes after, he said.
Club members joined Harvey Smith in a round of applause to show their appreciation for the work and leadershiip President Judy has shown during the year.
Newly inducted club president Vas Appalaneni had the last word. He thanked the club for the honor of serving as their president and said he hopes to increase membership in the club and would like the club to participate in at least one international project that would involve bringing potable water to an underdeveloped country. He said he is proud to be a member of such an active club and to be able to serve in helping the community.
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