Happy New Year!

Welcome to the second century of Rotary around the world and to Wilson Rotary's 88th year. Wilson Rotary began the year with a great celebration on Tuesday, June 28th at Wilson Country Club.


Before the highlights of the evening, we should all stand and give Eldon Newton, President Elect, a round of applause for a fantastic meal and program... Kent has his work cut out for him next year.

Evening Highlights:

• Slide show -- 300 slides and Billy Joel music from our fellowship outting in January to Movin Out.

• Door Prizes -- Wow what a lot of gifts. As usual the gift certificates from Vaughn Jewelers was a hit. I would have loved the pottery bowl.
  
  
• Presidential Installation of Richard McKellar ... Its official Richard and we stand ready to help.
  
  
• Installation of officers and directors:
• Eldon Newton, President Elect
• Kent Montgomery, Vice - President
• Mary Long, Treasurer
• Eva Sutton, Secretary
• Charles Evans, Sgt. at Arms
  
• Ed Wyatt, Past President
  
• Tom Evans, Community Service
  
• Pete Dempsey, Public Relations
  
• Jolly Barnes, Vocational Service
  
• Karl McKinnon, Club Service
  
• Ed Gauss, International Service
  
• Fred Horne, Youth Service
  
• Sandy Arens, Foundation Chair

• Special Thanks to Past Directors Mike Petty and Cape Grice.
  
  
• Perfect Attendance Awards
• Steven Leder
• Rufus Swain
• Harry Swain
• Marion Boykin
• Billy Lamm
• Woody Harrison
• Richard McKellar
• Ed Wyatt
  
  
• Paul Harris Fellows Awarded
• Russell Patterson
• Mabel Swain by her husband Harry
• Steven Wyatt by his father Ed Wyatt
  

• Service Awards
• Community Paul Harris Fellow Recognition
  
  Cindy Cash, counselor, educator, volunteer, friend and daughter of our dear member that passed away a couple of years ago, Sam Ruth.
  
  Cindy has been a wonderful community leader and cares deeply about Wilson and its children. On a personal note Imagination Station Science Museum would not be in existence had it not been for the guidance, work and leadership of both Cindy and Jim Cash.
  
  Cindy's efforts at Greenfield School have been seen on the resumes and records of many students.
  
  When she received this honor Cindy's response was to say she is unworthy and will now work harder.
  
  Thank you Cindy.
  
  
• Club Paul Harris Fellowship
  
  Tom Evans was recognized as the 2005 Paul Harris Fellow for his dedication and hard work for the Wilson Rotary Club and our Community. Despite suffering a serious orthopedic injury that sidelined Tom for more than half of the year, he continued to make sure his duties as Community Service Director were fulfilled.
  
  Tom handled Meals on Wheels, The Latino Health Fair, Developed a Program for assisting non-English speakers learn English as a Second Language. Tom also took the lead on getting the Wilson Rotary Club involved with the Wilson Crisis Center.
  
  Tom was basically speechless on receiving this prestigious award... Something unusual for Tom.
  
  
• M.J. Bird Award
  
  Karl McKinnon ... Yes your humble author received the M.J. Bird Award ... the Wilson Rotary Club equivalent of Rotarian of the Year. I am humbled and feel undeserving of this recognition. I am so proud to be a Rotarian and believe passionately in what we do as an an organization.
  
  We have a great club and great leadership. I am just fortunate to be a part of the club and have such able colleagues in Service Above Self.
  
  I know my mother would have gleamed at the prospect of her youngest son being recorded in the Wilson Rotary Club history with an award that continues to be a part of our heritage year after year.

I would like to recognize Steven Leder for his work as our emcee. A few good jokes. A couple of bad ones ... On par with past president Tom Wilson.

Lastly, speaking of Tom Wilson. Congrats on a successful year and you are missed! Best of luck in California and come see us soon!