The Rotary Club of Fayette’s first meeting of the new Rotary year on July 5 was anything but ordinary. Highlights included the installation of new president Greg Stidham, the presentation of 16 Paul Harris awards by Assistant Rotary District Superintendent Brad Martens, an official welcome to the club’s newest member, Angi Allphin, and a visit by Uncle Sam.

President Erik Martinez passed the gavel to incoming president Stidham, who in turn presented Martinez with a plaque commemorating his year of exemplary service as club president. During his term, the club has completed four service projects and collected a club-record amount of money for the Rotary Foundation and Rotary International’s PolioPlus initiative.  

Through contributions such as those made by members of the Fayette Club, “the Rotary Foundation is able to carry out an array of programs that achieve beneficial changes in the world: improved living conditions, increased food production, better education, wider availability of treatment and rehabilitation for the sick and disabled, new channels for the flow of international understanding, and brighter hopes for peace,” according to the Rotary International Website.

Rotary Assistant Governor Martens named Fayette Rotarians Kerry Kesey and Stidham as Paul Harris Fellows. Each new Fellow received a pin and a certificate. The Paul Harris Fellow recognition is named after Rotary’s founder and acknowledges individuals who contribute or who have contributions made in their name of at least $1,000 to The Rotary Foundation. Rotary established the recognition in 1957 to encourage and show appreciation for substantial contributions to the foundation. Members receive “Plus” pins for each additional $1000 they contribute beyond the initial gift.

Fourteen members of the Fayette Club received “Plus” pins, including Marty Ferry, who received a Plus 7 pin, and Larry Anderson and Roger Lembke, who received Plus 5 pins. Deb Miller, Jamie Page, Jessica Quint, J.B. Waggoner, and Patrick Roll each received Plus 3 pins. Cathy Baxter, Jackie Byland, Glenn Ludtke, Kurt Rohr, Gale Schafer, and Chuck Thompson were each awarded a Plus 1 pin.

Uncle Sam, better known as Glenn Ludtke, led the group in a sing-along of patriotic music to conclude the meeting.