The Rotary Club of Easton recently hosted its annual Change of Officers reception at The Milestone in Easton, Md., with the event recognizing the club’s new officers and directors, along with several members for their commitment to service.
Rotary Club of Easton’s 2019-2020 officers include President Pat Fitzgerald, President-Elect John Flohr, President-Elect Nominee Reza Jafari, Secretary George Hatcher, Assistant Secretary Mike Jacobs, Treasurer Andrew Walsworth, and Immediate Past President Richie Wheatley. Directors include Casey Baynard, Vocational Service;Patti Campen, International Service; Terri Charest, Personnel Service; Rosemary Fasolo, Community Service; Megan Miller, Club Service; and Steve Shearer, Youth &Community Fund.
Proclamations from the Town of Easton, Md. and the City Wilmington, Del. were presented to Barbara Osburn and Lisa-Jo Pepper, in recognition of husband, father, and longtime Rotarian, Don Osburn, who passed away in May, 2019. Barbara was also recognized as a Rotary Club of Easton honorary member at the reception.
Don served as a Rotary Club of Easton member for 42 years, with the Donald E. Osburn Club Service Award named in recognition of his contributions to Rotary International, and established to recognize the outstanding service of a Rotarian over an extended period of time. This year’s award was presented to George Corey, who has been an active member since 1990.
This year’s Director Service Awards recognized Patti Campen, for her work on the board serving as international service director; John W. Hurt, Jr., for his dedication serving as centennial committee chair; George Hatcher, for his work as club service chair; and Minahil Cheema, for her service as president of the Interact Club at Easton High School.
Jackie Wilson—a past president, recipient of the Donald E. Osburn Club Service Award and the Alfred B. Kagan Duz Award, and a Paul Harris Fellow—was recognized with this year’s President’s award.
“I see this Rotarian’s commitment at every meeting and in her vocation,” said Past President Richie Wheatley. “She has volunteered for numerous non-profits and clearly has made a difference in each one. She put 110% into the Flags for Heroes program with over $300,000 raised in eight years. She has served this club with a passion that is contagious to us all.”
Established in 2010, the annual Alfred B. Kagan Duz Award recognizes a Rotarian who has gone above and beyond the call of duty in exemplifying Rotary’s motto of Service Above Self—or one who ‘duz’ more than others ‘duz.’ This year the award was given to Jacques Baker and Claude Maechling.
“Jacques has served our club for more than 40 years, and his 100% attendance at meetings over those years shows his commitment as a Rotarian,” remarked Wheatley. “He continues to give every day—inspired by Gilbert Bryon, the Thoreau of the Chesapeake Bay—and leading the preservation of Bryon’s legacy at Pickering Creek.”
“Claude has been serving the club for more than 20 years,” commented Wheatley. “Before and after our meetings, you can find Claude building new homes for families in need of shelter while giving valuable retirement time towards helping others.”
The Dave Haslup “Service Above Self”award was presented to Alfred B. (Tim) Kagan, Jr. for his dedication to the ideals of Rotary, and his service as a model to all other Rotarians.
Nancy Andrew and Lou Satchell were also acknowledged as Paul Harris Fellows. Named after Rotary International Founder Paul Harris, the honor recognizes individuals contributing $1,000 or more in support of Rotary International’s Rotary Foundation.
Rotarian Rookie of the Year Award recipient Tracey Johns was recognized for her work on the centennial committee.
2019-2020 President Pat Fitzgerald addressed the more than 100 reception attendees, speaking towards his goals for the year, which include building upon current community service projects, developing new projects, and strengthening the club through leadership and engagement.
“So as we enter this Rotary year, I encourage each of you to think about why you are a Rotarian,” commented Fitzgerald. “And then let’s build upon each of our stories by connecting with each other to build and strengthen our club, so we can continue to connect with and serve our community and the world, and tell the story of the Rotary Club of Easton Maryland as we lead up to our centennial, and for another 100 years after.”
The Rotary Club of Easton Maryland is comprised of nearly 100 professional men and women committed to the Rotary Motto, “Service Above Self.” They are part of a global network of more than 1.2 million Rotarians who are changing lives in their own communities and around the world. As the world’s first Rotary Club in a town of fewer than 10,000 people, Rotary Club of Easton will host its centennial anniversary in 2021. The Rotary Club of Easton meets on Thursdays at noon at Scossa Restaurant in Easton. All are welcome. For more information, please visit eastonrotary.org.
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