It was out with the old and in with the new as the Rotary Club of Paducah recognized the achievements of the past year and celebrated all those who contributed to those successes, including the passing of the gavel from President John Halsell to incoming President L.V. McGinty. President John noted the Club gave out $25,300 to local charities, raised a record amount during the Annual Antique Quilt Show, $34,712 and hit another record amount of $6,321 for the Annual Salvation Army Kettle Drive. Members also gave $14,298 to the Rotary Foundation. A grand total of $80,631 was raised during a year when the economy proved to be a challenge for everyone, said President John.

The Club ended the year with 201 members by gaining 16 new Rotarians, yet losing another 20 through resignations. Fifty-five of those had perfect attendance. The Club had the highest weekly attendance and the highest per capita giving of all large clubs in District 1610 this year.

President John also recognized many Rotarians who helped him through a year, which brought more changes and challenges than perhaps any other. He praised Executive Secretary Tracie Deaton for fostering a smooth transition after the retirement last year of Phyllis Russell, and keeping it all on track as the Club changed the meeting place from the historic Cobb Hotel to the Carson Four Rivers Center, moved the Rotary Office from the Cobb to the U.S. Bank Building, all amid continuing and expanding the Club's annual activities. He said Rotoract celebrated it's first anniversary last Friday, the Club revived an Annual Rotary-Lions Club Blood Drive, helped sponsor a new library in Chile, sponsored a Group Study Exchange to Norway, hosted one from Brazil and began the process of launching REAP to a whole new level.

President John gave a heartfelt thanks to the many Rotarians who made each week's meetings and annual programs such a success. Three Paul Harris Fellows were named: Debbie Wattier, David Comperry and Mary Hammond. Desireé Owen was given the Distinguished Service Award and Steve Shrewsberry was given the Rotarian of the Year Award.

New President L.V. McGinty pledged to continue all those successes and said he will be striving to get Rotary news out to the public through the media more this year and increase the Club's participation in International Service Projects. He vowed to revitalize some of our 'RINO's," or "Rotarians In Name Only by offering more opportunities to get involved. President L.V. said four new active committees would be headed up Rotary Board members: Community Service, Public Relations, Administration and International Service.

He said the Club would also continue to participate in the Rotary International goal of eradicating Polio worldwide by matching a Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation grant of $250 million with only $60 million to go. Another ambitious project will be restructuring the Club's REAP Scholarship program to include every student in McCracken County. With large shoes to be filled and another weighty agenda, he asked that all Rotarians serve on at least one committee for this Rotary year.

President LV McGinty presented Past President John Halsell with the Past Presidents pin, President's Plaque as well as honoring with the the Distinguished of being Named a Kentucky Colonel by Gov. Steve Breshear

Thanks to Past President John for another memorable and highly successful Rotary year and congratulations to President L.V. as he leads the Club in the coming year.

 

The 2009-2010 Officers were presented: President - LV McGinty; President elect - David Bailey; Vice President - Mike Muscarella; Secretary - Amy Clevidence; Treasurer - Scott Taylor; Gear Teeth editor; - Desiree Owen; Sgt.- at -Arms - Art Feather; REAP chair - Ed Hely; Ex Officio - John Halsell; Board of Directors: Missy Eckenberg, Phil McIntosh, Suzanne Farmer, Chris McNeill, Jim Brown, Jamie Futrell, Debbie Wattier, Barry Smith, Rick Coltharp, Melanie McNeill, Glen Anderson.