The Rockwall Rotary Club recently 
welcomed Jeff Shell as president and 
installed new officers. During the July 
meeting, Shell shared his “Rotary story” – 
a journey which began with the 
befriending of a local pediatrician.

After moving to Rockwall in 2006 and 
learning that his wife was pregnant, Jeff 
left his job as a civil litigation attorney 
in Dallas to join the Rockwall County 
District Attorney’s office. He became good 
friends with Rockwall pediatrician Dr. 
Kurt Pflieger after his first child was born. 
It was Pflieger who initially introduced 
Jeff to the idea of joining Rotary, and 
in 2008, Jeff began his Rotary story by 
officially becoming a member of the club, 
where the main objective is service – 
in the community, in the workplace, 
and throughout the world. 

During that year, Jeff helped coordinate 
rest stops for the Rockwall Rotary’s 
Hot Rocks Bike Ride. He was later 
recognized as an Outstanding Contributor 

to the annual fundraiser, which provides 
college scholarships for local students. 
He served as club service chair in 2009 
and 2010. In 2011, he served as chairman 
for the 25th

 Anniversary of Hot Rocks; 

unfortunately, it rained on the day of 
the ride, cutting down on the number of 
participants, and Jeff felt he had let his 
fellow Rotarians down. Despite this, he was 
asked to be vocational chair of Hot Rocks 
the following year, which he accepted.

Jeff served in his second year as vocational 
chair in 2013, and continued to serve the 
club as board member and vice president in 
2014, and then as president-elect in 2015.

“Many of you have served this club in 
various capacities and roles since I’ve been 
a part of this club,” Jeff said, addressing 
his fellow Rotarians. “And for those past 
presidents who are here today, who have 
asked me to serve in some form or fashion, 
I want to tell you thank you, because 
without asking me to become involved, 
my Rotary story might still be unwritten.”

Jeff introduced Rotary’s new directors 
and officers: President Elect Tim Hartley; 
Vice President David Loftis; Immediate 
Past President Brian Williams; Secretary 
Ginny Ryan; Treasurer Brad Epstein; 
Sergeant at Arms Dave Butler; Directors 
at Large Barbara Allan, Larry Parks, Tom 
Ryan; Vocational Service, David Sweet; 
International Service, Bill Cecil; Club 
Service, David Rains; Community Service, 
Stephen Straughan; Youth Services, John 
Curtis; RI Foundation, Greg Blair.

Immediate Past President Brian Williams 
also recognized Jay Bedford – who manages 
the Rockwall Rotary Club’s building at 408 
S Goliad St. – as Rotarian of the Year.

30th Annual Hot Rocks Aug. 13

Registration continues for Rotary’s 30th 
anniversary Hot Rocks Bike Ride, which 
rolls out 7:30 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 13 from 
Wilkerson-Sanders Stadium. Cyclists of 
all ages and abilities – from recreational 
riders and beginning racers to aggressive 
competitors - are welcome for family fun and 

friendly competition. Last year more than 
1,325 cyclists participated, helping to fund 
more than $30,000 in college scholarships 
for Rockwall ISD graduating seniors. 

Fully stocked rest stops, support from 
local law enforcement, roving bicycle 
mechanics, new routes and improvements 
have been incorporated to ensure this year’s 
event is the best experience yet. There is 
even a new Family Ride option.  For race 
maps, registration and other details, visit 
hotrocksbikeride.com and follow 
Hot Rocks on Facebook. 

By Austin Wells and Dawn Redig, 
Blue Ribbon News.

Rotary readies for 30th 

Anniversary Hot Rocks

New president, officers installed

GOOD CAUSE

23

Back to School Edition 2016

BlueRibbonNews.com

AUGUST 13 

7:30AM START

For registration & general info go to

HotRocksBikeRide.com

100K route & 12, 20, 42 mile routes

Plus a 5k Family Fun Ride

Lunch provided by Applebee’s and Luby’s • Proceeds go to college scholarships