Rockwall, TX, (July 6, 2023) – On Thursday, June 29, the Rockwall Rotary Club concluded their year with inductions of new officers, awards, recognitions and a recap of the year.
Outgoing president, Greg Blair, thanked the Rockwall Rotary membership for the past year as he concluded his term. Highlighting many accomplishments of the prior year, Blair spoke to the renovation of the Rotary building which reopened in July 2022, better serving the club and the community. Beginning the new year with no planned space rentals, the club was able to realize a substantial number of space rentals within the first year of renovation. Darby Burkey was recognized for helping support, encourage and manage the rental process and the success in doing so.
Rockwall Rotary added 15 new members over the past year and ended the year with a net gain leading to an all-time high in membership!
Regarding membership, many of the Rockwall club members were recognized for Perfect Attendance.
Rockwall Rotary Club successfully completed 16 projects over the past year! The club completed several fundraising projects and qualified for and spent a $7400 matching grant from Rotary International. Additionally, the Rockwall Rotary Club performed service projects with Helping Hands, Meals on Wheels, One Man’s Treasure, donated Valentine baskets to Reese Manor residents, participated in a public image olympics and two international service projects in Honduras and Mexico.
Those who made significant contributions to the Capital Campaign were recognized: James and Barbara Allen, Dewayne and Ann Cain, Tom and Charlene Norris, Lorne and Mary Liechty, John and Janie Curtis, Greg Blair, Larry and Faith Sarratt, William and Barbara Sinclair, David and Kathy Howe, Betty Fulmer, Gary and Shauntel Vice, Mark and Lorna Kipphut, Eric and Linda Oistad, Tom and Ellen Dortch, Rex and Amy Dwyer, Susan Satterwhite, Larry and Sheri Parks, Dan and Nancy Bruce.
The 2022-2023 current/outgoing Board Members and Officers were recognized: Kevin Pate, Past President; Lorne Liechty, Incoming President-Elect; Robin Chouteau, Secretary; Kayne Pierce, Treasurer; Stacy Massar, Sergeant-at-Arms, Jeff Shell, Leslie Buie and Bill Sinclair Directors at Large; Michael Rohlf, Program Chair; Tom Dortch, Rotary International; James Braaten, Youth Service; Trevor Reed, Vocational Service; Gary Vice, Membership; Nancy Parks, Community Service; Lauri Dodd, Public Image; Mark Kipphut, Fundraising; Beth McCrackin, International Service; Mark Kidd, Rockwall Rotary Foundation Representative.
Awards:
Service Above Self Award – Kevin Pate, Lorne Liechty, Charles Holt, Stacy Massar, Bill Sinclair, Leslie Buie, Tom Dortch, Erik Oistad, Harold Snyder, Darby Burkey, Lowell Moon, Jr., Barbara Wilks, Crystal Tatum, Jim Eastup, Mike Conway, and Mark Buehnerkemper
Membership Drive – Michael Rohlf and Kayne Pierce, not present (tie)
Rotarian of the Year – Robin Chouteau
Star Award – Tom Dortch
In closing, Greg Blair mentioned that the Rockwall Club is deserving to be named, Club of the Year, and added final appreciation for the members and the ability to get to know everyone even better through his term.
The meeting continued with the induction of the officers and directors for the coming year by Past District Governor, Pete Snider. President, Lorne Liechty; President-Elect, Darby Burkey; Immediate Past President, Greg Blair; Treasurer, Kayne Pierce; Secretary, Beth McCrackin; Community Service, Nancy Parkes; Vocational Services, Trevor Reed; Youth Services, James Braaten; Club Program Chairman, Jerry Welch; International Service, Barbara Wilks; Rotary Foundation, Christopher Steinsholt; Public Relations, Richard Redig; Membership, Alma McClintock; Club Program Vice Chair, Kenda Culpepper; Fund Raising, Mark Kipphut; Director at Large, Tim Hartley; Director at Large, Jon Bailey; Special Assistant, Mitch Ownby; Sergeant-at-Arms, Stacy Massar.
With the induction of Lorne Lietchy as President, he addressed club membership, unveiling a new banner for the local club with the message “Creating Hope in the World”. Liechty further stated the honor in being named President of the Rockwall Rotary Club while also acknowledging the challenges and responsibility.
However, through challenges, including COVID and Rotary building renovation, the Rockwall club “not only survived but grew and is poised for another great year” having grown stronger with a great team and membership. Liechty closed recalling being told there are two reasons people join Rotary – relationships and to serve – and two reasons they remain – relationships and because they have a heart to serve; saying, “Commit ourselves to service and the community. If we do that, we will have a great year!”
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Rockwall Rotary concludes year and inducts new officers for 2023-2024 year added by Melanie M on
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