The Boyertown Rotary recently installed the 2014-2015 officers.
Several Rotarians gathered at the Gilbertsville Fire Company to welcome in and usher out the present and past officers. Visiting guest, Associate District Governor Marie Ann Thompson was also in attendance to swear in new Rotary President Carl Harner a third generation Rotarian.
Starting the evening with welcomes to members and guest and offering an old familiar anecdote was the then current Rotary President, Charles Haddad. ‘A boat owner will often say the happiest day of his life was the day he bought and sold his boat. I feel a little like that today as I turn the gavel over to Carl.’
During his presidency, Haddad along with his board and Rotary members did much for the community. Perhaps, the most advantageous from a financial perspective and possibly most well-known by the community was the Rotaries Boyertown Park Project.
Under the guidance of Haddad, the Boyertown Rotary Club was able to enlist the help of several financial backers to produce for the community of Boyertown a new playground utilized by locals and their children daily, a walking path and increased the 9 hole Disc Golf course to 18 holes.
Haddad thanked his board and fellow Rotarians for their support and combined efforts then continued on to encourage that same dedication for the future administration. Haddad ended with well-wishes for Harner before welcoming to the podium Marie Ann Thompson, Associate District Governor for the formal installation and passing of the gavel to Harner.
During the ceremony, Thompson encouraged President Harner, his newly installed officers and Rotary members of their duty to support and carry-out the theme of the International President. That theme being ‘Light-up Rotary,’ more specific to the district the theme ‘Light-up Rotary through Education,’ instituted by the newly elected District Governor, Gary Fedorcha.
Harner spoke of the pride he felt carrying on his families Rotarian legacy. Then recalled his father’s perfect attendance and noted he still keeps the pin awarded to his father in his top drawer to this day. Harner admitted taking on the responsibility of president poses a big challenge, ‘It will be hard to follow up what Charles has done but with such a great group of people behind me I hope to be able to continue the work.’
Before adjourning to enjoy food and fellowship, Rotarian members congratulated Cliff Reinert, former Rotarian Board Member on winning this year’s perfect attendance award. Reinert accepted his award to the sound of fellow Rotarians applauding as the recognition pin was attached to his lapel.
The club’s current Officers are as follows: President Carl Harner, President Elect Jessica Grater, Vice President Kathy Berry, Secretary Darlene Scott, Treasurer Jeremy Rolston, Immediate Past President Charles Haddad and Sergeant at Arms Adam Donkus.
