On Monday, March 25th Rotarians from throughout District 5840 came together at the Witte Museum to celebrate members with 20+ Years of Membership. It was a full house! Highlight of the event was the celebration of members with 50+ Years of Rotary Service! These members were identified by blue sashes with 50 Years, as well as a special lapel pin and 50 Year tab.
Each 50+ member also received a personal letter from RI President Gordon McInally to recognize their dedication to Rotary.
Members were recognized in 5 Year increments starting with 20-24, followed by 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-50 and 50+. All honorees received a Rosewood Pen and small notebook, as well as a delicious free lunch. Many were accompanied by their loved ones, and other members from their clubs.
District Membership Co-Chair, Holly Croom started the event with a warm welcome and then introduced the President of the Fair Oaks Club, Ron Hubbard, to provide the Prayer. He was followed by President of the Rotary Club of San Antonio Airport, Christina Howard with the Pledge of Allegiance.
District Governor, Monica Gutierrez was then introduced and spoke about her vision for this event and the work that went into making it happen! Then it was time for the formal recognition of all honorees. Pictures throughout the event were taken by Bruce Eichman from the Poteet Rotary Club. Each “group” of classy Rotarians was introduced and then immortalized with a group photo with DG Monica.
The 50+ Year Honorees present were Boddy Clark, Bill Dean, John Dierksen, Melvin Dreiiss, Bruce Flohr, Ron Greenberg, John Howe, Frank King, Bill Lyons, Terry Mendenhall, Bill Pennington, Fred Pfeiffer, Bob Schmerbeck, Edward Sokolowski, Alfred Steinle, Fred Willard, George Williams and Mark Williams. There are over forty 50+ Years Rotarians in the District!
The food was excellent & plentiful, the atmosphere one of shared laughter and appreciation for Rotary and those who honor the motto of “Service Above Self.” Of the over 650 Rotarians in the District with over 20+ Years of Service, 150 of them were present to share a special experience with other dedicated Rotarians who are also passionate about Rotary. The Rotary Theme for 2023-2024 “Create Hope in the World” looks very bright with the leaders present.
Monica recognized the coordinating committee: Holly Croom, DGE Craig Hardy, PDG Kathy Hubbard, PDG Judy Hutcherson, DGEN Bobby Martinez, Kristen Salazar, Anne Swift, PDG Kristy Vandenberg, David Wiechmann and Gloria Wilson.