Dick Sturdevant Sworn In As President—

New Leadership For Rotary Club Of Newtown

The Connecticut Rotary District Governor Elect Ernestine Luise held a swearing-in ceremony recently for Dick Sturdevant, who will serve as president of Rotary Club of Newtown for the session running July 1, 2007, to June 30, 2008. The ceremony also welcomed Mr Sturdevant’s new slate of officers and directors.

Mr Sturdevant replaced outgoing Rotary president Larry Gardner.

Officers sworn in were Allen Clavette as President Elect; Bill Calderara, vice president; Joe Tarshis, secretary, Pat Kelley, treasurer; and Mike Snyder, sergeant of arms.

Directors sworn in were: membership, Carrie Swan; club administration, Mark Nuelle; projects, Alan Clavette; public relations, Pat Caruso; Rotary Foundation, Ed Osterman; director at large, Brian Amey; and past president Larry Gardner.

Abe Gordon, a past Rotary International vice president, gave a talk about the Rotary Foundation and the importance of the Paul Harris Award. Three awardees were named: Larry Gardner, for his successful year as president; Earl Smith, for 32 years as a dedicated and helpful Rotarian; and Harvey Sellner, for dedication to the peoples of the world in his tireless efforts to bring them safe drinking water.

Mr Gordon also made a presentation of the Distinguished Service Award from the Rotary Foundation. He explained that this is a very prestigious award as only 50 are presented each year from Rotary Headquarters from among the 1.2 million Rotarians in more than 32,000 Rotary Clubs in the world. A Distinguished Service Award was presented to Ed Osterman for his dedicated work for the Rotary Foundation in the Newtown club, the district, and around the world.

Attendance Awards were presented by Brian Amey, a past president of Newtown Rotary and now Assistant Governor of Area 3 (comprised of five clubs in the area), to Pat Caruso, Larry Gardner, Mr Sturdevant, Mr Tarshis, and Mr Osterman. Mr Amey also received one of the awards, which recognizes perfect attendance to all Rotary meetings for a year.

Jim Gulalo, chairman of the event, presented the Frank Miles Award to Mr Osterman. Mr Miles, who was a longtime Rotarian during his life, was not a member who needed a push when help was needed, he just dug in and got the job done. Each year this award is presented to a member who follows in the footsteps Frank Miles.

More than 60 people were in attendance at this affair at The Inn in Newtown.

Newtown Rotary meets every Monday evening at 6 at The Inn in Newtown, except for off-site meeting at various at local establishments where meetings are held so members can learn a little about the various businesses that are operating in town. Anyone interested in the ideals and works of the club are invited to a meeting. It is suggested that anyone considering a meeting contact Mr Sturdevant in advance at 740-2733 to confirm the location of a gathering.