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SIERRA VISTA — The Rotary Club of Sierra Vista installed officers and directors for the year 2008-2009 at an evening ceremony at the Windemere Hotel and Conference Center.
New officers are John Spengler, president; Charlie LaClair, vice president; Jim Evans, president-elect; Marilyn Culpepper, secretary; and Jack Lintner, treasurer. In addition, a number of directors were installed: Joe Britton, vocational service, Tim Quinn, community service; Angeles Emory, international service; Patricia Peterson, administrative service; Ernie Montage, foundation; and Phil Tucker, public relations. Lou Kuttner will be sergeant-at-arms.
The evening was highlighted by a presentation by LaClair, the outgoing president, celebrating the past Rotary Year. Numerous projects and donations were made to local individuals and organizations benefiting thousands of local citizens from grade school kids to senior citizens in need.
Eight $1,000 scholarships were awarded to the University of Arizona South and Cochise College students and to Buena High School graduates.
 The Rotary Club of Sierra Vista’s new officers and directors. (Edward Bottomley•Rotary Club of Sierra Vista) |
Efforts along the border in Mexico were noted and partnerships with the Rotary sister club in Aqua Prieta embraced. Rotary President Carlos Fu from Aqua Prieta was in attendance. Once again, school kids through seniors were assisted with a variety of projects provided by the four Sierra Vista Rotary Clubs.
More than $500,000 for African projects has been raised by the Rotary Club of Sierra Vista and the Sunrise Rotary Club through partnerships with clubs throughout the world and The Rotary Foundation. LaClair said this all started less than three years ago with a seed sowed by local Rotarians Ernie and Sally Montagne. Projects in Togo and Niger are bringing clean water, sanitation, education and economic development to some of the poorest villages in the world. Ernie Montagne was recognized as the International Rotarian of the Year, and Sally of the Sunrise Rotary Club was recognized for her extensive efforts with these projects.
Patricia and Kevin Peterson, who are new Rotarians this year, were recognized as the Rotary Couple of the Year for their dedication to Rotary and participation and leadership in a wide variety of Club activities.
The last part of the evening was a short presentation by the new Sierra Vista Rotary Club President, John Spengler, as he announced the Rotary International Theme for 2008 -2009, “Make Dreams Real.” Rotary International President Dong Kurn (D.K.) Lee has made reducing child mortality rates his priority of effort for this year by stressing the continuing long term emphasis on fighting hunger, providing safe water, improving health care, and helping to improve literacy.
In following the RI theme, Spengler said his key goals for this year:
• To conduct communitywide projects to raise funds for the eradication of polio — a worldwide mission of Rotary International, the World Health Organization, the Centers for Disease Control and UNICEF. This effort is responding to a Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation challenge to Rotary International.
• To expand and enhance Rotary projects with the Sierra Vista and Cochise County communities and with international partners
• To grow Rotary membership for more “hands and hearts” to accomplish tasks that will help the Rotary Club of Sierra Vista to “Make Dreams Real.”
The Rotary Club of Sierra Vista meets regularly at noon on Mondays at the Pueblo del Sol Country Club.
For more information about the Rotary Club of Sierra Vista, contact President John Spengler by phone at 458-1638 or by email at johnspengler_rotary@cox.net.
Mikey wrote on Jul 10, 2008 10:16 AM: