What is a Paul Harris Award You Ask?
Rotary was founded in Chicago in 1905 by Paul Harris. The Rotary Foundation was established in 1917 – since then >$4Billion has been raised on projects worldwide .T-C Rotary has supported the foundation to the tune of $279,390 total over it's 88 years of existence! 1957 the Paul Harris Fellow was established to celebrate and recognize the substantial contributions of Rotarians. Thornbury Clarksburg Rotary awarded a number of Rotarians this year for their great contributions to our Club.
Community Member: Awarded a Paul Harris Award: Robert Burcher
Rotarians Awarded Paul Harris Fellows:
Rotarians: Ellen Kalis, George Matamoros, John Meadows, Dean Rutty, Steven Schofield
Community Member: Robert Burcher – PH – It’s important to note that you do NOT have to be a Rotarian to be a Paul Harris Fellow. Over the years, we have recognized many individuals who have served our community in many important ways by honouring them with a Paul Harris Fellowship. Robert has been an amazing Friend of Rotary for decades……..always there when we need him and always keen to pass on whatever message T-C Rotary needs to share with the community. And it’s not just Rotary that he does this for….he quietly contributes and supports so many organizations and events and causes in our community. He has been the unofficial photographer of countless Rotary event, Run Blue Mountains, now the Thornbury Turkey Trot,
Steve Schofield Member since 2003 – Paul Harris +6 – 22 years of service. Steve introduced and has run our highly successful golf tournament over many many years. This year was the tournaments biggest and most successful. Steve has held many many executive roles and been President. He Chairs Community Service and is a liaison with the Town of the Blue Mountains in our newest capital project: the revitalization of Moreau Park.
George Matamoros Member since 2006 – PH+5 – 19 years of service. His amazing contribution to the club of not only the heavy physical work of expertly managing our finances as our Treasurer, George’s steady intelligent contributions to club discussions and decisions are highly valued.
Dean Rutty Member since 1986 – PH+4 –40 years of service. Dean came to our club with decades of Rotary experience and immediately made a positive contribution. Then he stepped up big time and not only took on the Dinner-of-the-Month project and has become an important part of the annual Ski Days event for our inbound Exchange Students. In addition he also “took one for the team” by stepping into the Secretary’s role for the past year. Dean, is steady, skilled and reliable. Dean has decided to retire from Rotary after a respectful 40 years of service. You will be missed, Dean. Congratulations, and thank you for your Service Above Self.
John Meadows Member since 2017 – PH – 9 years of service. There hasn't been anyone in our club who has spent more time and energy thinking about Membership since he joined. Consistently presenting thoughtful analysis of the complex issues surrounding Rotary Membership – attraction, retention, mentoring and the rest. John helped us bring Rotary into the modern age with a focus on inclusivity. John always helps were needed!
Ellen Kalis Member since 2022 – PH – We always hope that new members will adapt quickly to Rotary Life and that they quickly embrace all that is Rotary. It didn't take long for Ellen to step up into a leadership role as our President. She has spearheaded our social media presence, helped to establish a brand new fundraising event Tux & Bucks and , a liaison with the Town on the Moreau Park revitalization project.