Rushville Rotary met June 30 at the Park Restaurant.

President Norm Voiles called the meeting to order for the last time, as this was his final meeting as leader of the local service organization. Guest Alan King led the Pledge of Allegiance and Kevin Snyder provided an opening prayer.

In addition to Alan, Leona King was recognized as a guest. She’s not only an officer with the Connersville club but is also a district officer. We were pleased she could join us.

Kevin Snyder was the Mystery Person and he awarded the free lunch to President Norm in recognition of Norm’s year of service as our club leader.

It was noted that Chris May had two make-ups to his credit.

Dr. John Williams was up next with Brag for a Buck.

Pam Leisure bragged on all involved with securing a grant that will help pay for reconstruction of the Moscow covered bridge and repairs to the courthouse roof. Bill Griffis bragged on all who worked at the fair on Rotary’s behalf. Bill Ward boasted about having been asked to help write a book. President Norm bragged that he survived a year as president. Markus Strobl bragged about making it to this week’s meeting despite a pressing schedule. Bill Todd bragged about his wife joining him in traveling to Connersville for their (Connersville’s Rotary Club) recent 90th anniversary. Leona King paid to brag about something but this reporter failed to hear her (though the club appreciates her dollar nonetheless). Alan King bragged about Connersville’s 90th anniversary and noted there were 10 new Paul Harris Fellows recognized, bringing that club’s total to 80 percent. Leona King again bragged, this time about all the visiting Rotarian brass who attended the Connersville celebration. Dr. Williams bragged that the winner of our recent raffle donated $100 back to the club. Chris May bragged about being back after six weeks and about getting an A- on a recently completed business class. Finally, Julia Smith bragged about participating in the Jason Kuhn Memorial Golf Outing, about doing well, and about the proceeds from the outing being donated to the Sheehan Cancer Center at Rush Memorial Hospital.

Next was Dr. Williams, again, acting as Sergeant-at-Arms. Pleasantly surprising everyone, he announced there would be no fines this week.

President Norm then made some parting remarks, noting the past year brought with it several successes, not the least of which were the Veterans Day program and the annual Top 10 Banquet.

He also mentioned that the board recently voted to donate $2,500 to the Water Is Life program, which the Fisher club will match, bringing the total contribution to $5,000. This will more than pay for one deep well in Sierra Leone, Africa and will provide fresh, safe drinking water for at least 1,000 people.

To finish out the day and his year as president, Norm presented a few awards.

Bill Ward was given a plaque for his service as club secretary.

Dr. John Williams was given a plaque and named our club’s Rotarian of the Year.

Kevin Snyder was presented the Rusty Jones “Service Above Self” Award.

And all club officers and board members were presented a Rotary baseball cap.