Caledonia Argus

Caledonia Rotary awards Paul Harris Fellowships

Posted: 9/16/03

The Caledonia Rotary Club recognized members Mary Jane Hendel and John Pongratz on September 5 by presenting them with Paul Harris Fellowship awards. Rotary District Governor Robert Bendiksen made the presentation at the regular noon membership meeting. The Paul Harris award is the highest honor given by the International Rotary service organization to individuals who have exemplified themselves by representing humanitarian qualities such as generosity, compassion and concern for others.

Mary Jane Hendel is a charter member of the Caledonia Rotary Club since its founding in June 1990. She is also a past president of the club and a member of good standing for more than 5 years. In addition, Mary Jane has actively recruited new members into the club, has maintained 85% attendance for one or more years, has served on the local board of directors, has served as a local project chairperson and has made major contributions to the local club by presenting Rotary Moments at regular club meetings and by preparing personal sketches of members for the monthly membership newsletter.

John Pongratz has been a member of the Caledonia Rotary Club since April 1998, and a member in good standing for more than 5 years. In addition, John has recruited new members into the club, has maintained 85% attendance for one or more years, has served on the local board of directors, has served as a local project chairperson and has made major contributions to the local club by heading up the annual Rotary Rose Sale which has become the clubs major fundraising campaign.

A local Rotary Club may give a Paul Harris award to an individual who contributes significantly to the goals and objectives of the club. One award can be made for each $1,000 donated to the Rotary International Foundation by the club. RI Foundation dollars are used to support worldwide humanitarian projects such as the $80 million Polio Eradication Fundraising Campaign to eliminate polio by 2005. The local club pledged $4,500 over three years to help achieve this goal.

Rotarians profess to live by what is known as the ëFour-Way Testí of the things we think, say or do. It involves the four following principles: (1) Is it the truth? (2) Is it fair to all concerned? (3) Will it build good will and better friendships? (4) Will it be beneficial to all concerned?

Past recipients of this award are Naomi Fruechte, Harley Meiners, Miles Miller and Tom Murphy.

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