The Rotary Club of Hamburg held its Passing of the Gavel ceremony June 30, 2020, at its annual spring picnic at the Taylor Road Cabin in a far from usual rite of passage to swear in its new board of officers for 2020-2021.
John Nowak was sworn in as president, taking over from Lisa Avery and Rob Lalka became president-elect, committing to be
president next year. Tim Straube is the new secretary and Tim Hoelscher, Eileen Hotho and Jerry Bastedo will retain their positions on the board as treasurer, public relations chair and service projects chair.
Former club secretary Tom Johnston presided over the ceremonies which included the presentation of Paul Harris Fellow Recognitions to members Lisa Avery, Barb Stanley, Dale Stanley, and Patricia Castiglia. A fifth award was presented to Johnston himself by Castiglia. The Paul Harris Fellow is the highest honor in Rotary, an international service organization.
Pictured left is Rotarian John Nowak accepting the gavel from Lisa Avery in front of the Rotary Clock in Hamburg Memorial Park. The clock was donated several years ago from the Rotary Club of Hamburg. Pictured right are the 5 Rotarians receiving their Paul Harris Fellows, including one married couple: Lisa Avery, Patricia Castiglia, Barbara Stanley, Dale Stanley and Tom Johnston.
