Awards & Community Service Donations
(Don, Joanne & Craig))
Joanne Santiago invited Craig Buhrendorf to the podium for presentation of a well deserved "Paul Harris 8" award.
(Paul, Lauren, Yvonne & Don)
Paul Mikkelson introduced Yvonne Gardner and her daughter Lauren to present them with a $750.00 check for Focus,
an organization dedicated to assisting children on the autism spectrum, and where Yvonne works.
(Joanne, Sean & Don))
President Don Bonner invited Sean Blacker, representing Avon Old Farm's staff, to the podium to receive appreciation for the fine work they do on our behalf all year. Don thanked Sean and all of the AOF staff, and presented a holiday check to Sean for all of them. Don invited Rotarians to show their appreciation with a round of applause, which was enthusiastically given and received. Sean said, "Thank you. I'm just a small piece and what you dont see is everyone else who helps. Please also applaud the staff you never see." A second round of applause followed forthwith.
Sean, thinking the presentation had concluded, began to return to his duties when President Don asked that he "stay and receive a special award." Don said: "Sean, we thank you for your service and have a special recognition for you. We all appreciate how hard you work for us." Then, addressing the audience, Don continued: Rotarians, let me tell you a little more about Sean Blacker. He is an Air Force veteran, having been a medic at Weisbaden, Germany where he helped treat the Iran hostages in 1980 and the victims of the Beirut bombing incident in 1984. Sean is a lifelong resident of Avon, and he attended Canton High School and Goodwin Technical High School. He is a long time volunteer at the Baptist Church, is an avid NASCAR fan and enjoys playing darts. His Labor Day parties on behalf of his Secret Lake Association neighbors and veterans are legendary. By all accounts he is beloved by friends and family and has received many plaudits from members of the community. I now ask that Joanne come to the podium to make the presentation to Sean.
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(Standing applause for Sean. Visible are Ike, Paul, Phil F., Capri, Lauren & Yvonne Gardner)
Joanne said: "Sean, the Paul Harris Award is a Rotary tradition named for Paul Harris, who founded Rotary in 1905. The award in his name was established in 1957. In presenting it to you, a donation has also been made in your name to Rotary Foundation from our club, which will benefit those in need. I have for you now a certificate, medallion and pin recognizing you as a Paul Harris Fellow. The certificate states: "The Paul Harris Fellow Award is given to those who have given tangible and significant assistance for better understanding and relationships among the peoples of the world."
Sean, as well as many of the Rotarians present, became emotional as the final applause, standing this time, continued unabated for several minutes.
