Jim Gurley from the Graham Rotary Club opened our meeting with the Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance. Burlington Christian Academy’s Chorus performed “God Bless Our Rotary.”
Phil Moseley, District 3 Assistant Governor and member of the Graham Rotary Club, called the meeting to order and recognized the special guests in attendance.
Beginnings
Julian Griffin , past District Governor and member of the Rotary Club of Alamance, asked all current Paul Harris Fellows to please stand and be recognized. Julian jokingly admitted five minutes was not nearly enough time for a previous Baptist minister to fully explain the Paul Harris Fellows program. He advised us to “google it” should we want more information!
On February 23, 1905 Paul Harris officially formed Rotary with 4 total members in Chicago. The businessmen had been enjoying each other’s company and they had an interest in continuing their fellowship. One of the group’s first service projects was the construction of comfort stations (i.e. public restrooms).
Harris died in 1947 from complications from the flu. In lieu of flowers, Harris’ family requested donations to the Rotary Foundation. In 1957, the Paul Harris Fellows program began for all Rotary members that reach $1000 in contributions.
Julian became a Paul Harris Fellows in 1971 which was a gift from his mother-in-law. He was the first in Burlington. In closing, Julian challenged us all to “bring peace to a world that is broken.”
Special Music
Burlington Christian Academy’s Chorus sang “What a Wonderful World” and Bob Carter from the Burlington Rotary Club led the group in singing “Rotary, My Rotary.” The Graham Middle School Falcon Chorus shared their special song “Yonder Come Day.”
Volunteer Presentations
Randy Perkins, Area 3 Foundation Advocate and a member of The Rotary Club of Alamance, introduced the four community volunteers that were nominated from each of Alamance County’s four Rotary clubs. Each volunteer will become a Paul Harris Fellow. Randy shared all the honored volunteers have three similarities:
- They all care deeply about their fellow man and community.
- They all are passionate about service and improving their community.
- They all have a commitment to what they do.
Charles Harris Honored by The Rotary Club of Alamance
Charles Harris previously served as President of the congregation at Macedonia Lutheran Church and also served as CEO of Twin Lakes Retirement Community. He recently completed his two year terms as President for the Alamance Community College Foundation Board and continues on the Executive Committee.
Kathy Hykes Honored by Breakfast Rotary Club
Kathy Hykes was awarded Alamance County’s Civitan Club Woman of the Year in 1991 and Alamance County’s United Way Volunteer of the Year in 1988. Kathy currently serves as chair of the Newlin School Partnership and facilitator for Education for Ministry.
Phyllis Walker Honored by Graham Rotary
Phyllis’ commitment to do what is best for the children in Alamance County started back in 1989. She is currently serving with Alamance County’s Domestic Violence Victim Assistance program.
Gayle Thomas Honored by Burlington Rotary Club
Gayle Thomas has served at the Salvation Army for twelve years and is a lifelong missionary even if behind the scenes. She has most recently served as Kettle Coordinator and head of the Food Pantry.
Community Leader/Advocate Presentation
Michael Conrad, Rotary Foundation Chair and member of the Gate City Rotary Club presented the Community Leader/Advocate Award to Phil Bowers. Phil exemplifies service above self and has spent the last several years helping Alamance County residents re-enter the workforce after incarceration. He is also working on bringing an “urban farm” to Alamance County. Phil is a graduate of Georgia Tech, Duke University’s Advanced Management program and is also an ordained minister. He is committed to helping those in need in Alamance County.
Special Award Presentation
Larry Lassiter, District 7690 Governor and a member of the Troy Rotary Club, recognized Julian Griffin. Julian is a Paul Harris Fellow and previously served as President of his Rotary club and as a District Governor. Pete Beck describes Julian as a “true gentleman and a great representative of Rotary.”
Larry encouraged all in attendance to “Be a Gift to the World.”
Katie Dukeshire led the group in the reciting of the 4 Way Test and the meeting was adjourned. The Graham Middle School Falcon Chorus closed the meeting with a performance of “Sing Rotarians.”