Rotarian of the Year

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Each year, an outstanding club member is honored as Rotarian of the Year.  Candidates are individuals with a strong commitment to the principles of Rotary and embody the motto "Service Above Self."  This is the highest honor our club bestows on an individual Rotarian.

Message enclosed with the pin depicted above:

 A wise man and woman who were traveling in the mountains found a precious stone in a stream.  The next day, they met another traveler who was hungry, and the wise couple opened their bag to share their food.  The hungry traveler saw the precious stone and asked them to give it to him.  They did so without hesitation.  The traveler left, rejoicing in his good fortune.  He knew the stone was worth enough to give him security for a lifetime.  But a few days later, he came back to return the stone to them. “I’ve been thinking,” he said.   “I know how valuable the stone is, but I give it back in the hope that you can give me something that is far more precious.  Give me what you have within you that enabled you to give me the stone.”

 Unknown

Rotarian of the Year

2008 - 2009

Michael Pastryk

A relatively new member, Michael has fully embraced Rotarian principles and spirit, actively participating in local and international club events and selflessly providing for people in need.  During a Festival of Brotherhood trip to Guadalajara, Mexico, aside from the many Rotary related projects, Michael was made aware of a girls orphanage that needed extensive repairs to provide a healthier environment for the girls residing there.  Michael took it upon himself to fund a majority of the necessary repairs himself, coordinating with a fellow Rotarian in Guadalajara.  The project was completed with private donations from fellow Rotarians. 

As a local businessman, Michael has made a concerted effort to reduce his company's impact on the environment, recently converting his entire operation to solar power and implementing a recycling program that is so efficient that the only garbage generated by the business fits in a residential garbage can.  Michael is an exemplary citizen and community leader and I am proud and honored to recognize him as Rotarian of the Year for 2008-2009.

Paula Reinhold

Immediate Past President

Previous Rotarians of the Year