Leaders of Reynolda Rotary Club reflected on four decades of community service during a gala 40th Anniversary Luncheon held at Old Town Club.
Past president Shana Hurt presided, district governor Van Lankford traveled from Mount Airy to participate in the festivities, and 16 former club presidents attended the event.
Gayle Anderson led a memorable segment on “Our Proud History”, during which the names of charter members and past presidents were read aloud by Sara Smith and Taylor Shipley.
Of the 30 original members, three are still active, and Gerald Chrisco, Larry Robbs, and Paul Sinal gave a program that combined humor and history.
Representing the Spirit of Rotary Committee, Darryl Head announced a new award, the Crotts – Burr Award. It honors the “life and legacy” of two Rotarians who were instrumental in starting a new club in 1984, engineer Marcus Crotts and minister David Burr. Head said the committee wanted to honor a man and woman who had made extraordinary contributions during the club’s first 40 years: he then announced the winners were Warren Steen and Lynn Ebert.
During Steen’s term as president, the club established its 20-year partnership with Cook School. This led to book fairs, tutoring sessions, and the Reynolda Rotary – Big House Gaines Scholarship at Winston-Salem State University and Forsyth Tech Community College. In addition, he has been the local leader in the drive to eradicate polio, serving as chairman of the David Richards Memorial Polio Campaign which provided immunizations for 37,000 children.
Ebert is the club’s long-time executive secretary who has worked with 35 presidents, from Jim Clapper to Michael Clements. Her duties include editing the newsletter, promoting meetings and special events, and serving as liaison with Rotary International. In a surprise announcement, she was named an honorary member of the club.
In true Rotary fashion, attendees brought a huge quantity of food items to the luncheon as part of a one-day community service project. Lloyd Barnhardt took the items to Second Harvest Food Bank, which will coordinate the distribution to needy families throughout Northwest North Carolina.
PHOTO CUTLINE – Club leaders discussed the impact of the Reynolda Rotary – Big House Gaines Scholarship. Shown are (from left): Gayle Anderson, Greg Brewer, Lynn Ebert, Darryl Head, and Warren Steen.
