Hershey Rotary Club President Frank Paris passed the gavel of leadership to president-elect Ray Cameron during an installation ceremony on Monday at the Hershey Country Club. For the past year, Paris has led the club through a successful year, boosting membership, increasing giving to the Rotary Foundation and raising and distributing $37,336 to community groups and organizations.

 “It has been a sincere pleasure to serve as this year’s club president,” said Paris. “We have continued to move Hershey Rotary in a positive direction.”
  

Maria Thompson, a member of the Hershey Rotary, was the first Rotarian in the state to volunteer her services to the Newtown Rotary Stryker support project.  The Hershey Rotary recognized Maria’s efforts at a recent meeting, by awarding her a framed citation from the Newtown Rotary Club. 

The objective of the Newtown Rotary Stryker Support Project is to provide the Family Assistance Centers with a resource reference guide, comprised primarily of Rotarians who are willing to have their (or their company’s) services included in the guide, so they may be called upon when the need arises.  The data base will be comprised of Rotarians who are willing to help. Rotarians and their companies will be available as a ready resource when the need arises.

Hershey Rotary Club member Neel Robertson received the Packy Award and a standing ovation during the club’s weekly luncheon held June 9 at the Hershey Lodge and Convention Center.

Robertson received the award for devoting 17 years of service to the club’s Youth Exchange Program (YEP).

“(Neel) has worked tirelessly to help kids from other countries come into Hershey, to become acclimated and to make sure things are going well. He has also worked with the district, putting in a significant amount of effort over 17 years,” said club president Frank Paris in making the presentation.

Named in honor of past Hershey Rotary member Purnell Packy Payne, the honor is awarded to a Rotarian who has made extraordinary contributions to the Rotary Club of Hershey.For four decades, Payne, through his devotion and musical talent, exemplified Rotary’s motto of “Service Above Self.” Past recipients have included Payne, Brent Hancock, Don Chubb and Mac Aichele. (more)