Columbia Town Center Rotary Club Installs New Officers, Names "Rotarian of the Year"

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Ellicott City, Maryland, United States of America (Free-Press-Release.com) July 18, 2011 -- Columbia, MD - On the evening of June 29th, 2011, the Columbia Town Center Rotary Club and guests gathered at the Cattail Creek Country Club in Glenwood, Maryland to celebrate club achievements during the past fiscal year, install new club officers and name their "Rotarian of the Year".

Outgoing president, John F. Contreras spoke of the clubs accomplishments during the year and proudly recognized the new and highly successful “Sweethearts Charity Ball”, a gala event that the club held in February 2011 to raise funds to support military families and local charities in the Howard County area. The club prides itself in supporting a variety of local community service organizations that support the environment, education, disabled citizens, and disadvantaged youth.

The group also supported the annual Columbia "Boat Float”, regular Columbia roadside cleanup and delivered dictionaries to 3rd graders at seven Howard County elementary schools.

Mr. Contreras expressed bittersweet feelings as his presidential year ended that evening and urged the incoming president and installed officers to not only diligently manage this Rotary club, but also provide leadership to fellow members and rely on past leaders in the club for assistance and insight

Upon completion of Mr. Contreras’ speech, Alvin Thompson, assistant district governor of Rotary district 7620, inducted the incoming club president, Sharon Waligora.

Ms.Waligora’s first duty as president was then to assist Mr. Thompson with the installation of the club's other officers. Installed officers include Gary Greenwald as President-Elect, William Cookson as Treasurer, Roger Lerner as Sergeant at Arms and Martin Adams as Secretary.

The "Rotarian of the Year" honor was bestowed on club member Mr. John Slater who was described as a tireless worker for the club, an active community servant, and a past president who is continually recruiting new members. Several members of the club were also recognized as Paul Harris Fellows in recognition of their demonstrated commitment to Rotary’s motto “Service Above Self.” The honorees included, John Contreras, Martin Adams, Brett Schoolnick, James Mayer, Sharon Waligora, Cecil Phillips and William Cookson.

The evening concluded with a speech from newly installed president, Ms Waligora, who expressed her vision for a vibrant and growing club that truly “makes a difference” in the community. She looks forward to another successful Sweetheart’s Charity Ball in February 2012 “as a wonderfully fun event that raises the funds that fuels our community service projects.”
New community service projects for 2012 will include increased support for “Our House,” which trains and educates disadvantaged young men, and a new project to support education in the Arts.

Columbia Town Center Rotary enjoyed the evening of celebration, excitement and recognition as the club looks forward to its 30th year of community involvement, support of new projects and fellowship.

"Rotary is an organization of business and professional persons united worldwide who provide humanitarian service, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations and help build goodwill and peace in the world." Rotary's 31,000 clubs in more than 165 countries and regions encourage high ethical standards and carry out humanitarian projects to address such issues as poverty, health, hunger, education, and the environment.

The Columbia Town Center Rotary Club was chartered in 1982. The club’s early members were some of the most prominent citizens of Columbia and Howard County and that tradition continues today with leaders from all parts of society and business lending their hearts and hands to serve Howard County.

The newest members are men and women who are building their careers and the community they serve.

Since 1982, the club has given more than $1 million in scholarships to Howard County students to allow them to attend four year and community colleges and gifts to local charities. The club has supported over 55 local charities with funds and hands-on service.

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