A NIGHT FULL OF SURPRISES!
The River Valley Rotary Club held its Annual Holiday party at 49 Franklin Street Monday, December 18,2017 at 5:30 pm. It was attended by some 20 plus Rotarians and guests; and the night was full of surprises with five unexpected awards being issued!
The first was presented by the immediate past District Governor, Marge Barker, to the immediate past River Valley Rotary Club President, Dave Duguay, for meeting and exceeding fund raising for the Polio Plus project last year. Dave had invited a long time friend as an honorable guest, Regie Arsenault, who has been living with Polio since he was two years old. Regie is and has been one of the Town Selectmen of Mexico, Maine. Regie spoke on the importance of Polio vaccination and what it is like living with Polio.
Dave Duguay, Immediate Past President receiving recognition from Past District Governor Marge Barker, for exceeding Polio Plus fund raising in 2016
The second was presented to the entire River Valley Rotary Club as an Appreciation Award for sponsoring and promoting the Community Giving Tree presented by Michelle Worthley and Melissa McEntee of the Rumford Group Home for the Homeless. "These are stressful times with more than 15 homeless families just in this area alone and over 30 homeless families altogether in the system. What your club has done is to take some of the burden off us and give hope and lift the spirits of those truly in need!"
Randall Therrien, RVRC President receives an Appreciation Award on behalf of the River Valley Rotary Club from Mellisa McEntee and Michell Worthley of the Rumford Group Home for sponsoring and promoting the Community Giving Tree at the Festival of Trees events
The 3rd award, also presented by Michelle and Melissa was the "Super Santa Award" to Roger Whitehouse, whose kind, giving spirit has been an absolute godsend in spreading his exuberant, cheerful spirit, while encouraging the community to participate in donating to the homeless.
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Roger Whitehouse received a Super Santa Appreciation Award for his exuberant and spirited personality in encouraging others to donate to such a worthy cause.
The 4th award, presented by fellow Rotarian Roger Whitehouse, to a most well-deserving Rotarian and Club President, Randall Therrien for ‘The Rotarian of The Year’ for Service Above Self.
Randall Therrien received the prestigious "Rotarian of The Year" award from Roger Whitehouse
The 5th award, presented by Jerry Cohen to another fellow Rotarian for her continued community service as well as her service to the club, was the ‘Rotary Citizen of The Year’ award, which went to Catherine Johnson-LaVorgnia.
Catherine Johnson-LaVorgnia received The Rotary Citizen if the Year Award as presented by Jerry Cohen
There was yet another Paul Harris Award that was to be given to fellow Rotarian Joe Sirois for his 4th Plus award, but he was not present.
A great time was had throughout the evening while enjoying great food and service by the three ladies of 49 Franklin Street!
We in Rotary wish you all a Very Merry Christmas or Happy Hanukkah!