6780 governor praises ‘people of action’ with Farragut Rotary Club
Saying he likes to get to know a given Rotary Club a little better before he comes in to speak, Rotary Club District 6780 Gov. Ron Dansereau told RCF members he “cyberstalked your club.”
As a result, “you all do a pretty good job of getting the word out; you are people of action,” he said to club members as featured speaker during RCF’s regular meeting early Wednesday afternoon, July 17.
Showing photo slides of club members involved in a number of projects, “You step up, you make the difference,” the 6780 governor added.
One of the programs in which the club was involved was Sleep In Heavenly Peace, which now has several clubs involved.
“Did you know you are one of the leaders in that program?” he asked RCF members. “… You’re giving beds to children who don’t have one.”
Dansereau challenged club members to continue to make an impact, whether that is helping a young former Rotary Youth Exchange student leave war-torn Ukraine or raising money to fight polio.
He shared Rotary’s vision statement: “Together we see a world where people united and take action to create lasting changes across the globe in our community, ourselves.”
Reflecting on the new governor’s presentation, RCF member John Hoffman said his words were “inspiring, motivating, really defined why we’re all here — to have fun, to do good work and to keep doing more good work.”
“I think what Rob said sums up what we’re really here for,” RCF member Scott Brockamp said. “I’m really encouraged by what we’re looking into for this year with his leadership and the club’s leadership.
“I’m expecting us to do great things in our community,” Bockamp added.
In light of Dansereau’s presentation, the club presented awards to two members: Stephanie Markowitz received an award for “going above and beyond.”
Normally, the club gives awards at the end of the year, but new RCF president Scott Bertiini said he wants to acknowledge one member each month who has gone the extra mile.
Regarding Markowitz, “ever since I have known her, she has never said ‘no,” Bertini said. “She has gone beyond waiting to respond. She steps in and she asks ‘What can I do to help?’ … She is OK with taking the jobs nobody else wants.”
Additionally Rotary District past governor (2023-24) Susie Cantrell presented a 2023-24 Governor’s Create Hope in the World Award to RCF member Bill Nichols for his work with Rotary Youth Exchange students through the years. Nichols continues to work with outbound RYE students.
“(Nichols) has been in schools; he’s been in restaurants; he’s been everywhere spreading the good word about Rotary Youth Exchange,” Cantrell said.
However, Nichols said, “The members of this club make it happen.”
On a similar note, RCF Interact advisor Leah Berry and Kate Russell, Interact Club advisor at HVA, presented Interact Club member Sydney Clemmer with a $1,000 scholarship.
