James H. Harrold

A member of our club for over 35 years, long dedicated to Rotary Youth Exchange, a recipient of Rotary International's "Four Avenues of Service Award", Jim's dedication and service to Rotary is something we can all be proud of as Rotarians. With his recent passing, the James H. Harrold Excellence in Youth Exchange Award has become a memorial.

All of you personally witnessed Jim's long dedication to Rotary as well as Rotary Youth Exchange. He believed in each and every teen he met in this program and was ever a vocal advocate. Jim never understood how or why more Rotarians did not step up and get more involved in RYE, give more of themselves in this unique exercise WE all know "builds bridges of international friendship."

Each time Jim spoke on the subject - and Greensburg Rotary Club members heard him often - he was eloquent and deeply sincere. It wouldn't be far-fetched to believe that he gave each speech in the hope that it might be The One, when he might say just the right words to spark more interest, commitment and understanding for the value of Rotary Youth Exchange . . . and he never quit trying!

We are all saddened that Jim is no longer in this world and know how much we need more people and Rotarians just like him. We will miss him greatly.

President's Dinner

The meeting, attended by 60 Greensburg Rotarians and their guests, was preceded by a cocktail party that began at 5:30 PM in Commissioner’s Hall at WCCC. The Rotarians and guests enjoyed an hour of socializing while enjoying the bar and hors d'œuvres.

Promptly at 6:30 PM the meeting began, with President Elect Chuck Anderson presiding. The Rotarians and Guests were welcomed, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance, God Bless America, and the invocation and grace by Ed Nemenic.

During the buffet dinner that featured stuffed pork chops and crusted chicken breasts, the WCCC Jazz Band, lead by Greensburg Rotarian Rod Booker, entertained the Club with a varied and well done series of voice and instrumental selections. A red faced Mary Clymer was serenaded by a talented young man who sounded very much like Frank Sinatra.

After dessert, that featured a beautiful cake with the Rotary logo and a greeting to outgoing President Carl Rossman, Rod Booker was introduced to present the 2008 Rutter Scholarship to Reva May. Reva was accompanied by her grandparents Earl and June May. In her remarks, Reva thanked the Club and said that the $2000 scholarship will remove many roadblocks and help her to reach her goal of becoming a Lutheran Pastor.

Bill McGrath was introduced and made a presentation of a Paul Harris Fellowship to Ben “Porky” Policastro Jr. It was a surprise and well deserved. “Porky” as a new member has contributed greatly to the club already and will be serving on the Board the next two years.

Then it was time to talk about the guest of honor, President Carl Rossman. Chuck Anderson listed the impressive accomplishments of the Rotary Club of Greensburg during Carl’s year at the helm. Then Chuck made a presentation, a spoof of a military medal ceremony “The Order of the Silver Paperclip”. The citation was a tongue in cheek description of the highs and lows of a year as a Rotary Club President. On a more serious note, Carl was presented with the Presidential gavel he liked so much and a plaque to hang it on that was inscribed with thanks for his service to the Club. Joyce was asked to join Carl and was presented with a bouquet of flowers for putting up with Carl as he served the Club. To conclude, Carl was presented a Former President’s Rotary pin from the club with a diamond center.

Carl thanked the Club membership and the Board for the great year he had as President and singled out a few who have performed above and beyond. He asked Bill McGrath to come forward and to Bill’s surprise; Carl made him a Paul Harris fellow. Carl then concluded with thanks and a memento to the 2007-08 Board of Directors.

The meeting ended at 8 PM with the four way test.