“Don’t be cynical and keep doing what you do” were the parting words of past president Gene Novello of the Valparaiso Rotary at the club’s annual Changing of the Guard ceremony on June 29. Novello cited the many international, national and local efforts that give members of the local club reason to feel good about their contributions.
Recognized for 56 years of membership was Chuck Beach and remembered were those who passed away during the club year: Arnold Brown, Richard Kirscher, Art Malasto, George Neeley, Charles Stephens, and Walter Keller, along with Rotaryanne Jerilyn Klemz. In their memories, John Wolf used the words of Desmond Tutu, “imbutu” meaning shared lives. They are missed. Irene Malasto was named an honorary member and given a Rotary broach in recognition of her partnership with her late husband, Art Malasto, during his term as District Governor.
2010-2011 President Novello gave citations to Rotarians who went above and beyond in helping make his year a successful one; Rick Urschel, Tim Warner, Kevin Pazour, Carol Costakis, John Hildebrand and John Breckenridge.
The gavel was turned over to 2011-2012 President Steve Massa who described his great honor in becoming president as a way to give back to the community in which he grew up and now grows his business and family. Steve reminded members that “service above self” is what being a Rotarian is all about, and committed to trying hard to be a good president and to be available to everyone. Massa acknowledged outgoing board members Ron Bush, Tim Scannell, Nick Swartz, Beth Wrobel and Gene Novello, and introduced the “class of 2014” board members Andrew Lucas, Jonathan Hildebrand, Deb Butterfield and Rin Siebert, presenting each with their board member pins.
The Valparaiso Rotary Club meets on Mondays at 12:15 p.m. at Strongbow Inn. To learn more about Rotary International visit www.rotary.org.
Photos:
- Past President Gene Novello hands over the Valparaiso Rotary Club gavel to 2011-2012 President Steve Massa and the club’s Changing of the Guard dinner last month.
- Gene Novello presented Irene Malasto a Rotary broach and named her an honorary member in recognition of her partnership with her late husband, Art, during his term as Rotary District Governor.