VanStine, Fazi are “Rookies of the Year”
Written by Elaine Tears, photos by Nancy Stewart
The Bath Rotary Club held its Annual Changeover Dinner on June 18 at the Charles E. Westcott Post 173 American Legion at which time the new officers were installed, and several club members were honored. The invocation was given by John Gould; next the Pledge of Allegiance was led by President Brandi Graham. Finally, Cheryl Muller and Nancy Latour led the attendees in the singing of “God Bless America”.
In her opening remarks Graham stated, “Welcome, Fellow Rotarians and guests, to our Annual Changeover Dinner. It is my great pleasure to introduce a very special guest this evening, Rotary District 7120 Governor, Julie Carney. Julie, we thank you for being a source of inspiration and guidance and for leading our district with vision and dedication. We are honored to have you here this evening to share in our celebration and to offer your insights as we embark on a new Rotary year.”
DG Julie administered the Oath of Office to the 2024 – 2025 Officers: John Gould, President; Eddie VanStine, President-Elect; Brandi Graham, Past President; Nancy Latour, Secretary; Jay Maslyn, Treasurer; Bob Cole, Co-Sergeant-at-Arms. LeighAnn Rumsey, Co-Sergeant-at-Arms, was not able to attend the dinner.
Other members of the Board of Directors for 2024 – 2025 were also recognized: Benita Nesbitt, Foundation Chair; Jane Russell, Finance Chair; Amanda Cronin, Planning Committee Chair; Cheryl Muller, Youth Services Chair; John Gould, Membership Chair; Elaine Tears, Public Image Chair and Bath Rotary Student Fund, Inc. Chair; Tess McKinley, Service Projects Chair; Nancy Latour, Fundraising and Events Chair.
Recognition was given by President Graham to those local Rotarians who have strived to achieve the ideal of humanitarian service and high ethical standards under the Rotary motto of “Service Above Self”.
- Co-Rookies of the Year: Eddie VanStine and Lillian Fazi. This award is presented to the Rotarian in his/her first or second year of membership who has become an active Rotarian through participation in club projects, fundraisers, and other events. VanStine was specifically recognized for his truly infectious enthusiasm and energy. Graham noted that he has written incredible posts on his Facebook page, attended the Rotary District 7120 Conference, volunteered to serve on the Board of Directors of the Bath Rotary Student Fund, Inc., and embraced the responsibility of becoming the 2024 – 2025 Bath Rotary Club President-Elect. Fazi was commended for being an exceptional asset to the club’s community service initiatives, particularly for her dedication to the Red Door Community Kitchen, Adopt-A-Highway Cleanup, and Wineglass Marathon setup and takedown. She is a regular attendee at the club’s weekly meetings, showcasing her consistent engagement and dedication to Rotary.
- Rotarian of the Year: Elaine Tears. This award is presented to the Rotarian who is most helpful to the club and all of its members as well as most dedicated to the ideals and values of Rotary. Tears was specifically recognized for her meticulous nature, punctuality, and dependability, ensuring that the club’s projects and events run smoothly and efficiently and that information regarding all events, projects, etc. is submitted to local publications and social media outlets. Whether chairing the meetings of the Bath Rotary Student Fund, Inc., the scholarship arm of the local club, organizing the scholarship procedure, planning the Annual Scholarship Recognition Luncheon, or writing press releases regarding all of the club’s activities, projects, etc., she consistently demonstrates a level of precision and care that inspire all of the club members. She has been a faithful attendee at club Board of Directors’ meetings and weekly club meetings as well as participating in many of the club events and projects.
- Citizen of the Year: Tess McKinley. This award is presented to a community member who has unselfishly displayed dedication, leadership, and community spirit. The award this year is unique in that McKinley is not only a dedicated citizen of Bath but also a most dedicated Bath Rotarian. As the leader of the club’s Strategic Planning Committee, she has played a pivotal role in charting the course for the club’s future; she has helped the team navigate challenges and seize new opportunities. In addition, she has printed and distributed the Bath Rotary Student Fund, Inc. scholarship applications and printed the Annual Scholarship Recognition Luncheon multi-page program although she was not a member of the BRSF, Inc. She is always willing to lend a hand with the technical side of the club’s operations. Her dedication goes beyond Rotary by actively working with 4-H, serving on the Dormann Library Board of Directors, and recently being elected as a member of the Bath-Haverling Central School Board of Education. What truly sets Tess apart is her unwavering willingness to help with anything and everything.
- Service Above Self Award: Mike Slovak. This award is given to a Rotarian who has demonstrated a commitment to serving others above his/her own interest, often putting the needs of others before his/her own. Slovak is a true leader, dedicated servant, and a shining example of Rotary ideals. Throughout his years of service, he has demonstrated a commitment to making a positive impact on the community and beyond. As the 2007 – 2008 Bath Rotary Club President and the 2018 – 2019 Rotary District 7120 Governor, he has led by example, inspiring others to follow. He has consistently demonstrated his passion for international service projects. He has also served on nearly every club committee, sharing his time and expertise.
- Paul Harris Fellow+1 Award: Jay Maslyn. This award is the Rotary International Foundation’s way of expressing its appreciation for a substantial contribution to its humanitarian and educational programs. Named for Rotary’s founder, Paul Harris, a Chicago lawyer who started Rotary International with three business associates in 1905, this recognition symbolizes Rotary’s collective movement towards a world of goodwill, peace, and understanding. Jay was recognized as becoming a Paul Harris Fellow for the second time. On the local level he has been the club’s dedicated and most efficient treasurer and has advised the club on all financial matters as well as participating in many projects and events.
Secretary Latour asked those Bath Rotary Club Past Presidents in attendance to stand and be recognized. They included: Don Snyder (1997 – 98); Dave Stewart (2005 – 06); Mike Slovak (2007 – 08); Benita Nesbitt (2014 – 15); Elaine Tears (2016 – 17); Nancy Latour (2017 – 18); Jane Russell (2019 – 20); Tess McKinley (2022 – 23).
Next, Latour announced the Perfect Attendance/Participation Awards. These members received a pin with a hanging tab imprinted with the number of years they have attained perfect attendance/participation. The recipients with their respective years of perfect attendance/participation were: Eddie VanStine (1); Lillian Fazi (1); Brandi Graham (2); Amanda Cronin (4); Jay Maslyn (4); Terry Bilancio (5); Angela Mattoon (5); Tess McKinley (5); Cheryl Muller (7); John Gould (8); Jane Russell (8); Nancy Latour (9); Benita Nesbitt (11); Elaine Tears (14); Bill White (18); Mike Slovak (20); Al Johnson (22).
“Serving as the Bath Rotary Club President this year has been an extraordinary honor and privilege. Reflecting on our journey together, I am struck by the incredible achievements we have made, the challenges we have overcome, and the spirit of fellowship that has carried us through the year. Each of you has played a crucial role in our successes, and it is your passion and commitment that have driven our accomplishments,” stated Graham. “It is my great pleasure to hand over the gavel to our incoming President, John Gould. John, this gavel symbolizes the authority and responsibility that come with your new role, but is also represents the collective support and trust of every member of this club. Together, we will continue to uphold the values of Rotary: fostering fellowship, advancing peace and understanding, and making a difference in the lives of those we serve.”
Upon being installed as the 2024 – 2025 Bath Rotary Club President and receiving the official gavel, Gould remarked that he embraces this moment of transition as an opportunity to reflect on the club’s past achievements and to envision a future filled with promise and potential. “I believe that good spiritual health leads to good mental health and that good mental health leads to good spiritual health,” remarked Gould. “My guiding motto for life is ‘Take a Sad Song and Make It Better’, a line from ‘Hey, Jude’ by the Beatles. Rotary is indeed effective in the world since it embraces the theme of love your neighbor.”
The Bath Rotary Club, chartered March 16, 1923, meets every Thursday at noon in the Empire Room of the Dormann Library. Anyone wishing more information on the Bath Rotary Club should contact President John Gould at: gouldjc1949@gmail.com.
