Mary and Bob Keely are Putnam's Rotarians -of-the-Year

May 31, 2005

Bob and Mary Keely were designated as Rotarians-of-the-Year by President Don Broyles at the regular weekly meeting of the Putnam group today.

"It was a total surprise," said Bob.

Maybe so for him. But not for anyone else.

The couple has become known as the club's "Dynamic Duo" for their consistent mutual teamwork and their support for all things Rotarian -- both locally and on the district level.

Over two years ago (October 2003, it was), Bob began the "Happy Dollars" tradition -- a weekly charitable offering supporting a multitude of worthy causes.

Contributions came in for everything from grandchildren to "just happy to be here," and Bob proved so adept that he was named Sergeant-at-Arms for the club.

"That included my role as 'pin policemen,'" he said. Members are fined a dollar for appearances without club pin or badge. "Those are my own 'happy dollars,'" Bob explains.

And his reputation has grown such that no one ever forgets to wear the pin on meeting days.

Mary, the other half of the "Dynamic Duo," stepped up at a difficult time two years ago (January 2002) and took on the onerous task of club secretary; in spring the following year, she also assumed the thankless duties of treasurer.

Next year she takes on the Annual Fund Chair and District Conference Chair for District 7550, serving 32 clubs in the southern part of West Virginia.

All this is balanced with her personal bookkeeping business. A seasonal client of hers is Padgett Business Services.

There may be an ulterior motive here, however. Randy Lucas, president at Padgett, is Assistant Governor for District 7550, and Mary's work at Padgett may be simply one of benevolent district oversight.

Next year she will step up as president of the Putnam club.

Both Mary and Bob have given selflessly of their time and resources meeting with district leaders in development of a "tactical and strategic plan."

The multi-year program for continuity, leadership and growth was presented and adopted at the district conference last month.

Mary and Bob Keely are also "Paul Harris Fellows," the top recognition of Rotary International for service and philanthropy.

When the "happy dollar" collection is passed at future meetings, other Rotarians may be dropping a few bills in grateful appreciation of Mary and Bob Keely and their continuing service to club and community.