President-elect Mary Keely recognized as District Conference chair

Mary Keely organizes annual event

May 23, 2006

Bob Keely can draw a breath of relief now that it's all over. Mary Keely, his better half, served as Chairperson for planning the Annual Conference at Snowshoe Resort for Rotary District 7550.

The District includes 32 local clubs in southern West Virginia, and they gathered at the mountain retreat last weekend, May 19-21, for their annual bash.

There was food, singing, dancing, and fellowship throughout the weekend all crowded into more than twelve special events: There was a concert by national recording artist Billy Joe Royal. There was a luncheon for Paul Harris Fellows. There were presentations by Group Study Exchange teams, Youth Exchange students, a golf tournament, local project displays, and, not least, karaoke singing led by the Matewan club.

But success of such a meeting comes at the price of weeks and months of careful cooperative planning, arranging and coordination.

Keely presents Randy Lucas a plaque for service as Assistant District Governor

"I really had to watch my step," said Bob Keely with a shake of his head. "I had to run Rotary errands and housekeeping errands -- and stay out of the way."

Bob served as Sergeant-at-Arms for the event, and perhaps some credit must go to him also for keeping everything in order and on schedule.

Mary was recognized for her grand efforts as the chief organizer, and in special recognition she was tentatively designated as chair for planning the next conference.

And for good measure, the next conference may include the entire state.

"That's the thanks you get," said Assistant District Governor Randy Lucas.

Mary Keely, a Paul Harris Fellow, is president-elect of the Putnam Rotary club. She will advance to president for 2006-07.