Mary Keely District Governor-Elect

November 13, 2007

Putnam's Mary Keely was tapped today as District Governor for thirty-three local clubs in southern West Virginia's Rotary District 7550.

The leadership mantle fell to Keely by unprecedented acclamation and standing ovations at the annual district conference at the Greenbrier.

"The usual procedure is to call for nominations," according to one observer. "Then the candidates leave the assembly hall while delegates debate their respective merits before voting.

"But not this time. When Mary Keely was nominated, someone immediately moved to close nominations -- and the next thing she knew, she was elected!"

Inducted into Putnam Rotary five years ago, Keely has served in multiple local and district leadership roles. She was President of the Putnam Club in 2006-07. She participated actively in planning for conferences in southern West Virginia's District 5770. She and husband Bob Keely have been honored as "Paul Harris Fellows," the highest recognition given by Rotary International.

The three-day conference which concluded today at the Greenbrier Resort in White Sulphur Springs offered an opportunity for Rotarians to come together in fellowship to "celebrate Rotary" and to review accomplishments for the past year.

District Governor Tom Greenstreet and his first Lady, Nancy, enthusiastically greeted the over 160 attendees and their guests.

Speakers from several different parts of the country came to celebrate and to challenge local Rotarians to live their motto of "Service Above Self."

The representative of the International President, Wilf Wilkinson, was Betsy Demaray, Past District Governor from Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, who challenged Rotarians not to be "resumé Rotarians" but to roll up their sleeves and truly put Service Above Self.

Past International President Richard King provided numerous examples of the "good work" accomplished around the world as Real Rotarians.

Winner of "longest drive" in the conference golf tournament was Joel McDavid, shown here (left) with his trophy. With him are Mary Keely, District Goveranor-Elect and Randy Lucas, Past Assistant District Governor.

Dr. Anne Matthews, Past District Governor from Columbia, SC, continued the challenge for support of the Rotary Foundation in efforts to help with clean water, shelter and literacy around the world.

A luncheon yesterday was highlighted by historian/actor Al Stone as he portrayed Robert E. Lee's reflections on the Greenbrier.

An evening dinner dance began with a parade of flags where each club presented their club banner.

The dinner speaker was West Virginian General Robert H. "Doc" Foglesong. His presentation instilled pride in the armed services, in West Virginia and the nation.

Governor Tom and First Lady Nancy lead off the dancing to the music of the West Virginia Jazz Orchestra.

Tuesday morning, the Reverend Ben Gurley, President of the White Sulphur Springs Rotary conducted a memorial service for Rotarians that has passed away during the year.

The rest of the morning was filled with reports from the Nominating Committee, the Council on Legislation, Resolutions, and Foundation Update.

The luncheon meeting Master of Ceremonies was Putnam's own Chet Marshall who continued the challenge to make a difference "helping others to make a difference."

Other Rotarians from Putnam County who attended the conference included Bill Ellis (and wife Kitty), Don Broyles (and wife Michele), Randy Lucas, Laberta Salamacha, Mary Keely, Bob Keely and Joel McDavid.

Mary Keely will be the first District Governor from the Putnam Club. She currently serves as an Assistant District Governor and the District Trainer.

Mary is supported in Rotary work by her husband Bob whom the club will call "First Laddie" when Mary takes over the top office.

Click HERE for conference photos!