Chet Marshall

June 29, 2010

Despite debilitating health problems that often necessitated his absence, outgoing president of Putnam Rotary Chet R. Marshall, said success of the club during his year at the helm came from the active involvement of members willing to step up and take responsibility," he said. "In spite of my problems, this club did not skip a beat.

"But, I am not quitting," he assured the group in his last meeting as presiding officer. "I have Rotary blocked out on my personal calendar for at least the next three years," he assured the group.

"I challenge anyone to work harder in the coming year than I plan to work," he said.

Marshall recognized several members of the club --- some multiple times -- with certificates of appreciation, and a special Paul Harris Fellow award to president-nominee Christine McComas.

Special recognitions included the following:

• Jack Bailey -- Citations for work as a monthly program chair, as co-chair of the raffle fund-raiser, and district publicity chair for DG Mary Keely;
• Don Broyles -- for Foundation chair, and golf tournament chair for the past two years;
• Dianna Casto -- Board member, programs chair, and sergeant-at-arms;
• Marty Chapman -- a monthly program chair;
• Glen Clark -- club secretary; and co-chair of the golf tournament fund-raiser;
• Dr. Bill Ellis -- "service above self" citation;
• Glen Gibbs -- co-chair of the raffle fund-raiser, and "distinguished service" citation for building the Rotary podium used by the club;
• Mike Herron -- "service above self" citation for leadership, and "presidential citation" and gifts for "leading by example";
• Christine McComas -- co-chair of local service projects;
• Tom Midkiff -- immediate past president, a monthly program coordinator, and chair of the membership committee;
• Marilyn Pemberton -- service as treasurer; and a monthly program coordinator;
• Dr. Melissa Pratt -- "service above self" citation;
• Joni Prince -- "service above self" citation, a program coordinator;
• Bonnie Prisk -- board member, and chair of scholarship committee;
• Cheryl Rust -- board member;
• Dr. Sam Sentelle -- board member, "service above self" citation as a program coordinator, and "distinguished service citation" for club web site; and
• Dave Williams -- "service above self" for work on the golf tournament and recruitment of membership.

When Marshall entered upon his presidential duties a year ago, he gave a personal "pledge of service" card for every club member to carry.

He offered $100 bill today to anyone who might be carrying that pledge card. Amid a chorus of groans and pleas to make the same offer at the next meeting, Marshall himself pulled out his own copy of the pledge card. In his final act as club president he claimed the prize for himself and promptly donated it to the club "happy dollar" fund.

Glen Clark Glen Gibbs Tom Midkiff Sam Sentelle

Cheryl Rust Mike Herron Marilyn Pemberton David Williams