Pictured (l to r) are Past District Governor Mary Keely, John T. Young (Horizon Financial Solutions), Roy E. Hamilton (Vice President, First State Bank), Rotarian Chet Marshall, Kelly Davis (First State Bank) and Rotarian Orville McFarland (First State Bank).

Four new Rotarians pledge 'service above self'

October 4, 2011

Past District Governor Mary E. Keely today inducted four new members into the ranks of Putnam Rotary. Included among the inductees were three "corporate members," the first among the 28 clubs in RI District 7550, southern West Virginia.

This pilot program enables a company or corporation in the area to appoint up to four people who would represent the company and who would enjoy all the privileges and responsibilities of other Rotarians.

These designees will attend club meetings, work on service projects, vote and serve in leadership positions. Each corporate designee would be required to pay the same membership dues as all other members.

Among those today taking the pledge for leadership and community service through Rotary were:

• John T. Young, a broker/dealer and investment advisor through Horizon Financial Solutions (97 Chase Drive, Hurricane). John is a graduate of Marshall with an A. B. in chemistry. He and spouse Cecelia are at home in Charleston. They have three adult children. John enjoys running, golf, hunting and fishing.

• Roy E. Hamilton is Vice President at First State Bank in Hurricane. At home in Hurricane, Roy and spouse Judy have two children. He enjoys Marshall and Mountaineer football, movies and construction. Hamilton was a charter member of Putnam Rotary in 1995.

• Orville McFarland, also with First State as a mortgage loan officer, is already a member of Putnam Rotary, and today becomes a corporate designee under the new corporate membership plan. McFarland enjoys golf, hunting and singing. He and spouse Joyce have an adult son.

• Kelly Davis became a Rotarian today for First State Bank under the new corporate membership arrangement. She and spouse Ray are at home with two children in Hurricane. she enjoys swimming, church and Zumba dancing exercise.

First State Bank becomes the first organization in southern West Virginia to designate members for corporate membership in Rotary. Hamilton, McFarland and Davis are all based at the Hurricane location on Teays Valley Road where Putnam Rotary has been meeting in the bank's Community Room since March 30, 2010.

First State has supported Putnam Rotary in its community service projects, and joined with the club in a program to place signs at several locations to inform travelers as to meeting time, place and date.

State Bank also guaranteed pledges for artificial turf and track at Hurricane High School, a commitment which enabled installation to be completed before the start of the new football season.