Granton Rotary International
 Holds 2008 Award Program

Granton Rotary International held an awards program recently in which two members received the Paul Harris Fellows award.

Honored were Marge Garbisch and Vernon Sternitzky (center). 

On hand to join in the celebration were Rotary District 6250 Governor Tom Marshall (left) and Assistant District 6250 Governor, Bob Trussoni (right).

(Contributed photo)

The Granton chapter of Rotary International named two Paul Harris Fellows at an award program Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2008.  The distinction is awarded to those members who donate $1,000 or have received credit for that amount of a donation to the Rotary Foundation for Humanitarian efforts.  These awards were made possible from a contribution the Granton Rotary Club had made towards the construction of a well in Haiti.

Vernon Sternitzky and Marge Garbisch were each awarded a medallion, lapel pin and certificate honoring their designation as a Paul Harris Fellow. Though the Granton chapter has only 22 members, 18 total have been awarded the Paul Harris Fellow Award and of those 18, 13 were present members.

Another presentation was given for over 10 years perfect attendance and the recipient of this award was presented to Vernon Sternitzky who has never missed a Rotary meeting since he joined.  Four other Granton Rotarians have attained perfect attendance over 10 years.

On hand to help the chapter celebrate was District 6250 Governor Tom Marshall and Assistant District 6250 Governor Bob Trussoni.  There are 62 Rotary chapters in District 6250 with over 3,200 members, which covers the southwestern portion of Wisconsin. Granton Rotary Club continues to be one of the most active in the district.

A prior year’s district governor stated, “It is the greatest little club in District 6250.”

The Granton Chapter has given through the Rotary International Foundation almost $19,000 towards the eradication of Polio and $1,250 towards the well in Haiti.  Marshall indicated the eradication of Polio has almost been accomplished and stressed the 2008-2009 Rotary year theme is “Make Dreams Real.”  He asked every Rotary Club in the District to get at least one new member this year.  The Granton Club is happy to announce Gail Hasz joined the Granton Rotary Club this year.

The Granton Rotary Club is an active club with approximately 95 percent monthly attendance.  They meet Tuesday evening at 6 p.m. at the Southern Clark County Sportsman Club in Granton. Virginia Richmond prepares the meal each week.

The club acts as a chamber of commerce for the small village and is known for its community service.  The club was organized in 1943 and one-third of its membership is female.

The club participates with the Granton Fall Festival in various activities, such as selecting the honored citizen each year.  Other community activities are the “Adopt a Highway” project, volunteering at the park concession stand one night weekly during the summer season, sponsoring the children’s Christmas party at school, giving four $250 scholarships to graduating seniors from Granton High School, donating to the local food pantry, the Ronald McDonald House and other community concerns. The Granton Club’s goal is to do good in the world. They realize they have the power to change thousands of lives, not only in the community but through Rotary International.

Current Granton Rotary Club officers include: Carter Wegner, president; John Richmond, vice president; Jeanette Steiner, Secretary; Ronald Webster, treasurer.  New members are always welcome.