By David Rogers. June 27, 2011. BLOWING ROCK -- "We're going to have fun," proclaimed new Rotary District 7670 (Western North Carolina) Governor Bill Parker Monday night, as he and wife Barbara donned clown noses to the delight of almost 150 members and guests of The Rotary Club of Blowing Rock, at Chetola Mountain Resort & Spa.  It was a fun moment in an otherwise serious affair: two events rolled into one.

It was an historic occasion for The Rotary Club of Blowing Rock. There were probably more Rotary District 7670 dignitaries and guests on hand to fill Chetola's Evergreen Room than local club members.  Most were there to see former Blowing Rock club president (2005-2006) Parker become the first Blowing Rock member to be named District Governor.

"I've had a few epiphany moments during my lifetime," Parker explained.  "Perhaps the most important was when I was wounded in Vietnam, and they flew me to a special hospital in Japan.  The only thing I had with me were my wallet and my dog tags. You may have all of the material goods in the world, but what you really amount to are what you are without all of the material things.  At that moment, the only thing in life that I had left were my relationships.  In that instant, I realized that the only things in life truly of worth are your relationships -- with other people, and with God."

After being installed as 2011-2012 District Governor by Past District Governor Chuck Troutman, Parker closed his remarks with a poignant thematic message.  "As you go through life," Parker told the crowd, "everyone has the opportunity to do something wonderful for a stranger, and Rotary gives you the means.  With every sunrise, each of us should wake up with the realization that we have 24 hours to do something wonderful for someone else.  It is that concept of service above self that makes Rotary special."

To open the evening, The Rotary Club of Blowing Rock conducted its annual awards presentations and new officer installations.  Outgoing club president Rita Davis thanked her slate of officers and board members, then turned the presidential gavel over to Vernon Dunn to introduce his club leadership team.  "We're always setting an example," Dunn told the new committee chairs, board members and club officers as they were installed and presented. "Let's set a good one."

Ms. Davis presented "Rotarian of the Year" for the 2010-2011 club year to Mike Capristo, recognized for his work on a broad range of club projects and events, including the Blowing Rock Charity Horse Show, the Charity Golf Tournament, the Dictionary Project, and Career Day for all 8th graders in Watauga County, as well as his role as Vocational Service chairman and Board member.

Davis announced Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Charles Hardin as winner of the 2011 Citizen of the Year, acknowledging his work not only on behalf of the Chamber, but also in various other town initiatives.

Here are a few more random images from the evening.

1/8 

   

Comments: