ROTARY CLUB PRESENTS 1999-2000 AWARDS

SWEARING-IN: Vanita Jones and other 2000-2001 officers of the Jackson Rotary Club were sworn in by Assistant District Governor Jerry McClanahan Tuesday. Jackson USA Signal/Mark Evans

Members of the Jackson Rotary Club concluded their 1999-2000 year Tuesday by bestowing annual awards on members and community leaders.

Chris Weiss, meanwhile handed over the gavel of leadership to new president Vanita Jones, as the organization also passed on club leadership to its 2000-2001 officers.

"I ask you all for your help in the coming year," Jones said. "I want to see this year be fun, but inspiring and productive."

She listed boosting membership as her number one goal.

The rest of the new slate of officers includes President-elect Mike Seabaugh, Secretaries Tim Walker and Rick Schultz and Treasurer Bob Grebing. New board members will be Vernon Kasten Jr., Ken Detring, Steve Wilson and Dave Walker. They were sworn in by Assistant District Governor Jerry McClanahan.

Rotarian of the Year honors went to Lawrence Kasten, while Tim Walker was named Rotary Newcomer of the Year.

The Community Leader Award went to Sgt. Howard Hammers, of the Jackson Police Department long-time DARE director.

Educator of the Year Award went to Lavern Wachter. Marci Myracle won Junior Rotarian of the Year honors.

Weiss closed his year as president by delivering his State of the Club address. One of the top achievements of the past year, he noted, was completing a new fence around Leonard Sander Field. The outfield fence for the Little League field cost just over $1,900. He also read a letter of appreciation from Mayor Paul Sander.

Weiss noted increased fundraising with matching grants during the past year. He predicted that with corporations like Wal-Mart participating in these programs, it will "create a greater impact on our program."

Other club highlights included sponsoring Lyon, France foreign exchange student Lucy Lambert. She stayed with Steve Snider, then Steve and Jan Burk, and finally with the Weisses. Weiss called her "a delightful young woman," and pointed out that the Burks' son Drew is currently overseas, taking part in the same exchange program.

A Russian girl will be attending Jackson High School next year, as part of the exchange program. Weiss and Dave Walker are already scheduled to host her. One additional family is still needed as a host family for her.

The club also sponsors Boy Scout Troop 11, the Junior Rotarians, and does a number of other projects, such as distributing reflective Halloween bags.

McClanahan praised the club for having the top attendance in District 6060 for March (93.75%) and April (97.41%). He called it a "terrific year" for the club.

Perfect attendance honors were also passed out. Those with 10 or more years of perfect attendance included Stone Manes, 41 years; Ron Hahs, 31 years; Rick Sparks, 20 years; Odie Lingle, 15 years; and Marvin Adams, 10 years.