Rotary honors Clarendon citizens

Four Clarendon citizens have been recognized by the Manning and Summerton Rotary clubs for their outstanding service to their communities and clubs.

Rotary International is an organization open to all persons regardless of race, color, creed, gender or political preference. There are more than 32,000 clubs and over 1.2 million members worldwide. Rotary brings together business and professional leaders to provide humanitarian service, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations, and help build goodwill and peace in the world. Members usually meet weekly for breakfast, lunch or dinner, which is a social event, as well as an opportunity to organize work on their service goals.

The Summerton Rotary Club bestowed a special honor on two non-club members who have exemplified the club’s international motto, “Service beyond self.”

The Summerton Club has made Rep. Cathy Harvin and Clarendon Memorial Executive Chef Evan Hallinan Paul Harris Fellows.

Paul Harris was the founder of Rotary International and being named a Paul Harris Fellow means a minimum $1,000 donation has been made in your name to the Rotary Foundation. Being named a Paul Harris Fellow is considered among the highest honors in the Rotary Club and is not limited to Rotary members.

Harvin has welcomed the Summerton Rotary Club at her home as the site of their annual Gala, the club’s largest fund-raiser for several years.

“I believe that becoming a Paul Harris Fellow is one of the most significant recognitions that an individual can receive and I am deeply moved that the Summerton Rotary would bestow this honor upon me,” said Harvin. “Above all, I thank the Summerton Rotary for its on-going work in the community and especially for its support of our Clarendon District One students. This outstanding organization has proven that there is no problem too great to conquer when there is dedication and commitment to resolution.”

The Summerton Club also honored Clarendon Memorial Executive Chef Evan Hallinan with naming him a Paul Harris Fellow.

Hallinan has taken the lead in managing the culinary service at the Club’s Galas for the last three years.

“For the second year in a row, the Summerton Rotary has surprised me with an award. To be included with the likes of Rep. Cathy Harvin is an incredible honor on its own,” Hallinan said. “I am greatly honored to be named a Paul Harris Fellow by the Summerton Rotary Club and I look forward to a long relationship with the club.”

Lastly, the Summerton Club named Clarendon Citizen Publisher Cleve Dowell as its Rotarian of the Year.

Dowell, along with members William Johnson and George Summers, all former Manning Rotarians, was instrumental in the founding and development of the four-year-old club.

“Being a Rotarian is one of the most important things I do,” Dowell said. “It allows me to serve my community and its citizens. Helping to create the Summerton Rotary Club has been extremely rewarding and I am proud of the work we are doing.”

Additionally, the Manning Rotary Club has named Charlie Gavin as their Rotarian of the Year. Gavin has been instrumental in several Manning Rotary projects including a polio eradication effort, water purification systems and being a leader in developing mentors for local, at-risk school children. This is Gavin’s second time being named as Rotarian of the Year.

“I love being a Rotarian and the things we do in our community,” Gavin said. “I am humbled by this honor.”

Both clubs have passed their gavels to new presidents.

Manning Rotary Club President David Felder has handed off his leadership duties to Tod Graham. In the Summerton Club, President Rose Wilder has inducted Dwight Stewart as her Club’s new president.