THIS WEEK AT ROTARY:
 

 

More than a hundred people gathered at Walden Yacht Club on September 15th for the first Memory Park Donor and Volunteer Recognition Evening. Guests enjoyed a casual, relaxed atmosphere as they socialized and visited the park displays set up around the perimeter of the room. In the photo above Kirk Jones, Mayor of The City of Montgomery, proclaimed September 15th "Memory Park Donor and Volunteer Recognition Day" in the city.
    The evening was all about saying Thank You! Thank You! Thank You! to all who have made the park special. The first part of the night was dedicated to park donors, with photos to showcase all of the park projects, from first to most recent. The first project was a bridge built by Eagle Scout Chris Ammons completed just in time for the park's Dedication Celebration on June 28, 2008. This was the first of eight Eagle Scout Projects now in the park, all highlighted during the evening. Alfred and Dollie Anderson have funded the park's newest project, the gorgeous "Anderson's Bocage" Island.
    The second part of the evening was dedicated to park volunteers. Members of The Blue Bell Garden Club, The Friends of The Charles B Stewart Library and other organizations were in the audience and thanked for their efforts. Then four Non-Rotarian Volunteers were awarded Paul Harris Fellowships, one of Rotary International's highest honors. Randy Burleigh was honored for his efforts in park maintenance and irrigation. Mike Curry, Montgomery County Adult Probation Department, was honored for his years of work in the park with the probationers. Margie Barlow, Master Gardner and owner of Garden Angel Landscaping, was honored for her fabulous work with plantings and garden upkeep. And Girl Scout Troop Leader Samantha Barnett was honored for her work with Vannessa and Makalyn on The Butterfly Garden, inspiring the girls each step of the way to work harder and longer than anyone thought possible. A surprise gift was presented to Don Carter - an engraved stone - to thank him for his unending work in the park! 
     As we worked our way around the room to thank each person in attendance for their contributions of time, talent and treasure, it was so gratifying to see all the familiar faces, some of whom we had not seen in years, and remembering the conversations that started each project, the hearts that were touched, and the memories that have been made. It was a Beautiful Thing! A special Thank You to Jodi, Chef Rick and The Walden Yacht Club Staff; to Mike Berger and Wally Lockey for the photos; to Lorrie and Victoria for their help; to Mike Landes for the Invocation; to Wally for the pledges and to Doris for the 4 Way Test; to Michael McBride for his very long day helping and the entire Memory Park Committee for their  work!