When Rotarians from around the world visit Rotary International in Chicago suburb Evanston, Ill., they can scan the list of club names that are 100 percent Paul Harris Fellows and find the newest member - the Blytheville Rotary Club.

 

Courtesy photo
The Blytheville Rotary Club became 100 percent Paul Harris Fellows Thursday. Pictured are (front, from left) Rotary Assistant District Gov. Owen Lusk, District Gov. Bob Warner, newest Paul Harris Fellows Anita Parrett, Debra Smith, Mark Brasfield, Linda O'Guin and Michael Layfield; and (back, from left) Paul Harris presenters and committee members Dr. Van Parker, Allen Bush, chair Mary Gay Shipley, Mason Day, Jim McMahan and Rotary Club president Dr. Bruce Daniels.

Blytheville became the first of 39 in District 6150 to be 100 percent Paul Harris Fellows.

"That is a tribute to all of you as members and the work that you've done in the past and your diligence in  bringing in strong Rotary members," club president Dr. Bruce Daniels said. "I don't know about other districts and other states, to our knowledge  it's the first time in the history of this district that has happened to the club."

Daniels said the idea didn't just arise in the last few weeks, after District Gov. Bob Warner encouraged the club  to do so during his official visit.

Instead, he said, it goes back a few years, when previous presidents, Darrell Johnson in particular, set being 100 percent Paul Harris Fellows as a goal.

"I would like to recognize the initiative of Mary Gay Shipley and her committee took in making this a reality," Daniels said. "This is a great day for the club. We're excited on behalf of the club and also on behalf of the recipients."

Added Warner, "This is indeed a historic day for this district." Warner said Blytheville's name being inscribed on the plaque at the seven-story Rotary International building in Evanston is an incredible honor.

"Not only is it an honor for RI, but it's an honor for our district," he said. "What you have developed by reaching this true milestone in our district and in the world is you have developed a culture in supporting the Rotary Foundation. I went out on a little limb when I talked to you last time and told you,  you could do this and I'm so proud that you have. I'm going to go out on another limb to tell you that I would dare say that the next time  you induct a new member, it will be in the forefront of their mind that everyone in this room is a Paul Harris Fellow and I need to be one too."