Belle Vernon Area Rotarians honored with prestigious Paul Harris Fellows awards

The Paul Harris Fellow recognition acknowledges individuals who contribute or who have contributions made in their name to the Rotary.

For the MVI

Seven Belle Vernon Area Rotary Club members were honored with the prestigious Paul Harris Fellow Award.

Paul Harris Chairperson Roberta Blair presents the Paul Harris Award to Jim Wessel. Submitted

The highest honor bestowed by the club, the Paul Harris Fellow Award is named after Rotary International’s founder, Paul Harris, and is granted to individuals who demonstrate outstanding dedication to the principles of Rotary and make significant contributions to their community, both locally and globally.

The Belle Vernon Area Rotary Club announced the award winners at an event Nov. 6 at the Lock 4 Restaurant at Smitty’s Marina, lower Speers.

Established in 1957, the Paul Harris Fellow recognition acknowledges individuals who contribute, or who have made contributions made in their name, of $1,000 to The Rotary Foundation. Harris was the founder of the first Rotary Club formed in Chicago in 1905. The awards are bestowed upon Rotarians and others that serve the community by service and financial support.

The presentation ceremony was emceed by Roberta Blair, and began with a prayer offered by Fred Exley.

Named as Paul Harris fellows were: Mike Tetteris PHF+1 (recipient receives a second Paul Harris) Fred Foster, Jim Wessel, Carrie Pansino, Ed Stasko, and Genevieve Davis Blair.

Recipients were presented pins and certificates. Dana Blair, daughter of Jim and Roberta Blair, accepted the Paul Harris Award for her sister-in-law, Genevieve Davis Blair.

The BVA Rotary Club acknowledged and thanked the Paul Harris committee, Roberta Blair, Fred Exley, Jim Blair, and John Habel for providing a meaningful program and to the Lock 4 Restaurant for great food and hospitality.

For more information on Belle Vernon Area Rotary and Rotary International, visit www.bvarotary.com and www.rotary.org.