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This past week we saw the installation of officers for the upcoming year.
We also had the great honor to award two Paul Harris fellowships to two very deserving individuals. The presentation of Paul Harris Fellow recognition is The Rotary Foundation's way of expressing its appreciation for a substantial contribution to its humanitarian and educational programs. It is named for our founder, Paul Harris, a Chicago lawyer who started Rotary International with three business associates in 1905. Our club has made donations of US$1,000 to The Rotary Foundation of Rotary International in the names of this year's fellows.
Our first fellow is Annemarie Matulis. Annemarie is currently the Director of the Bristol County Regional Coalition for Suicide Prevention, Director (volunteer) of the Silver City Teen Center, and founder and CEO (volunteer) of Southeastern Massachusetts Voices Against Violence (SEMA-VAV). This year marks her 28th year serving as a portfolio specialist/coordinator for multi-level health and wellness coalition. She is also a small business owner, substance abuse case manager, job-readiness trainer, and a statewide and nationally recognized community activist. Her impact and awards are limitless and impossible to list, and include: a National Make a Difference Day Foundation award; membership of the MA Governor's Citizen Task Force; Taunton's Person of the Year; First Citizens Federal Credit Union's Model Citizen of the Year; and recipient of the Massachusetts Coalition for Suicide Prevention (MCSP) State Leadership Award for Suicide Prevention.
Our second fellow is Richard Volkman. Rich works as a Benefits Manager at FB Insure and has well as over 20 years experience in management. He graduated with a bachelor's degree in Economics from Southeastern Massachusetts University and holds licenses in Life and Health in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. As a member of the Taunton Rotary Club, Rich is always one of the first to offer a helping hand and share his time and his many skills. He has served as club president and continues to make a significant impact towards the success of the club as a member of the Board of Directors and his efforts toward Pancake and Family Fun Day. Rich also has donated his time to the Taunton Development Corporation, served as an Ambassador for the Taunton Area Chamber of Commerce, and has coached youth baseball and hockey in the community. He currently lives in Taunton with his wife and three children.
Our club is delighted to make contributions to the Rotary Foundation in honor of two exemplary Paul Harris fellows. Please accept our congratulations and sincere thanks, for your commitment to our common goals of world understanding and peace.
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