Orris and Morgan Honored by Rotary Club
The Rotary Club of Bradford held its Annual Meeting on Wednesday evening, July 10th at the Pennhills Club in Bradford.
At the meeting, Mr. Ron Orris, Executive Director of the Blaisdell Foundation and Steve Morgan, President and CEO of Futures Rehabilitation Center were named Paul Harris Fellow honorees. The Paul Harris Fellow is Rotary International’s highest honor. Rotary Foundation Chair, Dr. K. James Evans presented the awards.
Dr. Evans noted that in addition to Rotarians, the Paul Harris Fellow recognition has decorated a group of dedicated, compassionate, community-minded individuals, including presidents, philanthropists, heads of state, entrepreneurs, industrialists, teachers, students, and business professionals. Rotary was pleased to add Orris to that storied group.
“Ron is an incredible advocate and ambassador for all things Bradford. He is a staunch supporter of the safety net our local non-profits and the city provide its citizens. We are fortunate to have someone with Ron’s talents who is so fiercely devoted to our community,” said Evans.
The Blaisdell Foundation has worked with Rotary since 2016 on Operation Warm which provides new winter coats to children in need.
Morgan who has been a Rotarian since 2019, was recognized for his community volunteerism, stellar career of serving people with disabilities and for his outstanding tenure as Rotary Club President in 2022-2023.
“During his time as president the club celebrated its Centennial which was marked with many events and activities as well as a renewed sense of membership building, volunteerism and community service following the Pandemic,” according to Evans.
The presentation of the Paul Harris Fellow is the foundation’s way of expressing its appreciation for a substantial contribution to its humanitarian and educational programs. It is named for the founder of Rotary, Paul Harris, a Chicago lawyer who started Rotary International with three business associates in 1905.
Rotarians often designate a Paul Harris Fellow as a tribute to a person whose life demonstrates a shared purpose with the objectives of The Rotary Foundation.
Ben Kirsch was re-elected to a second 1- year term of President.
During his remarks he noted, “The theme for this year, ‘The Magic of Rotary,’ serves as a powerful reminder of the incredible impact Rotary can have. The magic lies in our collective efforts, our dedication to service, and our commitment to transforming lives. Each project we undertake, each initiative we support, and each act of kindness we extend contributes to this magic.”
He also listed the many volunteer efforts and service projects conducted in 2023-2024.
Two officers were inducted: Heidi Scrivo was named president-elect and Nate Higbie was named vice president and three new members formally joined Rotary: Jenna Golden, Jada S. Luther, and Zach Woodel.
More information on the Rotary Club of Bradford can be found on the club’s Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/bradfordrotary or by contacting Angela Erway, membership chair at bfdrotary@gmail.com/.