The Rotary Club of Hudson celebrated its “changing of the guard” recently at the Blue Canyon restaurant with the swearing in of its next President and the recognition of this year’s Jimmy Sutphin Award winner. The Rotarian of the Year plaque was also presented. Each of these recognitions is part of the annual Rotary celebration banquet.Liz Murphy, founder of Destination Hudson was chosen as this year’s recipient in honor of her contributions to the community over the past 28 years and her meaningful and compelling communications with the public regarding a variety of Hudson opportunities and events. She has been the driving force behind the Downtown Merchants for many years, seeking ways to help our small retail businesses thrive. Previous owner of the Learned Owl, Liz has always been one of our community’s most sincere and active advocates.
Liz assured the assembled that “I love Hudson as Jimmy did, and I am honored that the Rotary Club of Hudson felt I deserved this year’s award. Hudson’s spirit of volunteerism is a result of many who feel the same way. One positive that came out of Covid is that the Hudson Chamber, Destination Hudson, City and the Merchants of Hudson are working together more effectively than ever before---Jimmy would approve!”The Jimmy Sutphin Award was established in 2015 to recognize deserving Hudson community leaders who closely reflect the Rotary “Service Above Self” standard. The initial recipient was Jimmy “Inky” Sutphin, a friend and colleague of both the Rotary Club and the community at large. Jimmy was universally loved by local citizens who benefited by his communication skills and empathy for all he encountered.
The Rotarian of the Year plaque was presented to James Yard who has been responsible for the Club’s marketing and public relations for the past five years and led the Strategic Planning Committee during 2021. He assured attendees that he has had “the privilege of simply reporting all the good deeds performed by the Club’s members”. Regarding community service over the past year, it was recognized that outgoing President Patrick Scherer led the Club in staging a “comeback” Rotary Annual Gala that raised over $65,000, coordinated the ongoing Scout Cabin restoration project that has secured $240,000 in funding and supervised the planting of two elementary school pollinator gardens, all efforts being part of the Strategic Plan. In addition, his Speakers Committee, Chaired by John Adams, has provided highly engaging and meaningful weekly presenters throughout the year.
Father Joseph Boysel, a longtime community leader, was sworn in as the Club’s next President and promised to engage more of our young, diverse and business members of the Hudson community. He encouraged all members to invite a friend to attend one of our meetings to see firsthand what an active, sharing and congenial group we are.
Learn more about Rotary and its community projects at www.rotaryhudson.org.