The Rotary Club of Hudson celebrated its 2024-2025 fiscal year with an awards dinner at the Blue Canyon presided over by outgoing President Kelly Brennan. Kelly’s innovations for the year include offsite meetings at historical sites, the preparation of inspirational Club videos and the initiation of strategic planning for the future.
Incoming President, Keith Viers, pledged to implement the Strategic Plan by identifying a new community service project, restructuring the weekly meetings, expanding the relationships with Hudson schools and devising new fund-raising opportunities. The Club’s most recent major community project was its successful campaign to raise over $270,000 for restoration of the historic log cabin on the Hudson Green.
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Recognitions at the annual dinner featured a presentation of the Jimmy Sutphin Award to Marilyn Orr for her service to Rotary and the Hudson community. Marilyn has prepared the weekly newsletter for Club members and chaired the Gala committee for many years. She has also worked with the Hudson elementary schools to establish two pollinator gardens and is regularly involved with HHS’s Service Learning program. In addition, Marilyn is an innovative member of the Friends of the Hudson Library, current President of the Board for Music from the Western Reserve and a member of the Hudson Cemetery Board. The Jimmy Sutphin Award was established in 2015 to recognize deserving community leaders who reflect Rotary’s “Service Above Self” standard. The initial recipient was Jimmy “Inky” Sutphin, a friend and colleague of both the Rotary Club and the Hudson community at large.
The Rotarian of the Year award was presented to James Yard who led the Club in updating its Strategic Plan. And, recently, Tom Tobin was honored with a Paul Harris Foundation award for contributions to community projects worldwide. A commemorative pin was presented to Tom by his Father Phil Tobin.
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Year 2025-2026 initiatives will include innovative communications to reach a broader audience of potential members who might enjoy associating with the Rotary Club of Hudson and be involved with community service projects. Rotary membership includes young community leaders, retired successful business people, professionals, educators, clergy, community officials and health care administrators. The idea exchanges at regular meetings are very stimulating and connecting with Service Learning students and local Scouts can also be very meaningful and rewarding. Participating as a club member in community events and celebrations provides fun and camaraderie for all members.
Learn more about the Rotary Club of Hudson at www.rotaryhudson.org. View our meeting videos on YouTube and HCTV channel 1021 and follow us on Facebook. Watch for our notices of opportunities to submit grant applications to our Rotary Foundation. And, join us any Wednesday at Hudson Meadows on Barlow Road from 7:00 to 8:30 am.