The Rotary Club of Newtown recently conducted its annual Pass the Gavel celebration, where club members and guests gathered at the Inn at Newtown to celebrate the previous year and install new officers and directors for the coming year.

Following an introduction by Abe Gordon, past Rotary international vice president, which described Rotary's motto of Service Above Self, the club's Frank Miles Award, which recognizes the club member whose actions during the past year best exemplify that motto, was presented to Joe Tarshis by previous award winners Jim Gulalo, Brian Amey, Mike Snyder and Nelson "Skip" Roberts.

To be named a Paul Harris Fellow is considered by all Rotarians to be a high honor. Rotary district governor elect Julie Reppenhagen was on hand to recognize the following Rotarians with this award: Earl Smith, Jr., Mike Toll and Alan Clavette.

On occasion, the Rotary Club of Newtown will recognize other members of the Newtown community who are not Rotarians. These individuals are recognized for the contributions that they make to the Newtown community and because they live the ideals of Rotary.

The Rotary Club of Newtown declared Jim Juliano a Paul Harris Fellow for his outstanding efforts in completing the kitchen upgrades to the Alexandria Room at Newtown Town Hall. This was a major project for Newtown Rotary, with the club supplying significant funding for the kitchen upgrades. However, the project's successful completion was due to Mr. Juliano's willingness to devote extra time and professional expertise to ensure that the project was completed in time for the Rotary Club's annual Pancake Day last December.

The Rotary Club of Newtown meets at 6 p.m. every Monday at the Inn at Newtown.
Those seeking additional information may call President Bill Calderara at 203-426-4440, ext. 3259, or visit www.newtownctrotary.org.