On Feb. 12 the Shawville Rotary Club gathered at Cafe 349 in Shawville to honour five community members as Paul Harris Fellows.
The recognition is for Rotary members and non-members alike and is awarded to acknowledge a significant contribution to their communities.
Following cocktails and a delicious dinner, Rotary District Governor Mike Steeves assisted President Larry Coleman in handing out the certificates and pins. He explained the importance of the award, which is named after the Chicago attorney who founded the Rotary Club in 1906. Fellows are those that donate $1,000 to the Club or have a donation made in their name.

Coleman added that this year would mark a very impressive milestone for the local Rotarians.“Every member in this club is a Paul Harris Fellow,” he said. “That’s a big feather in our cap.”
Steeves acknowledged that this was quite an extraordinary feat. First up for recognition was Cheryl Campbell, a long-time teacher who donated her time to extracurricular reading and music programs for decades. She commended the Rotary Club for their efforts, along with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, to eliminate polio around the world.
“For the 46 years I have lived in Shawville, I have found it fulfilling to have so many opportunities to be involved in the community,” she said.
Next was Sue Page, who Coleman announced would be taking over his position as President later in the year, making her the Shawville Rotary’s first female President. A former teacher, Page is heavily involved in the Club as well as the Bristol Community Association. “I’m so proud of what the Rotarians do, both internationally and in Shawville,” she said. ”Thank you for letting me be a member of your group.” Nancy Suominen was recognized next, with Coleman applauding her time and expert legal advice for the Villa James Shaw committee.
“It’s an honour to be a part of this club,” she said. Marc Latreille was next and was humble in accepting the honour. “I didn’t think I’d have one,” he said, before adding how great it was that every member of the club is now a Paul Harris Fellow. “I don’t think it’s all that common.” Henry Horner received a pin for his second Paul Harris recognition, calling it an honour and saying he was glad to be able to nominate Campbell for the award. Rounding out the recipients was Coleman, who thanked his wife Diane – a.k.a. The Boss – as well as his fellow club members.