Posted by Bob Buck
On February 24th, the Holmen Area Rotary Club came together at Drugan's for their annual dinner meeting. After a fantastic buffet dinner, the club took time to reflect on the past year and give thanks to those that helped make it a success. Jason Munz gave the Presidents address as his last official act of his too short presidency. Jason has taken a new job in Eau Claire and we will miss him. The past years projects and activities are numerous;  The Community Garden, Holmen's Hope dinner and packing backpacks, Thanksgiving dinners for New Horizon Shelter, Deerwood Park Shelter commemoration, IFEED, Highway clean-up, High School Student of the month Scholarships, STRIVE Mentors, Foreign Exchange Student, Rotary Lights, Interact Club, Rockin Ribs, Habitat for Humanity, supporting polio eradication and many more. 
Scott Ryan stepped up and introduced the two Host families that made foreign exchange student Pranav's stay possible. The Wendie and Mark Schmitt family hosted Pranav for the first school semester and Lisa and Terry Kind family hosted Pranav for the second semester.  Scott quoted Mark Twain when explaining the importance of this cultural exchange who stated “Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one's lifetime.” So true. 
 
 
Judy McHugh and Scott Ryan both received Paul Harris Fellowship Awards. The Paul Harris Fellowship rewards those that contribute significant support to The Rotary Foundation of Rotary International.
 
 
 
The Rotarian of the Year award was also presented. According to Rotary, this annual award is designated for the one Rotarian in your club who clearly stands out in demonstrating "Service Above Self," and principled commitment to the Four-Way Test.  A nominee should be an outstanding club member who has made significant contributions to the mission and operation of your club, and to one or more avenues of Community or International Service. The recipient this year was Bob Buck. (yours truly- totally surprised, humbled and in the words of Wayne and Garth "not worthy"- thank you!)
 
 
Barry Ploessl stepped up as incoming President and gave a speech outlining things to come and looking forward on new ideas to keep the club fresh.