CARL KING

IN AN honour bestowed to only a few, Leeton resident Carl King was made a Paul Harris Fellow by the Rotary Club of Leeton Central on June 23 at its changeover dinner.

Rotary was founded by Paul Harris and three business associates in Chicago in 1905.

In his honour, Paul Harris Fellows has been recognised since 1957 as an expression of appreciation for contributions to the humanitarian and educational programs of the Rotary Foundation.

The award is mainly given to a Rotary member, but is occasionally given to community members that the club feels to be a worthy recipient.

Mr King received the award for his work in the community, including through the Leeton Phantoms Rugby Union Club, the Leeton SunRice Festival, Light Up Leeton committee and many more.

Rotary Central president Sue Gavel described Mr King as a worthy recipient.

"We thought he has done so much for the community and deserved to be recognised," she said.

"Once it was suggested we give it to him, it snowballed from there.

"It's not often it is given to a community member outside of the club."

The award came as a surprise to Mr King, who attended the meeting under the guise of supporting Mrs Gavel, who was being inducted as the incoming president at the club's changeover dinner last Saturday.

"I was totally shocked ... I think it's the first time I've ever been caught without words," Mr King said.

"I had no idea and it is just a great honour.

"You don't get involved with these things for the awards." but because you enjoy it.

"That's what it is all about.

"I still think there are probably other people that deserve it more than me."

Mr King thanked his wife Brenda for her support and encouragement over the years.

A Paul Harris Fellow receives a commemorative certificate and lapel pin.

DR LAURIE LEWIN

ROTARY Club of Leeton member Dr Laurie Lewin received a Paul Harris Fellow award last weekend, but is still feeling slightly embarrassed by the honour.

Dr Lewin has been a Rotary member for more than 20 years, but feels there would be more people within the club and community that would deserve the award.

However, his peers disagree after he was made a Paul Harris Fellow at the club's changeover dinner last Saturday.

Dr Lewin was recognised for his contribution to the club, as well as his years of involvement with Assumption Villa, the Leeton library and various schools and swimming clubs in the shire.

"I suppose it is nice to receive the recognition, but you don't do any of the work for that reason," he said.

"I enjoy what I do and that is reward enough.

"Rotary is a fantastic organisation to be a part of because there's always good fellowship, fun and you meet other people you might not necessarily meet if you weren't involved."

According to Rotary, Paul Harris Fellows are individuals who meet high professional and personal standards set by the organisation's founder Paul Harris.

Dr Lewin said being made a Paul Harris Fellow was something to remember.

"Those in our community that have previously been awarded it have done, and plenty still here today still do, contribute a lot to our community and that's what it's all about," he said.

"It's a nice group to be part of."

SHIRLEY WOOD

LEETON Can Assist president Shirley Wood was recently presented with a Paul Harris Fellow, an honour she has watched her husband previously receive.

Mrs Wood was presented with the award on June 17 by the Rotary Club of Leeton at its annual cheque disbursement dinner, making her and her husband Bill Paul Harris Fellows.

It is believed the husband and wife pair is the only current couple to hold claim to that title.

Mrs Wood was recognised for 30 years of service to the Leeton branch of Can Assist, which she founded and has been president since then.

She was humble in receiving the accolade and was still in shock.

"I still can't quite grasp it ... I'm flabbergasted," Mrs Wood said.

"Knowing what the Paul Harris Fellow means, I'm very honoured to receive it.

"The Rotary club does so much fantastic work and they have generously supported Can Assist over the years ... I'd also like to congratulate the other recent Paul Harris Fellows."

Mrs Wood received a certificate, lapel pin and said the award was as much hers as it was Can Assist members.

"Can Assist is made up of so many great people and even though the work we do is serious, we do have a lot of fun," she said.

"We'd love some new members to continue what we do.

"While this award was to me, but at the same time what drives all of us is our care and concern for our cancer patients.

"It's all been a bit of a dream ... I'm still trying to come to terms with it."