Cobleskill Rotarians celebrated good work in the community Wednesday night.
Holding their annual meeting at the Best Western, Rotarians honored Jack Lohret as Rotarian of the Year and Sue Rightmyer as Citizen of the Year.
The club also installed new officers for 2015-16 and pledged continued service in the area.
But as Rotarians looked ahead, they also looked back to recognize Mr. Lohret and Ms. Rightmyer.
Ray Gillis praised Mr. Lohret for his long membership and varied roles in the club. He's held every leadership position, offered accounting and financial advice and is an expert on by-laws, Mr. Gillis said.
"He could have been named Rotarian of the Year for any and all of these years," Mr. Gillis said. "He has done all this in a quiet, helpful way. He brought out the best in all of us."
Surprised, Mr. Lohret expressed his thanks.
"I never expected this," he said. "This has been a great life in Cobleskill."
Betsy Bernocco said she at first didn't know she could nominate a fellow Rotarian as Citizen of the Year. But when Ms. Bernocco realized she could do so, Ms. Rightmyer was an easy choice.
Ms. Rightmyer energized a smal food pantry that serves Summit, Warnerville and Richmondville, Ms. Bernocco said.
"She started with a handful of volunteers and now there's over 30," Ms. Bernocco said. "She always gives so much."
Ms. Rightmyer downplayed her achievements.
"It's what we all do to make a difference and live in a better place," she said.
On a related note, Anne Myers mentioned the passing of Jeanne Kane earlier Wednesday. Ms. Kane was the club's first Citizen of the Year when Rotarians started the award in 1999.
Members also announced that Milan Jackson will be the District Governor for the coming year. Mr. Jackson follows Cobleskill members Leo Wilson, Blair Hartman and Olive Scott as previous district governors.
Outgoing President Leo McAllister noted successes in the past year--the fall social, breakfast with Santa and Ag Night, among others--and thanked President-elect Said Yassin for his help during the year.
"I'll help in any way I can," Mr. McAllister told the incoming president. "I know you'll do a tremendous job."
Mr. Yassin said that his years as a Rotarian have been rewarding, and he's looking forward to leading the club.
"It's been wonderful to spend my time with a purpose and get so much back," Mr. Yassin said.
"I've had the opportunity to laugh, to share and to serve."
He also urged all club members to follow Rotary's 2015-16 theme, "Be a Gift to the World."
Ms. Scott installed Mr. Yassin as the new president and also administered the oath to other new officers:
Ray Gillis, president-elect; Susan Zimmermann, Vice president; Mr. McAllister, sergeant-at-arms; Chris Cash, secretary; Ms. Myers, treasurer; Ms. Rightmyer, assistant treasurer; and directors, Shane Nickle, Larry Joyce and Matthew Barney.