Strawitz to lead Rotary, presents award

The Rotary Club of Ville Platte installed its new officers Tuesday evening during its yearly installation banquet.
New president Peter Strawitz said, “As we leave here tonight, we should ask all of ourselves, ‘Why rotary.? Why Rotary?’ As we leave here, ask yourselves, ‘Why am I a Rotarian?’
“Many times we don’t stop and listen to our own thoughts — why do I do what I do? Why do I give back? We hear so many negative things in the community, but we hear about the Rotary. I firmly believe we are integral part the Rotary International organization, even though we are in Ville Platte, Louisiana. It matters not where we are folks, it matters what it is that we do. It matters that we go out into the community consistently and constantly. We try and work hard to bring about a positive change, a change in the things we think, say and do. It’s really that simple.”
Other new officers installed were: President-elect — Wayne Vidrine; Vice President — Annette Johnson; Treasurer — Vic Slaven; Secretary — Janice Helmer; and Sergent at Arms — Jerry Veillon. Board members are Past President Mitch Fontenot. Nicole Wegner, Larry Lachney, Jerry Veillon, Peggy Tate and Hosea “Joey” Soileau.
There are 49 members in the club.
Strawitz said his goals for his year as president include reviewing the club’s bylaws, continuing the Choices program, working with the Interact Club, increasing membership and continuing literacy.
“There is nothing greater than the power of reading and comprehension — if you can read, you can work,” Strawitz said. “I believe as a long term goal, in this community and beyond, this is something that we all need to take to heart and I would encourage us all to give it a great deal of thought as to how we approach it.
“I have an idea, but I am sure you have ideas too. I am willing and definitely want to hear your opinion on that.”
Strawitz praised past president Fonetnot’s leadership of the club.
“The quality of programs, it is impressive what our club has done,” Strawitz said. “I would like to make it even better, but don’t know if we can. Mitch has given his time and talent to this club as president. I can not think of anything more distinguished than the leadership we have had over the last year.
“Again Mitch, good job. Thank you.”
In his outgoing president address, Fontenot spoke about the club’s 2015-2016 speakers and projects. Speakers during the year included Senator Eric Lafleur, LSUE Chancellor Kimberly Russell and President and CEO of One Acadiana Jason El-Koubi. Projects for the year included cleaning up at the nature trail walking park and the LSUE Foundation fundraiser.
“We’ve had a really exceptional year this year,” Fontenot said. “We had really great programs and great speakers. I don’t think a lot of bigger clubs have this kind of line up for speakers that we had here. We had a really successful year.”
Rotary District Governor Linwood Broussard named John Mayeaux and Steve Phillips the Paul Harris Fellows. Broussard presented Leonard Fontenot with the major donor award in recognition of his $10,000 donation to the Rotary Foundation.
Fontenot was also recognized as Rotarian of the Year, and Strawitz presented him with the award. Fontenot has been a member of Rotary for 28 years, and he has chaired the Paul Harris Fellows.
Fontenot said, “Thank ya’ll very much. I love the Rotary Club. I love the Rotary Foundation. It’s not about me — its about giving, about doing things for your community. There are a lot of hard working people in the Rotary Club, and it would be hard not to give this award to three or four people.
“I really appreciate this. Thank you very much.”