Kensington-Berlin Sunrise Rotary Club Celebrates Distinctive Year

The Kensington- Berlin Rotary Sunrise Rotary Club was awarded the Presidential Citation with Distinction from Rotary International President Ray Klinginsmith.  District Governor Prasad Menon presented the award to President Elaine Pavasaris at a recent club meeting.  In order to receive the prestigious award, the club evaluated their current practices, discovered deficiencies and then implemented an action plan.  This award demonstrates the club’s commitment to fellowship and service,” according to Elaine Pavasaris.  In addition, the club was also received the coveted Member Retention Award from Rotary International for having retained 100 percent of its members for the year. They were the only club out of 62 clubs in the District to qualify for this award. 

All 18 members volunteered to prepare and serve food for the New Britain Salvation Army’s Out of the Cold Luncheon, conducted Amber Alert Sessions, participated in the Berlin Relay for Life and raised over $1000 for the American Cancer Society, partnered with Liberty Bank and raised over $1400 for the Berlin Food Pantry, awarded Scholarships to Berlin High seniors, distributed dictionaries to all the third graders in Berlin.  In addition, Scholarships were awarded to Berlin High Seniors, Kevin Kozikowski and Jenna Broussreau for exemplary level of community service. 

For the first time in club history, two Berlin High sophomores were awarded RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Awards) which is a leadership training program held at Springfield College.  The members also exceeded their goals in contributing to the Bill and Melinda Gates challenge to eradicate polio in the world and participated in an international matching grant program to purchase a generator for a school in India.         

“Our small club represents the ideals of Rotary which is 'Service Above Self,'” states President Elaine Pavasaris. "I am so proud of our club and the projects we have completed this year. Our membership is growing with a 40 percent increase over this year.  We are a small but dedicated group who work together to do good deeds in the community and internationally."

If you have the desire to give back and want to actively participate in an organization, then please give Elaine Pavasaris a call (860) 463-9193 or go to: www.kensingtonrotary.org