Paul Harris
winners: Always looking for more ways to help

By Linda Lemmon
Town Crier Editor
PUTNAM — Service to their communities earned three local residents a prestigious Paul Harris Fellow award.
At the Putnam Rotary Club’s induction and awards ceremony, Robert Challinor Jr., Jackie Lajoie and Rotarian Crystal Simonson received the awards. And it was kept as a surprise.
Challinor, president of Putnam’s Veterans Advisory Committee and the town’s veterans agent and more, is involved in nearly aspect of veterans services. Were it not for Challinor’s energy and drive, the reborn Putnam Veterans Park would not exist. And he’s always looking for more ways to help veterans.
Lajoie was honored for her service to the St. Joseph’s Church community in North Grosvenordale. It started with organizing bingo to help St. Joseph’s school. When the school was closed, the bingo games continued helping the church. And her help widened to help feed those in need and much more.
Simonson won the award for her energy, enthusiasm and work on programs and speakers for Rotary all year long. She’s always upbeat, always smiling — and always looking for more ways to help.
The Paul Harris, named after the founder of Rotary Club, is the Rotary’s highest honor. The awards were given out by committee chair Jeff Rawson.
In addition to the awards, new officers were inducted including: Kathy Kirk, president; Martha Paquette, president-elect; Emily Barnes, secretary; and Fred Chmura, continuing as treasurer; and Doug Porter, immediate past president. Three sergeants-at-arms: J. Scott Pempek, Jonathan Tremblay and Jonathan Sturdevant. The board of  directors includes: Jennifer Brytowski, Linda Lemmon, Crystal Simonson and Cheryl Guillot.

captions, top to bottom:

Nominator Gary Osbrey, left, and Rob Challinor.

From left: Jackie Lajoie, nominator Rachael Johnston and Jeff Rawson.

From left: Nominator Maddie Smith, Crystal Simonson and Jeff Rawson. Linda Lemmon photos.

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