47th Charter Anniversary
15th February
Rotary Club of Altona 47th Charter night Honours our local community members with a Paul Harris Fellow. RC Altona also acknowledged our Friends of Rotary Club of Altona with Certificates of Appreciation and gift. Over 82 people attended a wonderful night at the Pirates Tavern, Williamstown Maritime Museum, Williamstown. A special thanks to our Club Service Officer Therese McKenney-Campbell for making this night happen.
Ben Gronow Receives ‘Paul Harris Fellow’ Award
On Friday 12th of Feb 2008 at the 47th Chapter Dinner for the Rotary Club of Altona, President Jim Donnar presented to St John Altona Adults Divisional Superintendent Ben Gronow the auspicious “Paul Harris Fellow’ Award for Ben’s commitment to community service through many avenues and especially his devotion to St John Ambulance. This was a complete surprise to Ben as his fellow members kept the award secret from him. The night was a great tribute to the Divisional Superintendent and mentor. With the help from Ben’s Family and especially his wife Gale, and State Officer John Crennan, both wrote a small history about Ben’s Service to St John and the Altona Community. Members commented that the look on Ben’s Face when his name was called out was priceless. The Paul Harris Fellow Award (PHF) is given to Rotarians who have been nominated for their achievement but also Rotarians honour someone else within their community for their outstanding service to the community and their humanitarian qualities.
During John Crennan’s speech, Ben’s 44 years of service was highlighted; He was Divisional Officer Cadets and then Divisional Superintendent Cadets, Regional Officer and Regional Superintendent of Western Metro and Central Regions and then returning back to Altona to bring the division back to the resurrect and strengthen the power house that it is today. It was also mentioned that Ben had competed and won Regional and State First Aid Comps, and numerous Major events at the MCG and RLA.
Ben joined St John at the Age of 11 and has had many different roles within the Altona Pirates Basketball Club.
Jay Hateley, Altona Divisional member, says ‘It was a great honour to be a part of this night and to have the honour of helping organise the Altona side of the night. I can gladly say I will never try to hold a secret from Ben again. From Me to Ben, You are more than my Divisional Super and Mentor, you are Family’.
Congratulations Ben!
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