Rotary Honors Grossman For 50 Years Of Service

Raising his wine glass for a toast, Colin Gershon soon placed his glass back on the table to applaud the many Newtown Rotary Club members honored Monday, June 28.

That evening Mr Gershon stepped down as district governor, handing his title to Julie Reppenhagen. Seated at a table at Mona Lisa Restaurant where Monday’s Pass the Gavel Diner filled the dining hall, Rotary President-elect Carrie Swan tapped wine glasses with Ms Reppenhagen. Within the hour Ms Swan would trade places with outgoing Rotary President William Calderara. Her first action as the new president is to promote Rotary’s exchange students program. (See related story.)

Among the honored guests who turned their attention to Mr Calderara at the podium as dinner plates disappeared, Robert Grossman received the Frank Miles Award Monday — both an honor and surprise to Dr Grossman, who is a 50-year Rotary member.

With only hours to go before passing his president’s gavel to Ms Swan, Mr Calderara spoke highly of Dr Grossman. Regarding the Frank Miles Award, he said, “If anyone exemplifies the meaning of Rotary, it’s Bob.”

He was “definitely surprised,” by the award, Dr Grossman said. The late Frank Miles, a Rotary member for many years, had always been available to help members of the community, Dr Grossman said. He set a good example for the Rotary motto: service above self, Dr Grossman said. “I hope I live up to the standards Frank has set.”