Williams honored with prestigious Rotary award

     Steve Williams was honored last week by the Monticello Rotary Club with the Paul Harris Society Award.

     “Today we recognize Steve, our newest Paul Harris Society member, for enabling Rotary to make an impact on individuals, families, and entire communities. On their behalf, I offer our sincere appreciation for your ongoing generosity,” read Rotary President Kathy Pratt.

     Harris is the founder of Rotary, and the Society recognizes Rotary members and friends who contribute $1,000 or more a year toward the Rotary Foundation or approved funds. Some of those causes/funds include the Annual Fund and the Polio Plus Fund. In Williams’ case, his $1,000 goes toward Rotary’s general fund.

     “It goes toward projects and the other good works Rotary does,” Williams said.

     Other Monticello Rotary Club members who have been recognized as Paul Harris Society awardees include Gerald Retzlaff and Dan Stadtmueller.

     Because of contributions like this:

     • Children are vaccinated against polio and other diseases

     • Adults and children can learn to read and write

     • Women are given microloans and vocational training that enable them to support themselves and their families in a healthy and dignified way

     • Teachers and schoolchildren have access to toilet facilities and clean drinking water

     • Scholars are able to study ways to prevent maternal and child mortality

     • Professionals from around the world convene to discuss strategies for resolving conflict and fostering peace

     Williams has been active in Rotary since 1980. He joined the Monticello club in 2006 when he and wife Nancy moved back to the community. Other community clubs he’s been a part of were Marion, Fort Madison, and Marshalltown.

     Williams said he got involved in the Monticello for several reasons, including the fact that they meet at noon. As a school administrator at the time, not having an evening meeting was a good thing.

     “It’s a good quality group of people and their values are what I subscribe to,” he said.

     Williams has been president of the club, and other clubs, in the past. He said while most people his age tend to drop out, he’s remained active for several years.

     Over the years, Williams has helped plant trees at the Rotary park-and-drive south of town. He’s also volunteered at blood drive events.

     “I just got involved in whatever they have going on,” he said.

     Williams started donating his $1,000 at the beginning of 2020.

     “It’s just the next natural step in my Rotary involvement,” he said. “It’s a good thing to do.”

     He plans to continue his financial contribution in 2021.

     Williams and Nancy were named a Paul Harris Fellow when they lived in Fort Madison, too.

     With several service clubs in the Monticello community, Williams said the best thing people can do for themselves and the community is to belong to something like Rotary.

     “They have good programs and give back to the community,” he said.

     Cedar/Jones Early Childhood Iowa (ECI) Coordinator Sherri Hunt and CPPC (Community Partnerships for Protecting Children) Coordinator Heather Weers were the presenters during the March 29 Rotary meeting. Williams said both ladies do so much for Jones County. Williams, himself, also used to serve on the ECI board.

     “Rotary has donated toward ECI,” he said.