Incoming president Maurice "Mauri" Williamson was introduced by a proclamation read by Richard Smith and entered to the sound of trumpets, proceeding through a standing ovation
to receive the gavel. Mauri presented John with his new badge, diamond-set lapel button and bound copy of last year's Rotary Ripples. He then outlined his goals and objectives as president for the coming year:
- To take 15 leaders of the Greater Lafayette community into Rotary
- A five percent improvement in attendance
- The reduction of the mass exodus to zero
- The presentation of a broad spectrum of programs
- Increased sensitivity to the needs of the community and the energy to do something about them
- Good music and fellowship
- Personal dedication on the part of every Rotarian to be an active part of the purpose of Rotary
- Particular emphasis on good old down home friendliness every Tuesday
"The very singular objective I had in mind for my reign as president was to inject 'life' into the weekly meetings," Mauri recalls. "It always bothered me that the overriding pressures of tailored dark
suits, overpowering executive pressures and the general consensus of the individuals that they would pay for almost anything, but didn't want to do anything, set the mood for our club and for the way it did its work.
"Serving as president of the Lafayette Rotary was a banner year for me. Never have I led a group that was made up of the level of community leadership as this one. I've belonged to dozens of organizations, but none even
approach Rotary."
The Board of Directors approved these items:
- Two Merit Scholarships for $500 each
- A new Club Constitution
- $1,000 for the Kidney House
- In December, the directors of the Rotary Club and Foundation also approved a plan whereby the Foundation became the philanthropic arm of the club
Certain items/portions of the budget can now be considered "scheduled contributions" to the foundation. This allows Rotarians to deduct part of their dues for tax purposes.
Rotarians
collected $5,636 for the Salvation Army ($4,339 in club contributions and $1,297 in the kettles).
New directors elected in December were: Town: Byron Anderson and James Hanks; Gown: John Day and Leroy
Silva.
In March, dues were increased from $70 to $80 to meet increased budget expenses.
Scholarship/Citizenship winners from the local high schools honored in April included: Central Catholic:
Daniel LaReau and James Parr, Harrison: Katherine Frazer and Mark Malyen; Jefferson: Kern Ann Klinker and Douglas Witter, McCutcheon: Bud Runner and Wendy Leavitt; West Lafayette: Amanda Schrader and Brian Woerner.
Nelson Parkhurst became the newest Paul Harris Fellow.
