Marcellus Rotary honors others

By Charlie Smith

President of Marcellus Rotary

Recently Marcellus Rotary honored several Marcellians at their annual Good Works Dinner at the Tuscarora Golf Club.

This year two recipients were selected to receive the actual Good Works awards.  The first was Bethany Woods.

Woods works in the Marcellus School District as a social worker for kindergarten to third grade. She goes beyond what is expected to be sure that all kids have the comfort, security and conditions to obtain a good education and life in Marcellus. This has been exhibited by her arranging for a birthday party for a child that might not have had one, and for finding a new home and furnishings for a family to move into when their rental home was declared unhealthy because of black mold.  Bethany is a great example of someone who demonstrates “service above self”, the Rotary motto.

The second award was presented to the family of the late Leon Plochocki.

Plochoki was a young man was intending to become a lawyer, but after a short stint in the US Army and the opportunity to work with special ed kids in Syracuse his life direction changed.

He became a dedicated servant to youth and especially youth with special needs. After arriving in Marcellus he joined the Marcellus Optimist Club which does so many things for youth.

He became an advocate for the annual youth fishing derby which now honors him with his name.

Plochoki oved fishing so not only did he advocate for the derby, but he put his heart and soul into making sure that every kid had a good time and walked away with something every year.

He continued doing this even as his health failed to the point that it finally took his life.  Leon faced these last years with courage and grace and with the love of his family and the community sustaining him.

In addition to the Good Works Awards the two winners of the Rotary Service Above Self Scholarships were recognized.

They are Rebecca Grinnell and Emma Garn.  Both of these young ladies have displayed a desire to serve their churches, the fire department, and others, which is what service above self is all about.  Congratulations to both.

Finally, the night was topped by the official induction of our two newest members into Marcellus Rotary, Patty and Jordan Markham.  Already we are seeing their dedication to making Marcellus a better place to live by their activities in Rotary.  They are inspiring the rest of the members.