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Berkhouse Named ‘Unsung Hero’ By Rotary

Tom Berkhouse was recognized as the “unsung hero” and Rotarian of the Year of the Westfield-Mayville Rotary Club for his dedicated service by Janese Berkhouse, 2017-18 club president. She presented Tom with the award and a token of appreciation during a club celebration held on July 10 at Noble Winery. Submitted photo

Tom Berkhouse, a Westfield resident, was given special recognition as the “Unsung Hero” of the Rotary Club of Westfield-Mayville for the 2017-18 club year at the organization’s July 10 celebration at Noble Winery. Janese Berkhouse, 2017-18 club president, bestowed the honor upon this well-deserving Rotarian, who is a 10-year club member and who happens to be her spouse.

“My final thank you of the evening goes to the Rotarian who has chaired our auction for ten years,” she said. “When our Rotary Club was approached by a local foundation who offered a unique $10,000 challenge, Tom was instrumental in meeting with foundation representatives, along with Jim Wakeman, Club Foundation Chair, and he continued to work on the four fundraising events which contributed to us meeting our PolioPlus Challenge.”

In 18 months, the club surpassed its challenge goal and locally raised $11,715.46, which with various matches ultimately became $65,146.38 to aid global polio eradication efforts. This provided 108,577 children with doses of the polio vaccine. The polio virus remains in Afghanistan, Nigeria and Pakistan.

“I was very surprised to receive this award. There are so many needs in the communities which our club serves,” Tom Berkhouse said. “It is very easy for service to become a way of life.” This Rotary Club serves the five communities of Brocton, Mayville, Ripley, Sherman and Westfield, and it also supports international service.

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