Westfield resident Carolyn Bills, left, was given Paul Harris Fellow distinction by the Rotary Club of Westfield-Mayville at its Dec. 18 Christmas gathering at Webb's Captain's Table in Mayville. Janese Berkhouse, center, Immediate Past Club president, nominated Bills for the honor and James Wakeman, Club Foundation chair, coordinated the recognition. Submitted photo

Carolyn Bills, a 50-year member of the Westfield community, was recently given surprise recognition as a Paul Harris Fellow award recipient by the Rotary Club of Westfield-Mayville. This special presentation occurred on Dec. 18 during this Rotary Club’s Christmas gathering at Webb’s Captain’s Table in Mayville.

Janese Berkhouse, Immediate Past Club President, nominated Carolyn Bills, a non-Rotarian, for this honor. About Bills, Berkhouse said, “Rotary’s motto of ‘Service Above Self’ describes the philosophy tonight’s honoree lives by.”

The award is named after Paul Harris, a Chicago lawyer who founded Rotary in 1905. The presentation of Paul Harris Fellow recognition is The Rotary Foundation’s way of expressing appreciation for a substantial contribution to its global humanitarian and educational programs. In 1979 the first non-Rotarian Paul Harris Fellow was given to an individual who exemplified the dreams of Rotary. As stated on the award certificate, it is “in appreciation of tangible and significant assistance given for the furtherance of better understanding and friendly relations among peoples of the world.”

James Wakeman, Club Foundation Chair, coordinated the recognition with committee endorsement. Paul Harris Fellow status is based on a $1,000 donation to The Rotary Foundation.

“This fall, a very generous former Rotarian of another Rotary Club in our area pledged $5,000 to fund the recognition of a non-Rotarian as endorsed by each of the five Rotary Clubs in Chautauqua County in their respective communities,” Wakeman said. “The Rotary Club of Westfield-Mayville is grateful to this benefactor, and is pleased to honor Carolyn Bills as a very deserving recipient.”

Berkhouse announced some of Bills’ volunteer accomplishments. As a long-time member of her church, Bills has served as an elder and deacon, and she currently serves as the secretary of the board of deacons. “You will see our honoree actively performing congregational outreach, such as delivering flowers and gift baskets to shut-ins, and also assisting in communion preparation and working fundraisers throughout the year. Her work continues as a steward of the First Presbyterian Church Burial Ground, where she plants flowers, gardens and does cemetery clean up.”

Bills also serves as secretary of the Westfield Cemetery Board of Directors. She has completed some historical transcriptions for the McClurg Museum of the Chautauqua County Historical Society, and has supplied refreshments for this organization’s fundraisers and open house. “In the summer you will find Carolyn Bills volunteering at the Patterson Library’s annual book sale,” Berkhouse said. “As you move a couple of miles down Route 20, you will find her at the Grape Discovery Center, serving on the Finance and Events Planning Committees, working in the Retail and Wine Shop, assisting with special functions, and, yes, that is her doing some grounds work. ”

In addition, Bills is a member of the Concord Grape Belt Heritage Association Board, and has served on its Operations and Marketing Committees. She is also a past member of the Westfield/Barcelona Chamber of Commerce.

In 2008 Bills retired from Welch’s as Consumer Affairs Manager. One of the notable achievements of her 30-year career was the role she played in the development of the Welch’s Call Center, the toll-free consumer 800 number housed in Westfield

“She is also a true friend of Rotary. She organized our successful ‘Shred Fest’ venture, and for many years she has assisted the dessert and beverage committee during our Rotary Club’s annual Gold Rush and Auction fundraisers,” Berkhouse said.

“Her ‘Pause After Claus’ cocktail party in her home was a very popular auction item for numerous years, and having attended this, I know why! Plus, she frequently assists our club’s membership chair with duties, as her husband Peter Bills is the Westfield-Mayville Rotary Club’s Membership Chair.” Berkhouse concluded, “‘Service Above Self’ is very important, as clearly demonstrated. But perhaps more important to Carolyn Bills is commitment to family. We thank her family for sharing her with our community.”