Demopolis Rotary Club holds annual Spouses’ Night

Food, laughter and awards marked the annual Demopolis Rotary Club Spouses’ Night Thursday, April 16, at the Kingfisher Yacht Basin.

Highlighting the evening was the presentation of the Service Above Self Award to Demopolis club member Wade Drinkard. In his remarks Past District Governor Bob Callahan said the award is bestowed annually by Rotary International to no more than 150 Rotarians for their contributions of time and talent. Since Rotary International has 1.2 million members, the award makes Drinkard “one in a million,” said Callahan.

But that wasn’t the only accolade Drinkard received. Each year the local club votes on a Rotarian of the Year, and club president Jay Reynolds announced Drinkard had been selected by his fellow Rotarians for the honor.

Visibly surprised, Drinkard joked, “For the first time I’m speechless.”

Current District Governor Linda Mong, on hand for the festivities, received her own honor when the club stood and serenaded her with “Happy Birthday.”

Callahan also honored club member Jan McDonald, who served as his aide during his term as district governor. He named her a Paul Harris Fellow, which includes a contribution to the Rotary Foundation of $1,000 to continue its work of service around the world.

On a lighter note, the club named the winners of the worst and best jokes of its annual Mackey Mayhem. They were, respectively, Mike Grayson and John Wallace.

The club enjoyed a meal prepared and served by students enrolled in the Culinary Institute of Demopolis High School and their teacher, Andi Turberville.