Wityczak, Chambers honored as 2007 Rotary Outstanding Citizens
By Annie Lozar
Barbara Wityczak and Sherrie Chambers have both been named as Orofino Rotary
Club’s 2007 Outstanding Citizens of the Year.
Wityczak received two nominations, one from Lynn MacEachern and John Riley, and the other from Charlie Nation. Barb’s work with Community Action and the Orofino High School Teen Center has been phenomenal. I know that families and especially the teens of our community appreciate all she has done to give teens a healthy and safe center to recreate and help those in need of assistance with housing, heating, and so on.
Sherrie Chambers was nominated by Annie Lozar for the care and compassion given to those who cannot speak for themselves. Sherrie’s involvement with the Clearwater Humane Society in the care of injured and unwanted pets has been astounding. Sherrie is on call 24/7 to care for and find homes for our four-footed friends.
The 2007 Orofino Rotary Outstanding Citizen award program took the place of our regular Friday meeting. This annual award program began in 1983 to honor members of our community who exemplify the Rotary motto of “Service Above Self” in service to their community.
Past recipients include Joyce Roberts, Joann Lacy, Norm Fitzsimmons, Nick Albers, Janet Burnham, Ruby Philpot and Trapper Stewart, Laura Holzhey, Andy Arvish, James Douglas Gray, Estelle Hollibaugh, Harriet Reece, Julia Pullen and Paul Pippenger.
Also, Aretha Chilton, Monica Jones, Evelyn Olsen, Jack Campbell (in memory) and Maurice Paré, Elizabeth (Bessie) Orr, Sonny and Annabell Schilling, Cathy Walker, Clarence Howard, and John and Anne Riley.
The 2007 nominees and their nominators were as follows.
John Willard, nominated by Marshall Cook for his tireless work and efforts in forming, maintaining and improving the Sunnyside Fire District. John continues as Fire Chief working hard to protect his neighbors in the Sunnyside area.
Joe Pippenger, nominated by Randy Steiner for his prior and continued work for the citizens of Orofino since 1991 serving on the City Council for many years followed by two terms as Mayor as well as many additional committees for community betterment. Joe went well above the call of duty in everything he did during his years of service.
Father George King, nominated by Mike Riccomini. Father King has served the Orofino areas for many years. His dedication to his parishioners and citizens of the community are a testament to his caring and compassionate nature.
Ted Leach, nominated by Norm Fitzsimmons. Ted seems to have an unending determination to serve his community and his church. Ted has worked on so many committees and service projects that it would be impossible to enumerate them all. Most recently Ted oversaw and completed a new elevator at the Methodist Church. The only thing to slow Ted down might just be his recent shoulder surgery.
All of our nominees for 2007 were and continue to be amazingly dedicated to their chosen areas of service to their community. To select just one individual from those nominated was a very difficult task for the committee. In fact, it was so difficult this year that two awards were presented.
All of the nominees are winners and we honor each and every one and thank them for their past and continued good works.
Pictured top: 2007 Rotary Outstanding Citizen of the Year Barb Wityczak (center) with Orofino Rotary Club members Lynn MacEachern (left) and Dan Burnham (right).
Pictured right: 2007 Rotary Outstanding Citizen of the Year Sherrie Chambers (center) with Orofino Rotary Club members Lynn MacEachern (left) and Dan Burnham (right).