Troy Rotarians are dedicated to supporting the advancement of young people through community programs, leadership opportunities and academic endowment. During their March 29 meeting, three longstanding members were recognized by the District Governor, Bill Shula, as “Paul Harris Fellows.” Carol Baer, Joan Heidelberg, John Haller and his wife, Tracy, received the recognition in thanks to their contributions to the The Rotary Foundation of Rotary International. Established in 1957, the Paul Harris Fellow recognition acknowledges individuals who contribute, or who have contributions made in their name, of $1,000 to The Rotary Foundation. These funds are used for Rotary’s Ambassadorial Scholarships each year to encourage graduate-level studies at universities around the world and Rotary’s global campaign to eradicate polio in this lifetime. Baer, Heidleberg and the Hallers join the more than one million other generous donors around the world whose donations to The Rotary Foundation have provided funds for these global programs.

Baer’s passion and vocation is education. Currently a supervisor in the Office of Partnership and Field Experiences at Wright State University, she is responsible for the evaluation of teacher candidates as well as acting as a liaison between the college and participating schools. She is a past president of the Troy Rotary Club and continues to support the current slate of officers with her enthusiasm and counsel. Heidleberg is the retired director of Brukner Nature Center. Through her world travels, she saw an opportunity to take Brukner’s mission of promoting wildlife conservation through preservation, education and rehabilitation to other parts of the globe. Thanks to her leadership, the Troy Rotary Club helps sponsor the Mutinda Wildlife Education Center in Kangundo, Kenya. This project was recently highlighted in the global magazine, The Rotarian, as a notable worldwide program. Haller, a financial advisor with Wright-Patt Credit Union in Troy, has been a member of Rotary for 20 years. During this time, he has served as club president for both the Greenville and Troy organizations. Currently, Haller serves as an Assistant District Governor, working with area Rotary clubs on their programs and project goals. He is a member of the Paul Harris Society and dedicated this recent recognition to honor his wife for her invaluable support of his involvement with Rotary over the years.

Troy Rotarians, and the Troy Rotary Foundation, support several community projects annually. In 2014-15, more than $16,000 in scholarships and community aid was distributed from the fund, including the annual Shoe Project, Troy After Prom, scholarships, and sponsorships to summer camps at Brukner Nature Center and Waco Air Museum. The Troy Rotary Club is a member-involved, goal-oriented service club focused on socio/economic issues that have an impact both locally and internationally. Follow their activities on Facebook at Troy Rotary Club. To learn more about Rotary and membership, please visit www.troyohiorotary.org.