Raffle Winner
Morris Rotarians are proud to announce the winner of its recent raffle for a high-performance Husqvarna Snowblower. The top-of-the-line machine was won by Leila Marquit of New Berlin. She'll be able to clear a 27 inch swath in even heavy snow this winter. All proceeds from the raffle help to fund Rotary's many community projects in the Butternut Valley. Morris Rotary thanks Mrs. Marquit and all the other boosters who supported the raffle project.
Fancy Pheasants
They started raising Ringneck Pheasants 21 years ago but now concentrate on more exotic species. Gary and Susette Simpson of Norwich provided a fascinating summer program on their birds at a recent club meeting. The Simpsons are fully licensed by NYS to raise their pheasants and currently are hatching six of the world's 15 endangered species. Eggs are laid in the spring but it will be fall before the Simpsons can ship their birds to zoos, other breeding programs, or private collectors across the country or internationally. Most birds are in peak color during October. Public tours of the Simpson's facility can be arranged by calling 607-334-3596.
Leadership Conference
MRC Sends Three Students To RYLA
Morris Rotarians gave three Butternut Valley students the opportunity to attend the District's annual leadership forum at Hartwick College this summer. Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) were given to Lauren Hill (G-MU), Vanessa Hulse (MCS), and Emily LeBoeffe (MCS). The trio (from left, shown with President Lyle Smith) attended the week-long conference with 100 other high school juniors from across the Southern Tier. Most of District 7170's 45 Rotary Clubs provide scholarships to recruit students from city and rural schools, both large and small. The attendees participate in assorted activities designed to improve their leadership skills, to promote problem solving techniques, and to show the results of teamwork.