Rotary will honor Harris medalists

SALISBURY — On Tuesday, June 7, the Salisbury Rotary Club and Foundation will honor three outstanding citizens who have worked for the benefit of their communities for more than a total of 75 years.At a gala benefit dinner at the Cornucopia Banquet Hall in Torrington, the three will certainly be roasted but more likely praised by those nearest and dearest to them.Salisbury’s retired Board of Finance honcho, Carl Williams, reputed to be the man behind the one of the lowest mill rates in the state, camp director, teacher, writer of doggerel supreme; Jerry Baldwin, longtime banker, mortgage pal in both Torrington and Salisbury, and community stalwart and now the owner of the brand new Caddie Shack in North Canaan; and Digby Brown, whose name is synonymous with SWSA, skiing, the Salisbury Association and the Salisbury Housing Trust — all will be receiving Rotary’s highest honor, the Paul Harris Medal.Named after one of the founders of Rotary Clubs International, the award is the highest form of recognition in Rotary throughout the world. To earn the award requires demonstrated leadership, tolerance and exceptional service above self over a long period of time.In bestowing this award to the three community leaders, Rotary expresses profound gratitude for substantial devotion to the community. These contributions come in the form of far-sighted ideas, hard work, cheerful direction and inclusive community concern.“In years past, we’ve given Harris awards, but we’ve always sort of hidden our light under the proverbial bushel, kept the kudos in the club,” said Rick DelPrete, Salisbury Rotary Club’s current president. “But by honoring Carl Williams, for example, we’re citing extraordinary achievement outside the club. These three guys are terrific and they deserve to be recognized publicly.”Both Brown and Baldwin are past presidents of the Salisbury Rotary Club. Brown has become the annual fireworks generalissimo, while Baldwin is chair of the Community Gifts Committee, which oversees foundation gifts to various civic and public organizations in need, i.e., local food and fuel banks, ambulance companies, fire companies, libraries, etc.Under the leadership of Rotarians Jean Valette of North Canaan and Val Bernardoni of Wolcott, plans for this event have been underway for nearly six months. Each of the honorees will be introduced by someone who knows them well, which means that histories will be presented — all in good humor — as well as accomplishments.The June 7 celebration will begin at 5:30 p.m. and a cash bar will be available. Choices of meal will be selected in advance. Invitations are already in the mail, and an impressive list of sponsors is lined up. “If we omit anyone, take us to task,” said DelPrete. “Call me or grab another Rotary member and complain. We want a grand turnout for these men.” For more information and reservations, call Susan Dickinson at 860-435-9828.