We celebrated the change of command from one Rotary year to the next with a picnic at Bayou Gulch on June 24.  Past President Harold McCloud passed on a new gavel to incoming president Michael Graham-Hyde.

As part of the celebrations, several Rotarians were honored with Rotarian of Distinction awards.  Click here to view a gallery of recipients.  Most importantly, Michael Graham-Hyde received the Rotarian of the Year award for his work in organizing the first annual Parker Uncorked wine festival.

We can celebrate two months of almost non-stop service projects in May and June!  We’ve already mentioned the painting of the gazebo on May 6 in an earlier Lamplighter.  But look at everything else that has happened:

 
365Health Fair (May 13)
Several Rotarians helped with setup and other tasks at the 356Health Fair, while some even gave their blood!  The Fair served over 170 clients -- terrific for a first outing.

 
Praying Hands Ranch Work Days (May 20, June 17)
We have worked at Praying Hands Ranch twice in this new gardening season, cleaning up the sensory garden and planting 67 perennials.  This is the crew from June 17.
 

Parker Task Force Food Drive (June 3)
We had a large crew at the King Soopers in Cottonwood, with Rotarians stationed at both entrances.  We collected 86 boxes of food, as well as 92 dozen eggs, 86 gallons of milk and 100 packages of hot dogs.  We also collected just shy of $1500 in cash and gift cards.  Thank you, Parker and Parker Rotarians!
 

Parker Days Beer Tent (June 10)
Two shifts of Rotarians worked at one of the beer tents at Parker Days.  The weather was intermittently terrible, but nothing stops a Rotarian’s smile!  Click here for more photos...
 

Shelter Box at Parker Days (June 9-11)
Along with the Cheery Creek Valley Rotary Club, we helped staff a tent with information on Shelter Box.

Mike Oldham's many contributions to Rotary were recognized on June 8 when he was presented with the Jim Brook Timeless Rotarian Award.  Jim Brook and Joan Tilden (Club President) of the Summit Rotary Club were on hand to present the award.  Congratulations, Mike!

Although the skies threatened rain, the Cornhole Tournament on May 25 between the Rotary Club of Parker and the Cherry Creek Valley Rotary Club of Parker ended with our club the winner.  President-Elect Michael holds the trophy presented by Kelly Young.  Kam Breitenbach, President of the Cherry Creek Valley Rotary Club of Parker (aka the noon club) looks on.