During its December meeting, the Rotary Club of Twin Valley honored several of its members and presented a donation to the Twin Valley Food Pantry (TVFP), which represented the money the club raised during its Empty Bowls event held this year on Nov. 6 at Conestoga Mennonite Church. As part of the event, local artists and Rotary Club members created and donated handmade ceramic bowls, after which community members gathered for a soup dinner and were able to select a bowl to keep.

The club welcomed District Governor Jan Bairos for her official visit. She presented special recognitions to four members for their service - Dick Oswald, Bruce Hartshorne, Ron Moyer and Bill Clements. Bairos provided biographical information about each recipient.

Oswald is a past president and long-serving club secretary. "Despite maintaining a full-time work schedule, he remains one of our most reliable and dedicated members," Bairos stated. Oswald handles club administration and manages the kitchen for the Empty Bowls fundraiser, which includes coordinating soup donations and supplies.

Hartshorne, past club president, conceived and continues to lead the "Litter to Literacy" initiative, where the club maintains a section of Route 23 through PennDOT's Adopt-A-Highway program while raising funds for the Village Library of Morgantown. "His dedication, reliability and quiet leadership have made this program one of our signature service efforts," Bairos stated. "Bruce consistently models humility, hard work, and genuine care for our community. His servant's heart shines through every project he touches."

Moyer is a charter member of the Rotary Club and has served as president, treasurer and membership chair. "His deep commitment to Rotary and its ideals is unmatched," Bairos stated. Moyer and his wife, Jill, also help coordinate the Empty Bowls project, hosting bowl-making sessions and helping fellow Rotarians create the pottery pieces that are offered at the event.

Clements is principal of Twin Valley High School, where he works to build a strong partnership between the club and the school community. He coordinates student volunteers for major service events like Empty Bowls and Adopt-A-Highway. Clements also organizes the club's Student of the Month program and the Rotary speech contest. "His ongoing support connects our club with young leaders and strengthens Rotary's presence throughout the Twin Valley community," Bairos stated.

Following the awards, the club presented a donation to Howard Moss, TVFP director.

The Rotary Club of Twin Valley meets on the first and fifth Wednesdays of the month at 6 p.m. at the Village Library, 207 Walnut St., Morgantown. The club also meets on the third Wednesday of the month at 7:30 a.m. at the Windmill Family Restaurant, 2838 Main St., Morgantown. Students of the Month are recognized during the meetings held at the Windmill Restaurant. Prospective members are welcome.

To learn more about the club, visit www.twinvalleyrotary.org or search for "The Rotary Club of Twin Valley" on Facebook.