The Hinesville Rotary Club installed new officers during its meeting Tuesday at the La Quinta Inn in Flemington.
Marcus Sack was sworn in as Hinesville Rotary’s new president by Alfie Cofield, Rotary district director. Brigitte Shanken was sworn in as vice president. Cofield also swore in the other officers, many of whom were elected to serve another term.
Cofield called members’ attention to the many former club presidents among them.
“These are some folks you can count on,” said Cofield, addressing his comments directly to Sack. “They’ve all been in your shoes. They certainly have the wisdom you need and can draw on. I suggest you form a past-president’s council and give them your biggest project.”
Grinning, he told Sack the best Rotary Club office to hold is that of a former president. He concluded by congratulating the club for winning the Silver Award for the district.
“I thank each of you sitting here,” said Sack, smiling as he turned to outgoing president Tom Jackson. “Tom, I’m glad to hear you say the time passes quickly. That’s encouraging.”
Sack then discussed growing up in a Rotary Club. The engineer with P.C. Simonton & Associates knew a good portion of the four-way test by the time he was 13, he said.
“I believe it’s because of clubs like this that make people aspire to do something great,” he said. “I propose to you that the Hinesville Rotary Club never become just another supper club — that we continue to make a difference.”
Also at the meeting, some members were honored for their community service.
Jackson thanked club members for their support as he began to name recipients of the club’s “Service Above Self Award.”
“We had an absolutely wonderful year,” said Jackson, as he asked all former club presidents to stand. “You’re a fine-looking crowd, too.”
Shanken was among those awarded by Jackson, who thanked her for getting news about Rotary events and activities to the public.
“She’s kept us out there,” he said. “She made this club happen.”
Sack also was recognized and presented some tongue-in-cheek awards of his own.
The first such award, the “I support my wife award,” was presented to Jimmy Shanken;  Member David Morris received the “Joe Ford award,” while Joe Ford received the “David Morris award.” Robert Stokes, whose leg was in a cast for several months last year, received the “Break your leg award.”
Morris, Ford and Stokes previously were recognized with real awards for their service to the club and community.