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Messenger photo by Linda Dillman
London Rotary President Gary Feliks (left) presents long-time Rotarian Mike Quilter (center) with the Four Way Test Award, during a Feb. 28 banquet at the London Country Club. Quilter was recognized for his community activism, dedication, and service with a plaque and a proclamation given on behalf of the state by Rep. Chris Widener (right). |
The Four-Way Test of Service Above Self for London Rotarians asks if an action is true, fair, beneficial, and builds goodwill or friendship. For the 2008 award winner, Mike Quilter, the answer is a resounding "yes."
Rotary Club members honored Quilter on Feb. 28 with a plaque from the organization and state proclamation presented by State Rep. Chris Widener.
"This is not a Rotary International recognition, but one the Rotary Club of London established a long time ago," said club President Gary Feliks. "It is the highest honor we can pay to a Rotarian. You have to look at the Four-Way Test as a collage, and Mike Quilter does it as well as anyone I know.
"There is no commonality to his interests. It runs the gamut. You can just go on and on."
During his remarks, Feliks said Quilter has embodied service above self through-out the years and stands up for the truth even if the message is not good. In addition, Feliks said Quilter always insures that all parties are treated fairly and honestly, even if it is to Quilter’s personal disadvantage.
Quilter joined the Rotary Club in 1991 and six years later was elected president. He received the Paul Harris Award in 2003 and is a sustaining member of Rotary International. He is a consultant, teacher and board member for Junior Achievement and is a founder of ACRE, an organization created to prevent the location of a landfill in the area. He has served two terms on the Chamber of Commerce Board, presiding as chairman in 2004, and spearheaded the Buy Local campaign in Madison County.
As a school volunteer, Quilter has served in many capacities, including mem-bership on the Business Advisory Council and the London Schools Foundation Board. He is a worship lector, Eucharistic minister, and chairman of the St. Patrick’s Parish finance council; served on the Madison County Senior Center Board of Directors; is chairman of the Madison County Hospital Foundation Planned Gifts Committee; and volunteers and assists individuals with estate planning at hospital seminars.
"This strong moral fiber is a blessing in virtually every organization he works with," commented Feliks. "One cannot be as involved as Mike has been without a personal commitment to building good will for the organization and our community in total.
"One of the reasons Mike has been so valuable to all of these many organizations is because he has the vision to understand the goals and principles of all parties involved. With that knowledge, he consistently drives a good balance to allow all parties accomplish their mission or goal."
