Westfield / Mayville News

Posted by Ann Weidman 
 

COMMUNITY LEADER RECOGNIZED AT PUBLIC EVENT

Michael “Mike” Ricketts of Mayville was recognized as a Paul Harris Fellow by the Rotary Club of Westfield/Mayville at its recent Saturday evening auction. The auction, which is held at this time every year, also presents the club with the very public opportunity to recognize a non-Rotarian – for his or her selfless contributions to society.  Ricketts is such a person - one whose life exemplifies Rotary’s motto Service Above Self.
 
 
Starting with Jaycees involvement, Ricketts began in Wellsville and Jamestown and rose to regional directorships. He went on to become the state VP of Individual Development and then Senate president. He was awarded US Jaycee ambassadorship, NYS Governorship and then president of the state Jaycees.
 
Retiring in 2006 from Chautauqua County as director of probation, Ricketts continued involvement in bettering humankind and service to communities. His roots in Westfield, Mayville and Chautauqua County have led to volunteering county Youth Board, United Way, Mayville School Board president for six years, Habitat for Humanity Board, trainer for Project Blueprint, Chautauqua Leadership Network and six years on Westfield Memorial Hospital Foundation board.
 
Ricketts also is dedicated to the First Presbyterian Church as deacon and elder for several terms, chair for Worship and Music, serves on Pastor Nominating Committee and as Personnel, Property and Finance.
 
Although a non-Rotarian, Ricketts was designated as a Paul Harris Fellow in 2016 to recognize a person whose life demonstrates a shared purpose with the objectives and mission of Rotary and The Rotary Foundation to build world understanding and peace.
 
AUCTION WINNERS
 
Following a silent auction and a Chiavetta’s Chicken BBQ, Auctioneer David Brown and John “Doc” Hamels conducted the live auction, proceeds from which are used to serve the public.
 
The $500 drawing was won by Amy Begier of Mayvill, who noted that was “pretty awesome,” particularly because her employer, Rotarian Tracy Bennett, gave her a ticket for the evening.
 
Brad Szymczak of Westfield also won a 50/50 raffle of $400 – half for him and half for Rotary. His remark: “This is a great cause and it’s great to win this.”