The Jefferson Rotary Club recently gave two awards to individuals for their community service.

The Professional of the Year Award went to former Genesis Development CEO Terry Johnson. The award is given to someone who is recognized for their service to the area in their work. The award follows the “object of Rotary,” in the encouragement of high ethical standards in business and professions, the worthiness of all useful occupations, and one’s occupation as an opportunity to serve society.

Johnson recently retired as CEO after 40 years of service. He was hired as director in 1979 and grew the organization from four employees in one location with a $120,000 budget, to over 500 employees in 17 locations with a $19 million budget. Johnson joins other recipients including: Dan Benitz, Rick Morain, Don Orris, Sam Harding, Doug Rieder, Gary VonAhsen, Craig Hertel, Teresa Green, Chris Durlam, Norm Fandel and Ken Paxton.

Bruce Bahnson was honored as the Avenue of Service Award recipient. The award goes to a Rotarian whose volunteerism coincide with Rotary’s five Avenues of Service – service to the local club, to his or her vocation, to our community, to youth, and to our world.

Bahnson joined the Jefferson Rotary Club in 1985. He has previously served on the Jefferson-Scranton School Board, Prairie Lakes Area Education Agency Board and was the Vice-President of People Active for Community Exercise (PACE) that led to the construction of the Greene County Community Center. Additionally, he previously served as Rotary President of the Jefferson and

Perry clubs. He and his wife Beth have also participated in the International Rotary Foreign Exchange Student program. He joins other recipients including: Chris Durlam, the late Fred Morain and the late Francis Cudahy, Nancy Stroburg, Jim Copeland, Jacque Andrew, Mike Mumma, Steve Schwalleer, Don Orris, Larry Fie, Ruth Freeman, Gary Von Ahsen and Sam Harding.