Mike Jefcoat

A Gardendale organization has honored one of its own by giving an award that in turn recognizes another cherished leader.

On June 26, the Gardendale Area Rotary Club named Mike Jefcoat as this year’s recipient of the Martha Wilson Award as Rotarian of the Year.

Jefcoat has been a member of the club for eight years and has served as sergeant at arms and as president twice.

Jefcoat said he was “shocked but honored” to win. He is the sixth person to receive the award.

“I know the rest of them and I don’t feel like I’m in the same league,” he said.

The former winners of the award — Gary Bailey, Sharon Burton, Lewis McDonald, Juanita Mordecai and Richard Bradley — chose this year’s winner.  

Martha Wilson, who died in 2008, was owner of Wilson’s Florist in Gardendale, which is still operated by her family. She was also a prominent member of Gardendale’s Rotary club.

On the same day, District 6860, Area 13 Assistant District Gov. Pat McTamney swore in the new slate of Rotary officers:

• President Steve Garrett

• President elect, position open

• Secretary Jeff Rasbury

• Treasurer Sharon Burton

• Sergeant at Arms Teresa Watson

The club also announced various chairmen:

• Membership, Cliff Rhodes

• Service projects, Gary Travis

• Rotary Foundation, Randall Young

• Public Relations, Leenise Gaddy

• Club administration, Rasheeda Burton

• Interact, Martin Uptain and Lee Weinman

• Speaker and programs, Kenny Clemons

• Food, Will Hardman