RUMFORD — The River Valley Rotary Club held its annual holiday party at 49 Franklin Street on Dec. 18, attended by some 20 plus Rotarians and guests. The night was full of surprises with five unexpected awards presented.

The first was given by immediate Past District Governor 7780 Marge Barker to immediate Past River Valley Rotary Club President Dave Duguay for meeting and exceeding fundraising for the Polio Plus Project last year. Duguay had invited long-time friend Regie Arsenault as a guest. He has been living with polio since he was 2. Arsenault, a former Mexico selectman, spoke on the importance of polio vaccinations and told what it is like living with polio.

An Appreciation Award was given the club for sponsoring and promoting the Community Giving Tree. It was presented by Michelle Worthley and Melissa McEntee of the Rumford Group Home for the Homeless.

The third award, also presented by Worthley and McEntee, was the Super Santa Award to Roger Whitehouse, who encouraged the community to participate in donating to the homeless.

Club President Randall Therrien was presented the Rotarian of the Year Award for service above self. Fellow Rotarian Roger Whitehouse made the presentation.

The final award was presented by Jerry Cohen to a fellow Rotarian for her continued community service as well as her service to the club. The Rotary Citizen of the Year Award went to Catherine Johnson-LaVorgnia.

The 2016 River Valley Rotary Club board is pictured receiving the Polio Plus Award with guests Regie Arsenault and Past District Governor Marge Barker.