LIBERTY, NY — It’s not often that River Reporter columnist Jonathan Charles Fox is left speechless, but learning that he had been named a Paul Harris Fellow did the job.

Liberty Rotary President Gary Siegel told him on a Thunder 102 broadcast months ago, before coronavirus. “You were silent for at least 30 seconds,” he told Fox at the Rotary’s award ceremony, held last Wednesday via Zoom.

Paul Harris founded the original Rotary Club over a century ago. Rotary Clubs can honor as Paul Harris Fellows people, including non-Rotarians, who demonstrate service above self. Past Fellows include Jimmy Carter, Pearl Bailey and Dr. Jonas Salk.

“You can always count on Jonathan to be at local events, celebrations and fundraisers wearing a camera around his neck while mingling and taking photos,” said director Barbi Neumann-Marty. “These photos are often used to highlight the event/cause/celebration by bringing recognition, awareness and support to whatever it may be.” She added, “Jonathan always goes above and beyond using his talents and resources and holds nothing back.”

He’s been writing In My Humble Opinion for 25 years, Fox said, “the last 15 in Sullivan County. What’s been extremely rewarding for me is that I get to connect with the community and I’ve never felt that before.”

He praised Rotary and added, “to be recognized for doing something for pure reasons altogether is really, really kind of cool.”

At the end of the description of a Paul Harris Fellow it says “do-gooder.” Fox said, “I’d like to think in a small way I’m a do-gooder, whether it’s through my radio work or out in the world doing what it is I do. I’m inspired by the community.”