Community Corner
LFP Rotary Honored John E. Halver, Ph.D for 59+ Years of Service
The LFP Rotary created The John E. Halver Society as a foundation to raise much needed funds for many local charities. The Rotary believes that Halver's lifetime work to help people matches their motto of "Service Above Self."
On Wednesday, members of the Lake Forest Park Rotary and their friends, family and guests made up an audience of 50 plus to honor John E. Halver, Ph.D. at The LFP Presbyterian Church.
Halver was awarded for his close to 60 years of service to The Rotary. He has been a member since 1953. He was further honored for his work in nutrition and the sciences. Halver agreed to lend his name to a new foundation called The John E. Halver Society to help raise funds for high needs projects in LFP.
Halver told Shoreline LFP Patch, “The LFP Rotary club has over 30 local projects they fund; from school support, providing dictionaries to students, meal baskets for local families in need, to the free medical clinic in Lake City.”
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Halver, who is 90 years old, doesn’t look a day past 73.
Halver said, “I have devoted my life to basic and applied research projects on animal nutrition and human health. I wrote over 200 papers on research problems that affect animal and human health. I have been involved in scientific technology transfer projects during the past 50 years in many national and 30 international sites. My focus has been on how specific nutrients required by animals and humans are used in cell physiology and metabolism. I have also been involved in recent research discoveries in cancer inhibition.”
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Breakfast was served shortly after 7:00 a.m. and speakers such as Paul McMurry and current LFP Rotary President Frank Michiels took part in introducing Halver and his family. Halver’s wife, Jane Loren Halver received a large bouquet of flowers as their daughter, Janet Fix was present to share the moment.
Shoreline LFP Patch asked Halver, “What does this mean to you? How does it feel to be honored?” Halver replied, “It’s a humbling honor. I was told about six months ago. I didn’t expect it. I agreed to put my name on this foundation because it is a worthy cause. It will bring about monetary support for needed programs in LFP.”
Halver also used the time at the podium to speak about the advantages and disadvantages of taking down dams such as The Elwha. A guest, Richard Rutz, who was involved the Elwha Dam removal was present. Rutz was asked for his thoughts on The Elwha Dam Project and helped to enhance Halver’s presentation.
We asked an eight-year Rotary member, Sally Renn, to give us her thoughts about the special ceremony. Renn said, “John is an amazing man. We are so proud to have him as a member of The Rotary. We lovingly refer to him as Mr. Fish Oil.”
Shoreline LFP Patch asked Halver if he had any additional words to share. Halver said, “I am President of Halver Corporation, an ecosystems consulting firm, with projects on multi-purpose use of resources for food and protein production. In addition to my scientific activities, I like to fish, hunt, and make an excellent hybrid merlot wine.”
