Welcome to the inaugural release of the new Rotary Club of the North Fork Valley Newsletter. The intent is to give you an easy way to know things that are of interest to you as a Rotary member. Please submit your comments, suggestions, and most of all content at the link at the end of this newsletter. The newsletter publishes monthly, so submit events and articles early.
We are your friends and neighbors who are deeply committed to supporting the needs of people living in the North Fork Valley. Currently we are focusing most of our attention on young people with scholarships, dictionaries and leadership development opportunities. We also do a little clean up and partner with local organizations.
We could do more if you joined us.
Why Rotary?
One person can help another. Many people together can do so much more. Rotary is an international service organization. For over a century - people just like you - have been doing good in the world. There are now 1.2 million of us.
We start by looking for ways to serve locally. We also look beyond our valley, expanding our vision internationally. For the past few years, we have partnered with an organization that promotes healthy eating habits in poor African villages.
We also participate in Rotary Youth Exchange, a program that supports high school students as ambassadors of their communities and countries.
We meet for an hour weekly for fellowship and inspiration. The latter comes from within our group as well as from invited speakers. Where else might you learn about the development of the edible apple, the experience of a German Jewish child during World War II, agrivoltaics, and the reading program of an award-winning local teacher?
We think you belong in this picture. Please let one of us know you are interested in joining.
Most of us know that Paul Harris, a lawyer in Chicago, is the founding father of Rotary. In 1905, "Chicago was a maelstrom of commercial exploitation, social unrest, political corruption, and religious fundamentalism. . ." At the age of 35, lawyer Harris found himself wanting for personal friends to form a club of businessmen, who would be a trusted group to enjoy fellowship and to exchange trade with one another. He, Silvester Schiele, Hiram Shorey and Gustavus Loehr met on February 23, 1905, to get the ball rolling. One month late, Silvester was elected president of the group, which now numbered 15. While Paul was the obvious choice, he declined in order to concentrate on attracting new members.
Some Rotary tidbits:
Many names for the club were suggested. Because the initial meetings rotated among the offices of the members, how about the Rotation Club. While not quite right, "how about Rotary Club then?" suggested Paul. Approved!
Starting in the beginning and for many years thereafter, membership in an individual Rotary club was limited to one person per profession.
After Paul Harris received his law degree, and before landing in Chicago, he set off to discover the world. He was a newspaper reporter, day laborer, teacher, actor, cowboy, night clerk, deck hand, salesman, and took any other job available to complete a 5-year adventure.
Next month: How Rotary became a service organization.
My purpose in reviewing our history is to deepen our understanding of how our beginnings as an organization have shaped what we are today and likely to become in the future. We don't just gather for a meal and talk to each other; we are an impressive and powerful service organization.
Sarah Bishop, Assistant Governor District 5470, 2025-26
The one-mile section of HWY 133 assigned to the Rotary Club is clean again thanks to members (l to r) Bob McHugh, Bruce Lemire, Sarah Bishop, Greg Thompson and Tim Mitchell. Give them a "Shout Out" when you see them roaming the streets.
