What better way to celebrate a 100th birthday than with the traditional Happy Birthday song.
Fellow Rotarian’s came together to celebrate 100 years of Rotary Club on Feb. 23 at Canterbury Village in Lake Orion.
‘I talked to several people about the Rotary’s 100th birthday,? said John Hallernan Clarkston Rotary President. ‘I have not been in an organization that has been around for this length of time.?
The guest list was long, including members of the Oxford, Clarkston, Davisburg and Waterford Rotary Clubs. There were about 25 members from each rotary at the event, and the good times kept on rolling.
The event began with an hour of mingling, cocktails and appetizers. Then, not long after, a buffet style dinner was served. Once everybody gathered in the same area, the conversation was lively.
‘This is fun,? said Jeff Lichty, District Governor. ‘Rotary got started with fellowship in mind, that was the first excuse and this is just a continuation of that.?
‘Most of these people run into each other at some point, but it’s good to bring everyone together tonight.?
Rotary has not only done justice for the community, but also for each of the members. Many of them feel complete with their work, while others feel there is more to be done. For some, like Hallernan, the club has introduced him to many wonderful relationships within the community.
‘Tonight is about getting together with a bunch of friends,? said Hallernan.
Rotarians at the event agreed on one thing ? every person mentioned the success of the club and continued to look back to the beginning.
Rotary is an international service club that was founded in 1905 by Paul P. Harris from Chicago, Illinois. After visiting with numerous tradesmen in the Chicago area, Harris decided to form a fellowship comprised of business men from different occupations, without restrictions of politics and religion.
Then on Feb 23, 1905, Harris formed the first Rotary Club with three other businessmen. The club was simple: there were three weekly meetings, which were rotated amongst the members? homes. Hence the name Rotary was born.
‘This feels great,? said Sue Dendler Kazmierski of Davisburg Rotary Club. ‘Everybody shares common goals all over the world with Rotary.?
Judy Wiryndrim, Davisburg Rotary says, ‘This is wonderful because this organization has been around for 100 years. We are international and it’s so great, we do a lot of good in the world.?
‘I think this is a wonderful cause,? said Lavon Crigger, Clarkston Rotary. ‘To have a club in existence that long, and to have grown so much is something to be proud of.?
‘I told my children that I had to attend this birthday because I won’t be around for the next big birthday,? said Lourdes Aragones, Oxford Rotary. ‘I love serving humanity, and we do that well.?
The Rotary is very dynamic. The club serves not only the community, but also reach out to places all over the world. Rotary is also known for the generous scholarships that go to students in the area, and welcoming newcomers into the group.
‘I’m new to the Oxford Rotary,? said Mike Barrett. ‘I love the club, the people and the mission statement.?
‘Now I am celebrating the 100th birthday and I am proud to be a part of the night.?
Roger and Mary Bentlage of the Oxford Rotary brought along a special friend to the big night ? foreign exchange student Richard Salas.
‘This is fantastic because this is the first time we have been to a rotary function in about 30 years,? said Roger Bentlage. ‘I’m happy to bring Richard with us tonight and show him the good things the rotary has done.?
‘It’s wonderful to have everyone together tonight,? said Ron Newman of Waterford Rotary. ‘We talk and share ideas for the future.?
All good things must come to an end right? The night eventually did, but the Rotary Clubs have only just begun.
‘I am looking forward to many more wonderful days ahead,? said Hallernan.