Local Rotary celebrates 95 years of service
Rotary completed Guttenberg's River Walk, from Main Street to Broadway Street, and dedicated it to the City of Guttenberg on July 24, 1997. The River Walk is by far the most used of all projects Rotary has done in the City of Guttenberg. (Press photo by Shelia Tomkins)
By Caroline Rosacker
Founded in Chicago in 1905, Rotary International is a global volunteer network of 1.4 million neighbors, friends, leaders, and problem-solvers who see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change.
International and local Rotary groups have contributed to polio eradication; peace efforts; international education; humanitarian projects; literacy programs, and water management for communities in need, especially in developing countries.
Guttenberg Rotary Club
The Guttenberg Rotary Club has contributed to the betterment and beautification of our community since its inception in the 1920's. Each community member, everyday, is positively affected by the dedicated efforts of our local Rotary.
"The Guttenberg River Walk is by far the most used of all projects Rotary has done in the City of Guttenberg," said a Rotary member.
A complete list of the group's projects can be found at www.guttenbergrotary.com under the "projects" tab.
Local and outreach programs
"Rotary, for me, is a family tradition, as my father was an active Rotarian," said Gary Mick, of Guttenberg, "Rotary is the perfect blend of a service club. It seeks to serve the local community, as evidenced by our many community projects. It also seeks to serve the larger world. Rotary is actively involved in the world campaign to eradicate polio. Over the years we have drilled wells in Africa, sponsored foreign exchange students, sponsored group study exchanges for professionals from other countries and financed foreign scholarships. This avenue of service, coupled with the weekly opportunity to fellowship with other members of the community, makes Rotary an enjoyable experience."
The Four-Way Test
Rotary's four-way test of the things they think, say or do sets high standards for members. 1) Is it the truth? 2) Is it fair to all concerned? 3) Will it build good will and better friendships? 4) Will it be beneficial to all concerned?
Mary Waterman, former Rotary President noted, "We work as a whole. No one takes credit separately. We are a group that works together."
Service above self
Rotary Secretary/Treasurer Jean Green shared her experience as a member of the non-profit civic organization. "As a child I remember men in the community, whether they owned a gas station, grocery store, were a doctor or a lawyer, gathering at the Hotel Ahlers for their weekly evening meeting. I remember thinking it must really be something," she recalled.
Green would eventually secure employment with Rotary member I.J. (Irwin James) "Irish" Degnan as his secretary. His commitment to the organization, and Rotary International's mission to eradicate polio further piqued her interest. When women were allowed to join in 1987 Green became a member. "Ironically I received the first polio shot administered in Guttenberg," she commented. "Throughout the years I have enjoyed working with other members creating new projects and maintaining undertakings that are already in place – Service Above Self."
Community leader Jackie Lee shared her experience as a new member "As an active member in the community, I love the connections and friendships that I’ve developed through Rotary," she told The Press.
Become a member
Longtime member Mike Schuster admirably remembered Rotary's successful Exchange Student Program, and is concerned about the organizations dwindling numbers. "With the diminishment in population and the age of the club, I am concerned about our future," he remarked. "It's been 30 years since we last had an exchange student. It's ancient history."
He went on to say, "We live in an ever-changing world where individuals are reluctant to join organizations or lend a helping hand. We need more young people to consider joining our organization."
As a young professional Rotary's commitment to world peace was the hook that drew Schuster in. "As a young man I thought world peace was an achievable goal and this organization was the one that might accomplish that," he remembered. "Animosity is not between the people, it’s the leaders that are unable to agree."
Schuster is very proud of Guttenberg's Rotary Club. "Many civic groups such as the Kiwanis and the Optimist Club came and went, but here we are 95-years later – still plugging along," he commented. "Even though we work as one it is worth noting all the hard work and effort Jean Green puts forth. It is remarkable. And in a sense she is a third generation member."
Schuster concluded, "A successful Rotary Club needs members of various ages so ideas are not limited to one perspective. Projects need to be tested first before they can get out there and grow. Not in the context of I, but we."
Join now!
Currently Guttenberg Rotary Club is comprised of 16 members. Annual Rotary dues are $135 and are available as a single or business membership. A weekly luncheon meeting is held on Thursdays at 12 noon at The Stadium Bar and Grill in Guttenberg. The cost is $15 per person, which includes your lunch and $5 member drawing held each week. Download your application at www.guttenbergrotary.com.
