Orange Rotary turns 100
Published 5:32 am Wednesday, July 3, 2019
Dawn Burleigh/The Orange Leader Orange Rotary installs new officers and directors during the 100 year celebration on Monday. Executive Secretary Gracie Henry, left, Director Sarah Boehme, Director Sue Denosowicz, C-Sergeant-at-Arms David May, Past President Natasha Garrett, Secretary Heather Montagne, Treasurer Kristen Placette, Vice President Daniel Moreaux, President-Elect Michael Umbenhaur, President Ida Schossow, Director Jennifer Burtsfield, Director Sherry Hommel and guest speaker Past District Governor John Hathaway.
Dawn Burleigh/The Orange Leader The Rotary pin of the first President of Orange Rotary was displayed at the 100 year celebration of Orange Rotary on Monday at Reel Cajun in Orange.
By Dawn Burleigh
The Orange Leader
Orange Rotary celebrated 100 years on Monday with a special meeting and guest speaker Past District Governor John Hathaway.
Rotary International started with the vision of one man — Paul Harris.
The Chicago attorney formed the Rotary Club of Chicago on February 23, 1905, so professionals with diverse backgrounds could exchange ideas, form meaningful, lifelong friendships, and give back to their communities.
Dawn Burleigh/The Orange Leader
Orange Rotary installs new officers and directors during the 100 year celebration on Monday. Executive Secretary Gracie Henry, left, Director Sarah Boehme, Director Sue Denosowicz, C-Sergeant-at-Arms David May, Past President Natasha Garrett, Secretary Heather Montagne, Treasurer Kristen Placette, Vice President Daniel Moreaux, President-Elect Michael Umbenhaur, President Ida Schossow, Director Jennifer Burtsfield, Director Sherry Hommel and guest speaker Past District Governor John Hathaway.
Rotary’s name came from the group’s early practice of rotating meetings among the offices of its members.
Rotary is based on three P’s, according to John Hathaway: Peace, participation and polio eradication.
“We carry out service projects that enhance economic and community development and create opportunities for decent and productive work for young and old. We also strengthen local entrepreneurs and community leaders, particularly women, in impoverished communities,” according to its official website.
“Because of Rotary, 2.5 billion children have received the polio vaccination worldwide,” Hathaway said. “The reason we are here today is honor 100 years in Orange.”
Hathaway referred to the historical marker in Stark Park of the Rotary emblem. Lutcher Stark started Rotary here in Orange which chartered in 1919.
Dawn Burleigh/The Orange Leader
The Rotary pin of the first President of Orange Rotary was displayed at the 100 year celebration of Orange Rotary on Monday at Reel Cajun in Orange.
This past year, under the direction of no Past President Natasha Garrett, the club hosted its first Crawfish Boil. It was considered a success and the second annual Crawfish Boil will be held at a yet to be announced date.
As part of changing with the times, and moving forward, the organization is making some changes to its meeting times and places such as Cocktails on the Patio at Reel Cajun at 4 p.m. on September 13.
“After all, this is not your grandfather’s Rotary,” President Ida Schossow said.
Along with the birthday celebration, Joel Steirman was presented with a plaque for Rotary Hall of Fame and Tim Schossow was presented with the Paul Harris Recognition Award.
