- Weekly Publication - Rotary's 100th Anniversary and Chatham-Kent's Gala Celebration   M.C. for the evening was Sunrise's very own President Walter Ploegman

The 100th Anniversary Gala was celebrated at the Oaks Inn, Wallaceburg, Ontario and was attended by all eight local clubs in Chatham-Kent. That in itself was a historic occasion. February 23, 2005 proved to be a day that would have made the founder of Rotary a proud individual indeed. Paul Harris, a lonely lawyer got together with two other men in Chicago, Illinois on the same day in 1905 and that was the beginning of Rotary. It grew in leaps and bounds spreading like wildfire and today Rotary is embedded in 166 countries around the world. This is what the celebration is this evening, to celebrate the 100^th anniversary of the day that Paul Harris first established Rotary. History  this evening is being made as internationally as well locally, since it is the first time that all clubs in Chatham-Kent have ever convened at a single planned event.

Town crier Mr. George Sims brought the meeting to order with his welcome from the mayor of Chatham-Kent.

Following the delicious supper provided by the Oaks Inn at Wallaceburg everyone was invited to partake of the huge 2’x 4’ Rotary cake that Sunrise's Max Howell undertook to provide for the festive event. The Past District Governors of our area, Terry Youlton and Keith Koke posed for the symbolic cutting of the cake.

The head table was comprised of  Past District Governors Terry Youlton (Ridgetown) and Keith Koke (Chatham), Guest Speaker Fred Sorrell (Windsor) and Master of Ceremonies Walter Ploegman (Chatham Sunrise) and their spouses.

Past District Governor, Terry Youlton, introduced the guest speaker, the always interesting, knowledgeable and entertaining Fred Sorrell to speak on his passion… Rotary. Fred has been involved in Rotary for many years. He accurately suggested that the reason Rotary has been around for 100 years and is still growing is that the members have forever retained the main purpose of Rotary… focus on service. Fred also pointed out that Rotary has been blessed with “good genetics” and are “likeminded” people approaching issues as team players commanding deep resolve.

Fred listed many milestones that Rotary has achieved over the years including the beginning of the international status when Rotary spread outside of the USA to Winnipeg in 1911, the establishment of the Rotary Foundation, the “Four-Way-Test”, which is the beacon for every Rotarian, polio plus which has been a goal for all clubs to eradicate polio around the world and will succeed in a matter of months and allowing ladies to join the cause.

Rotary has provided its members with many things including but not limited to:- the Rotarian Magazine, the Four-Way-Test, conventions and events, fellowship, make-up meetings and much more. 

Past District Governor Keith Koke, thanked Fred for his presentation.

At the end of the evening a very historic photo opportunity was enjoyed as all eight club presidents assembled for the very first time ever at one event.

 M.C. Walter Ploegman thanked all involved in making this wonderful Anniversary Gala celebration happen.

NEXT WEEK

 March 1, 2005  MEETING