Article Contributed on: 8/10/2009 12:39:40 PM
The Rotary Club of Longmont recently celebrated it's 90th anniversary of service to the community and the world. Their charter was signed on June 17th, 1919. During its celebration, past presidents spoke about several decades and their memories of events. John Flanders, a member since 1994, has direct connections to charter members since his father, grandfather, great grandfather and great uncle were all members. A video from an interview with deceased members Dick Klein, Larry Flanders, Chick Clark and Jim Kanemoto was shown and member and past president, Al Carr, spoke of personal memories of some of the charter members.
The Club has served this community in many ways over the years, from providing funds for the LUH Therapy pool to a bridge across the St. Vrain River. They held a contest to design a flag for Longmont and the winning entry was sent into space with local astronaut, Vance Brand. An old school bus was renovated and shared with other clubs to help get kids to events who might not otherwise be able to go. The Citizen Compassion Award initiated in 1978 and the Student Achievment Awards in 1952, are still awarded on an annual basis.
The history of the Rotary Club of Longmont is so entertwined with the history of Longmont itself. Names like Schey, Hamm, Haley, Harris, Secor, Hajek, McDonough, Batt and Brewbaker come to mind. The Club has grown to 160 members and intends to keep up its traditions of service above self in serving the community.
New officers and directors of The Rotary Club of Longmont took over the helm on July 7th. President Altman will be following the theme for Rotary International's new president from Scotland, John Kenny, "The Future of Rotary is in Your Hands." His emphases for the coming year will be clean water, health and hunger, and literacy. The Longmont Rotary Club has been active in all these areas in previous years and will pursue new opportunities to serve the community and the world.
You may contact Pam at Pam@Aultmanhome.net for further information about Rotary or go to www.longmontrotary.org The club meets every Tues. at noon at the First Lutheran Church, 3rd and Terry.