Rowan Rotary was started by the Salisbury Rotary Club February 23, 1987. Twenty- five years to the exact day, they celebrated with a special anniversary dinner in the Messinger Room at the Rowan Museum.
The evening started with a tour of the current museum exhibit, A Day in the Life, before moving upstairs to dinner and the main event. Members and spouses were treated to a presentation showing pictures of events, accomplishments, services to the community and international outreach achieved over their 25 years.
Special guests included District Governor Allen Langley, District Governor Elect Christopher Jones, Assistant District Governor Ken Dresser and John Henderlite, President of the Salisbury Rotary Club. Two of the original steering committee members, Sonny Carpenter and Edward Brown, were also present. The one hundred person plus group enjoyed a dinner prepared by Debbie Suggs Catering.
The program began with Kaye Hirst, Executive Director of the Rowan Museum, sharing the history of the Museum.
Rowan Rotary Club President Deborah Young introduced District Governor Langley. He presented a dozen red roses, sang a modified version of Happy Birthday to the club, congratulated the club on their 25 years and encouraged them to continue their hard work. District Governor Elect Jones shared the Rotary International theme for the 2012-13 year that begins July 1, 2012.
The President recognized the Salisbury Rotary Club for their effort to start the Rowan Rotary Club. The original steering committee from 1987 included Steve Bouser, Edward Brown, Sonny Carpenter (1987 District Governor Representative), Sonny Epting, Cullen Hall, Bill Loeblein (Salisbury Club Secretary), Hank Palmer, Tim Tyler and James Whitton ( Salisbury Club President).
Young then recognized the twenty four past Presidents with a presentation recognizing their year as president. There were nineteen past presidents attending the evening. Four are past members due to relocation, but did attend for the party: Mike Agee, Kevin Showfety, John Vest and Bob Vetter.
The history of Rowan Rotary was shared by Paul Brown, 25th Anniversary Chair, and whose committee was responsible for the year of celebration. Committee members include Kevin Boyle, Bill Burgin, Jim Duncan, Suzette Davis, Phil Kepley, Lisa Markham and Mike Wright.
Brown then introduced special guests Wayne and Joy Clawson. Wayne has been a supporter of the Rowan Rotary Club for years. He first came to town to do a presentation at Catawba College’s Hedrick Little Theater as Mark Twain in 1989, returned for a fundraising performance in 2003 at the Meroney Theater as Mark Twain again, and in 2005 put on a performance at the Meroney of the Scottish poet Robert William Service. All proceeds went to the Rowan Rotary Foundation to help support the club’s programs of service.
Current officers of the Rowan Rotary are President Deborah Young, President Elect Melonie Thompson, Vice President Craig Powers, Secretary Sean Sandison, Treasurer Mike Stewart, and Past President Dick Huffman. Rowan Rotary meets Thursdays at 7 a.m. at the Holiday Inn. Service Above Self is the purpose and the club provides for programs that benefit numerous groups in Rowan County.
The next Rowan Rotary event is a One-Man Show at the Meroney on March 15, in which Clawson will again be performing from the works of Robert William Service. The event will also support downtown restaurants by encouragingt show attendees to eat out before the performance.
For tickets or more information, speak with any Rowan Rotarian or call 704-642-4946.