By Anne Batzer
At a gala dinner Tuesday evening May 16, the Rotary Club of Medford celebrated its 100th Anniversary. Held at the Rogue Valley Country Club, the event was filled with music, humor, profound remembrances, recognition of the astonishing record of our service projects and warm fellowship. While guests enjoyed dinner, a video acknowledging all our Presidents brought back precious memories. Members of the North Medford High School Choir sang the Club’s song, composed in 1947. We are the only known club in the world to have our own song!
Introduced by emcee Kingsley Kelley, District Governor Aimee Walsh congratulated the Club on its many accomplishments and acknowledged the Interact Club we sponsor.
Highlight of the program was a video generously produced through the “magic” of Joe Kosanovic, President of the Redmond Rotary Club. This video was a team effort with visionary executive producer Michelle Corradetti, screenwriter Ron McUne and researcher Chuck Root—all members of our club—participating. Our many local and global community service projects which focus on youth, seniors, literacy, nutrition, health, education, peace and the environment were highlighted.
Michelle also provided inspiring congratulatory videos from Jennifer Jones, our current and first ever female RI President, Sylvia Whitlock, the first female Rotary Club President and one of the first women in Rotary International, and Incoming Rotary International President Gordon McInally.
Three of the first five women to join the club in 1987 attended our event and told funny stories about those early days. The evening ended when Medford Mayor Randy Sparacino read a proclamation declaring May 16-May 23 as “The Rotary Club of Medford Week” in our hometown.
4 Responses
What an excellent account on the history, the present and future of the Medford Rotary Club. Your presentation was great! As a past member, I have fond memories delivering boxes of Thanksgiving meals with my young sons to needy families in the area. I have to admit, it was fun watching my brother act as Paul Harris in the video. My Rotary service has continued with the Lacey Rotary Club and charter member and Past President of the Olympia-Capital Centennial Rotary Club. Thank you for sharing your special event!
Congratulations!! I am so sorry I was not able to attend your event, but I’m delighted to hear that it got the recognition your club and your achievements deserve. Cheers to another 100 years!!
Jill Tompkins
Jacksonville Applegate Rotary Club
WOW! Congratulations, friends. This is awesome <3 Here's to a hundred more!
Great Event, Great Club, Great Fun!
Thanks for allowing me to attend.