A tweed three-piece suit, a gold pocket watch peeking from the vest, and a pair of classic Oxfords polished to a mirror shine. A neat, closely cropped young businessman with a carefully groomed mustache, newly arrived to conquer the big city, strides down the boulevard. His workday is over, and it’s time to devote himself to matters of real civic importance. Calm and unhurried, always on time – because punctuality is a form of respect – he heads to the weekly Rotary Club meeting.
Founded in 1905 in Chicago, Rotary quickly gained popularity across the United States and beyond. The idea was simple: service to the community should matter as much as personal success. With the motto “Service Above Self,” the club found a place in the hearts of millions.
Today, the Rotary Club of Highlands continues that tradition, supporting international initiatives and local projects that impact the town and its residents.
On the international level, the Rotary Club of Highlands supports efforts to eliminate polio through the Purple Pinkie Project, raises funds for early Alzheimer’s research through CART: Coins for Alzheimer’s Research Trust, and participates in peace-building initiatives.
“A Peace Pole was created and installed at the Community Building last June by the Rotary Club of Highlands and the Mountaintop Rotary Club,” shared Highlands Rotary’s Jane Jerry.
Yet the club’s impact is felt most strongly at the local level. Highlands Rotary is known for its quick response during times of crisis – from fundraising to delivering equipment and providing assistance to those in need.
The club’s work centers around two main areas: Club Service Projects and Club Fundraising. The first includes the Highlands School Students of the Month awards, the Highlands Halloween Celebration, Bingo nights, and other events.
More information can be found on highlandsrotary.org.
“Highlands School is a treasured cause and annual recipient of our Rotary’s scholarship funds, teacher appreciation checks, and volunteers for its year-end Athletic Banquet,” Jane explained.
The fundraising events – Fourth of July Duck Derby and Hot Dog Roast, Twilight 5K Run, and Golf Tournament –“raise funds for scholarships, grants to local organizations, and emergency relief– all while building goodwill and friendships,” says Jane.
Among the club’s upcoming events are the June 11 Bingo night and the August 15 Twilight 5K Run. Both benefit the Gordon Center.
Rotary’s gold-and-blue wheel is one of the most recognizable charitable symbols in the world. Behind that symbol are people who genuinely care – people who believe there is strength in unity and that meaningful change becomes possible when everyone contributes.
The Rotary Club of Highlands meets every Tuesday at 12:00 P.M. at the Highlands Community Building, 869 N 4th Street. For more information visit highlandsrotary.com.
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