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Rotarian David Jellison
Written By: Deena Bouknight | Issue: 2021/03 – March
For Highlands Rotarian David Jellison, the notion of Service Above Self resonates here on the Plateau and far beyond.
David Jellison
Connection, service, fellowship, and outreach are all reasons many individuals find Rotary Club a compelling, worthwhile organization with which to align oneself.
David Jellison is one of those people.
“For me, it’s been a way to meet and mix with people and to give something back to society and the town [of Highlands],” he said.
Although at present, in compliance with pandemic restrictions on face-to-face gatherings, Rotary Club of Highlands meetings are held via Zoom every Tuesday at 12:15 P.M., the “normal” protocol is for Rotarians and guests to meet weekly in person, share lunch, and glean ideas and inspiration from a speaker before receiving updates on club projects and events.
Jellison, who has been a member of Highlands Rotary since the late 1990s, serving as secretary since 2000, indicated the membership experience is rich and rewarding. He enjoys both Rotarian history and its impact.
“Highlands is home to two Rotary Clubs, which are a part of an International Rotary Service Club effort dating back to the early 1900s,” he explained. “The contributions these service clubs make to the communities they serve and to the world in general are innumerable, including worldwide polio eradication, other health threats, and natural disaster response.”
He stressed that the Rotary Club of Highlands supports a great many local institutions and organizations, including Highlands School; Hudson Library; The Historical Society; Meals on Wheels; The Boy Scouts; Highlands Emergency Council, and much more. Plus, Rotarians volunteer and serve in such capacities as street guards for Halloween activities and the Christmas parade, collecting coats and gloves as well as distributing heating fuel for the needy, and numerous other worthwhile community service projects.
“To fund these efforts, the Highlands Rotary Club sponsors an annual Golf Tournament, a Craft Beer Night, a Fourth of July Barbecue and Duck Race, Bingo Nights, a Club Sponsorship Drive, occasional talent shows, and a 5K Twilight Race,” he added.
While Covid-19 has put a damper on many opportunities to celebrate, gather, and enjoy throughout the community, Rotary Club of Highlands’ work continues.
