Rotary’s Wheel Moves Us All

Written By: Deena Bouknight | Issue: | Photograph By: Marjorie Christiansen Photography

Highlands Architect Dennis DeWolf, semi-retired for about 12 years from his private architectural firm, has been a member of the Rotary Club of Highlands since 1974, taking a position of Club Secretary the following year. 

The club was relatively small in numbers at that time and had little choice but to move from one meeting place to another that could provide lunch for the group as they gathered together to share their stories and plan for events in support of the community. There was a good deal of enthusiasm in their efforts to be imaginative on how to create that support.  

Nonetheless, it was difficult to maintain membership numbers without a consistent place to meet. 

That is…until  an opportunity arose to have a permanent location. It came as a result of the Jaycees attempting to build a permanent building for their use and just couldn’t make it happen. At that point in time in the late 70’s, the Rotary board committed  to the creation of a community building for themselves and the community at large, which became the springboard for all community use which became a foundation and a stronger presence in the community.   

Over the years, DeWolf helped oversee the Stacy Russell Scholarship, the Town Centennial parade floats, and assisted with various celebrations and fundraisers.  

However, with almost 50 years in Rotary, DeWolf, along with many other members, continues to be involved in so many of the club’s  club activities in our community and abroad with other countries including club service projects, i.e.; the Downtown safety guardians at Treat or Treat on Main Street, Olde Mountain Christmas, International Youth Exchange – both summer and year-round, Shop With a Cop, the annual Veterans Ceremony, the Annual Scholarship Golf Tournament, Highlands School Academic Reception  and Athletic Banquet,  Twilight 5 K Races, Duck Derby, Bingo, young people’s oral dental clinic, Alzheimer’s research, packaging and distribution of food for the needy, and much more.    

“Being involved in the Rotary right when I and my family moved to Highlands in 1973 helped me to understand and embrace the Highlands community,” DeWolf said. “I needed to get a feel for what was important to the people of the town … to understand what was on the resident’s mind.” 

Rallying people to truly make a difference in the community is what he feels the Rotary Club accomplishes with success in creating tangible enhancements to the town and its people, as those members reach out to be on the Board of Commissioners, the Mayor, and those who serve on various Highlands boards and committees.  

DeWolf added, “Rotary has meant a great deal to me. It’s been a wonderful experience in working together for the common good. And I still participate when and wherever I can.” 

He sees many younger people becoming involved and spending a lot of energy through Rotary by continuing to improve past and present accomplishments in Highlands by moving the town forward. 

by Deena Bouknight