Rotary seeks next generation of members
Local Rotary takes on new leadership
Sentinel photo by SIERRA BOLGER<br> Rotary District Governor Sean Murtagh speaks at the Rotary Club of Lewistown’s meeting at JP Edward’s in Burnham on Tuesday.
Sentinel photo by SIERRA BOLGER<br> Lewistown Rotary Club members pose with Rotary District Governor Sean Murtagh at the organization’s meeting at JP Edward’s in Burnham on Tuesday.
Sentinel photo by SIERRA BOLGER<br> Rotary District Governor Sean Murtagh speaks at the Rotary Club of Lewistown’s meeting at JP Edward’s in Burnham on Tuesday.
Sentinel photo by SIERRA BOLGER<br> Lewistown Rotary Club members pose with Rotary District Governor Sean Murtagh at the organization’s meeting at JP Edward’s in Burnham on Tuesday.
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LEWISTOWN -- Membership growth and community service will be priorities for the Lewistown Rotary Club as it begins a new year under new leadership.
The club announced Jim Zubler as its president during its July 14 meeting and welcomed Rotary District 7360 Gov. Sean Murtagh, who outlined his goals for the coming year and encouraged members to continue building a lasting legacy through service.
"Our time on earth is limited, and hopefully our club will continue to survive for generations," Murtagh said.
Murtagh said district leaders have adopted the theme of honoring the past, celebrating the present and inspiring the future.
He also shared remarks from Rotary International President Olayinka Hakeem Babalola, who has worked to combat polio in Nigeria through vaccination efforts. Murtagh said Babalola's message for the year is to "create a lasting impact" while emphasizing the importance of caring for fellow members both mentally and physically.
"Rotary is a service above self club, so it's always about how we can give back and help our communities," Lewistown Rotary Club Treasurer Amanda Sechrist said.
Founded more than 100 years ago, the Lewistown Rotary Club supports community projects and charitable organizations throughout the area. Club members said maintaining those efforts will require recruiting new members as longtime Rotarians retire and membership declines.
"In order to keep not only the charitable money local but also the work that we do, we need to recruit more members of all ages who would be willing to be part of our service projects and get connected," member William Campbell said.
Campbell said his 12 years with the organization have helped him become more involved in the community.
To help attract new members, the club plans to increase its presence on social media while continuing its community service projects.
During the past year, the club assisted with parking and awards at the Big Valley Invitational, supported the fight to eradicate polio through donations to World's Greatest Meal, hosted a veterans luncheon with the Reedsville Fire Hall, staffed Salvation Army Red Kettles during the Festival of Ice and donated puzzle books and pencils to local skilled nursing facilities.
The club also hosted its annual Shamrock Shenanigans fundraiser in March, awarded two $500 scholarships to local graduating seniors and funded the installation of a FloLogic water monitoring system at the LUMINA Center.
In addition, members contribute "Happy Dollars" during each meeting, with proceeds benefiting organizations including Pink Connection, Mifflin County Veterans, the LUMINA Center and the Mifflin-Juniata Regional Services Corporation's Senior Olympic Games.
The Lewistown Rotary Club meets at noon on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month at JP Edward's in Burnham. Those interested in learning more about the organization may attend a meeting or visit the club's Facebook page.