Rotary is the oldest of the service clubs. The first Rotary club was organized in 1905 in Chicago by Paul Harris. The original meetings rotated among the offices of the members, hence the name.
To encourage and foster the ideal of SERVICE as a basis of worthy enterprise and, in particular, to encourage and foster:
The Highland Rotary Club was organized in January of 1938 and is one of the oldest service clubs in our community.
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More than 70 men and women make up our club. Additionally, there are a number of “senior” members that attend meetings and events as they are able.
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As the national motto indicates, the Highland club is committed to “service above self.” Our main focus is to combine the efforts of individuals in order to make a positive impact in our local and global communities.
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In addition to the basic club business addressed, typical meetings feature speakers covering an unlimited number of informative topics. Members, with the assistance of the club vice president, are encouraged to invite speakers to attend. Meetings dismiss promptly at 1 p.m. so members are able to return to work. Recent meetings have featured the following topics:
Highland Quarterback Club
Highland School District Administrative Center Tour
Acupuncture
Sacred Brothers/Sacred Sisters
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On at least a quarterly basis, we hold fellowship meetings in the evenings, to which our spouses/significant others and/or family members are invited to attend. Last month we had a dinner at Hidden Lake Winery. Plans for a Christmas event at Latzer Homestead and a January Founder’s Day Dinner at Popeye’s are underway. We are also planning a family outing to a Gateway Grizzlie’s game next spring.
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Highland Rotarians are very active within the community. In addition to our club’s “adopted” road clean-up project that we maintain every quarter, members strive to help out where most needed. Since July 1, our club has recorded nearly 700 hours of community service. It would take pages and pages to record all the good works of our members, but below is a sample of the events/organizations that benefit from our service-minded members:
Street Art Festival
Kirchenfest
Highland Chamber of Commerce
Hard Road Theatre
Highland Arboretum
Habitat for Humanity
Relay for Life
March of Dimes planning board
Homestead Harvest Days
Art in the Park
St. Joseph’s Hospital
Boy Scouts
Highland Home bingo
Latzer Library Board
Highland School Board
HACSM Food Pantry
Pregnancy Care Center
Madison County Fair
Business Education Alliance
Pumpkin Patch
Shriner’s Hospital Clinic
We also raise money to donate to worthwhile organizations and projects within the community. Organizations/projects that have recently received local Rotary funds include:
Business Education Alliance
Camp Ondessonk
D.A.R.E.
Faith Countryside Homes
Hard Road Theatre Productions
Highland Arts Council
Highland Police Department
Highland Schools/Hard Road --- Upper Elementary Auditorium Air Conditioning
Meals on Wheels
Pregnancy Care Center
St. Joseph’s Hospital Friends Van
St. Paul School Computer Lab
Downtown Square Project --- Fountain Renovation
Highland Street Art Festival
HHS Post Prom
Highland Parks & Recreation --- Highland Rotary Soccer Field sprinkler system
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Yes. Currently we are working on an international project through which we are coordinating a large shipment of powdered milk to a Hospital Sisters mission in Haiti. In addition, our club is trying to partner with a Rotary club in a hurricane-affected area to supply items needed at this point in the rebuilding process.
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No, but club members tend to invite those people in the community that are like-minded and willing to give of their time.
In addition to raising money at our meetings with 50/50 drawings, reasonable fines and “happy bucks,” we have three large fund-raisers each year that include:
A golf tournament each June at the Highland Country Club
A car raffle each summer
Citrus sales in early December
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Contrary to popular belief, the Rotary club does not require that you make 100% of our meetings. However, attendance is important and we require that our members attend at least 60% of the meeting to remain active. Special circumstances do allow for members to request a leave of absence (maternity leave, surgeries, etc.).
Meeting make up opportunities are also available. Members are encouraged to attend other Rotary club meetings to receive credit for missed meetings. Additionally, attending a local board meeting or working at club-sponsored events qualifies members for make ups.
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Unlike other organizations, Rotary does not require an initiation fee. Dues are reasonably priced at $136 per year and meals are $8 per week. Members are billed for both on a quarterly basis. Special events and guests add additional costs and are added to the quarterly invoice.
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A Rotary member will complete a “proposed membership” application for you. The local board must then approve the nomination. Then, your name will be published in the weekly newsletter. If no objections are received by club members, you are then formally invited to join the club.
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Thanks for taking the time to learn about the Highland Rotary Club!
If you have questions or require additional information, please contact President Skip Butler at (618) 654-7033 or butlers@terra-properties.com or Membership Chairman Kevin Dewaele at (618) 654-6836 ext. 2220 or kdewaele@charter.net.
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Rotary FAQ's
What is the history of Highland's Rotary Club?
What is the purpose of the local club?
What is the purpose of the local club?
What is the format of the weekly meetings?
Are all of your meetings at noon on Tuesdays?
How do you impact the community?
Do you perform any international service?
Do you require a minimum number of service hours?
What are the attendance requirements of the club?
How much does it cost to join Rotary?
How do I join?
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