NORWICH – Clubs and organizations have had a long history in Chenango County, and the outreach they provide often falls by the wayside or is simply forgotten. The Norwich Rotary club is just one of those charitable organizations in our rural community that regularly sponsors a variety of events for the greater good of the community.
The local incarnation of Rotary International is a group of men and women from all walks of life and various employees, some being entrepreneurs. While the Rotary International's main objective is the eradication of the Polio disease worldwide, the club is responsible for thousands of humanitarian efforts abroad with the aid of it's more than 1.2 million members.
Rotarians are members of Rotary clubs which fall under the governing bylaws of the Rotary International. Each club elects its own officers and enjoys considerable autonomy within the framework of the Rotary's constitution.
On the local front, the Norwich Rotary Club has been responsible for tangible projects that serve to benefit the community as a whole. The Norwich Rotary was a major contributor for the resurfacing project of the tennis courts at Weiler Park on the north side of the city, which had been in a state of degradation for years prior. Since the project's completion, area tennis enthusiasts have taken full advantage of the revitalized courts.
The local chapter generously donates regularly to international causes as well. At a recent monthly meeting, guest speaker Mike King discussed a Rotary sponsored program called Shelterbox, of which the Norwich Club donated $2000. Shelterbox is a program that packs the essentials for living, including a high-quality ten-person tent, cook stove, lighting and heating amenities to families who need protection form the elements in locations devastated by natural disasters such as the recent Typhoon Haiyan, Haiti and Japan.
The club has also sponsored individual scholarships for Eagle Scout Projects, and the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) and People to People international student exchange program. Norwich City streets are punctuated with dozens of trees planted over the years with funds from the Rotary which worked in conjunction with the Tree City USA program and the Arbor Day Foundation.
“We do much more than people in the community realize, and we would like to encourage new membership into the Rotary,” said Norwich Rotarian David Harris. “Making the public aware of our presence and what we do both on a larger, international level and here at home is key to the continued success of member recruitment,” Harris added.
When the East and West Parks in downtown Norwich were revitalized, The Norwich Rotary was pivotal in the reconditioning and repair of the historic Gazebo that has been a focal point of the parks for generations. Rotary also contributed the materials and labor to the quintessential flagpole at the city's center afoot the steps of the iconic Chenango County Courthouse.
“Rotations get back what they put into the Rotary, and many of the membership requirements are designed to help members become and remain active participants in their club and community," said Harris.
From collecting and distributing cleaning supplies for flood victims in the southern tier, to the fund raising efforts of manning the Bavarian food booth at Colorscape Chenango, the Rotary offers potential members plenty of opportunities to give back to both the local and international communities.
For more information on Norwich Rotary membership, please visit the Norwich Rotary’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/norwichrotary.