Why I Joined Rotary by Carolyn Clark

Posted by Marty Boogaart 
 
In the late 90's, I was invited to speak at an evening function at the College of New Caledonia in Prince George.  The Dean of Community Education asked me to join him at his noon Rotary meeting.  I really did not know much about Rotary before that opportunity, but the meeting left a lasting impression on me.  The fellowship in the room, the projects locally and internationally they were involved in, etc.  This one meeting left such an impression on me that when I was eventually asked to join Rotary in Lethbridge, I did not hesitate to say "yes."
 

My introduction to Rotary in Lethbridge happened when Jack Reynar, from the Downtown Club, took pity on the Abreast of 'bridge team practicing for a Calgary dragon boat festival in a 10-person voyageur canoe (nicknamed the "PIG").  Jack organized a Rotary fundraiser and the results were that two teak dragon boats were bought for Abreast of 'bridge. In 2001, I was approached to join the new Sunrise Club and became a founding member. 

My first involvement in a community project was to help organize the now popular dragon boat festival.   There were only three of us sitting around the table at the first organizational meeting that knew anything about dragon boating (Diane Randall, Chris Hansen and myself).  We had a dream to bring dragon boating to Lethbridge!  I served as Registrar for the first three festivals and am still very much involved in dragon boating.

Another highlight for me in Rotary was being part of the Planning Committee for the 76th Waterton-Glacier Peace Park Assembly held in September 2009.  I have never worked with such a capable, productive, and dedicated team of Rotarians who believed in the importance of the peace park relationship that has been built over the years.  Working and getting to know other Rotarians from both sides of the border is very rewarding.

What means the most to me is the wonderful people I have met in Rotary-the fellowship and the lasting friendships.   Enjoying breakfast and laughing with the very special people in the Sunrise Club makes Thursday my best day of the week.  I go to work in a light-hearted mood and feel privileged to know this special group people. 

Rotary has not only changed the lives of millions of people it has helped, but changed mine, as well.