On June 14-17, over 40,000 Rotarians from around the world gathered in Atlanta, Georgia for the 2017 Rotary International Convention. One of the key points of the conference was to celebrate the Rotary Foundation’s 100th year. That’s a century of Rotary members changing lives and improving communities all over the world. One hundred years ago, a donation of $26.50 from a Rotary Club in Kansas City, Missouri, started the endowment. Today billions of dollars have been donated and used to facilitate humanitarian efforts throughout the world.

The world’s first service club, the Rotary Club of Chicago, Illinois, was formed on Feb. 23, 1905 by Paul P. Harris, an attorney who wanted a professional club that would recapture the same friendly spirit he had felt in the small towns of his youth. The name “Rotary” was derived from the early practice of rotating meetings among the offices of members.

Rotary’s popularity spread throughout the United States in the decade that followed and clubs were chartered from San Francisco to New York. By 1921, Rotary clubs had been formed on six continents, and the organization adopted the name Rotary International a year later.

As Rotary grew, its mission expanded beyond serving the professional and social interests of club members. Rotarians began pooling their resources and contributing their talents to help serve communities in need. Rotary’s commitment to this ideal is expressed by its principal motto: “Service Above Self.”

Rotary also adopted what is currently referred to as the Four Way Test which states:

Of the things we think, say or do

1. Is it the truth?

2. Is it fair to all concerned?

3. Will it build goodwill and better friendships?

4. Will it be beneficial to all concerned?

In Marshall, The Rotary Club of Marshall Noon was chartered in 1949. In 2003, with over 100 members, it was decided to start a new Rotary Club to offer an early morning meeting option. The Rotary Club of Marshall — Sunrise was chartered that year. Rotary in Marshall is entering its 69th year on July 1.

In May, three members of the Rotary Club of Marshall Noon were honored for serving as a Rotarian for over 50 years.

Dr. Wayne Taintor, who now resides in northern Minnesota and attends Rotary meetings in Two Harbors, joined Rotary in January of 1958. He has been a member of the Rotary Club of Marshall –Noon for nearly 60 years.

Retired attorney, Warren Quarnstrom, joined the Rotary Club of Marshall Noon in July of 1958, and has spent the last 59 years serving as a Rotarian.

Former State Farm agent, Bob Aufenthie, joined the club in July of 1966, and has documented 51 years of service as a Rotarian.

Congratulations, Wayne, Warren and Bob!!! All three are true examples of the Rotary motto, “Service Above Self.”