Local Rotary Club celebrates its 90th birthday
The members of the Rotary Club of Paso Robles gathered in front of the Paso Robles Inn Ballroom for a group photo last October to commemorate World Polio Day and the efforts Rotary has made to eradicate the disease.
Commemorating 90 years of service to the community, the area, and internationally, the Rotary Club of Paso Robles celebrated its 90th birthday on Saturday evening. The party was hosted at the newly opened Park Place event facility, formerly Level 4 restaurant, in the Acorn Building.
Rotarians toast their club’s 90th birthday from left Suzanne and Paul Sloan, Al and May Garcia, and Doris Sloan.
Current Rotary District Governor Jack McClanahan and his wife, Past District Governor, June McClanahan, at the event.
Over 100 Rotarians and guests enjoyed wine, hors d’oeuvres, music, and dancing. Club President Tom Apkarian was joined by District Governor Jack McClanahan and his wife, Past District Governor Jan McClanahan in welcoming club members. McClanahan congratulated the Club for its years of success and commitment to the principles of Rotary.
The Rotary Club’s Four-Way Test
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?
Betsy Wachtel Hawkins, the granddaughter of the Charter President, Val Wachtel, attended the event and spoke.
Surprise guest was Mrs. Betsy Wachtel Hawkins, granddaughter of Charter President Val Wachtel. She spoke about her grandfather and how he truly enjoyed Rotary. Dr. Rex Thornhill presented a video display of the Club’s history from the early days with 14 members to today’s 110 members.
Club members and guests were surprised at the number and breadth of local, area, and international activities supported, sponsored, or led by the Club over the years. Two highlights were the $400,000 in scholarships given to high school students over the years and the long history of fighting children’s illnesses, especially participating in the eradication of polio.
The Paso Robles Rotary Club regularly supports the youth of the community through 4-H/FFA Auction, Boy Scout Troop 60, Skills USA, Bearcat Relay, Third Grade Dictionary Project, Library Foundation, Boy’s & Girl’s Club Fun Day, RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Awards), Youth Arts, Ambassadorial Scholarships and over $30,000 a year in Paso Robles high school scholarships.
History of the Paso Robles Rotary Club
In early 1922, J. Valentine Wachtel Jr., President of the Paso Robles National Bank, became interested in forming a Rotary Club. He initiated an exchange of correspondence with Homer Hayward of the Salinas Rotary Club, John Williams of the 2nd Rotary District and Guy Gundaker, the President of Rotary International. This culminated in a formal application to Rotary International November 13, 1923. The original charter for the Paso Robles Rotary Club (#1602) was dated January 15, 1924 and was formally presented at a special banquet at the Paso Robles Hot Springs Hotel on March 15, 1924. This affair was attended by the 19 charter members and their wives as well as members from the Rotary Clubs of Santa Maria, San Luis Obispo, Monterey and the sponsoring club, Salinas. “Val” Wachtel became the first President with Directors, Ellsworth Harrold (Secretary), R.C. Heaton, Ray B. Lyon and Frank Booth.
In July 1963, the Paso Robles Rotary Club was incorporated under the Law of the State of California. In July 1988, Paso Robles Rotary Service, Inc. was organized as a separate corporation to administer the charitable activities of the Rotary Club. The IRS, granted this corporation Tax Free Charitable Organization status the same year.
Originally the weekly meetings were held at the Taylor Hotel. In 1929, meetings were moved to the Paso Robles Hot Springs Hotel. Meeting returned to the Taylor Hotel in 1931 and back to the “new” Paso Robles Inn in 1942. In 1978, requirements for more space triggered a move to Joshua’s Restaurant at 13th & Vine. Following the closure of Joshua’s, the meeting place was moved to the Paso Robles Golf Club. In 2004 the meetings were brought back to the historic Paso Robles Inn Ballroom.
Rotarian Don Jacobs talks with Carol and Gary Ezzo.
Dr. Rex Thornhill put together a slide presentation or the history of Paso Robles Rotary Club
There was dancing – Dale Gustin and his fiancée, and John and Barbara Partirdge in the background.
Current Paso Robles Rotary Club President Tom Apkarian.
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