The Clarkston rotary has some big plans, but then, they have a big history of service.
‘The movers and shakers of Clarkston were all in the Rotary Club,? when it was founded in 1940, said Assistant District Governor and Vice President Mike Spillum.
The club is no longer limited to ‘movers and shakers,? but they do seek service-minded people from the community who want to help with the club’s service to the community.
The object of Rotary is to encourage and foster the ideal of service as a basis of worthy enterprise and, in particular, to encourage and foster the development of acquaintance as an opportunity for service, high ethical standards in business and professions, and dignifying of each Rotarian’s occupation as an opportunity to serve society.
The application of the ideal of service in each Rotarian’s personal, business and community life, and the advancement of international understanding, goodwill and peace through a world fellowship of business and professional persons united in the ideal of service.
In July, Spillum will take over from current president John Halleran. This won’t be the first time Spillum will sit in the president’s seat. From 1993-94, Spillum served as president in Clarkston.
‘We alternate jobs every year,? said Spillum. ‘We already know that Burke Ried will take over as president next year..?
Spillum officially joined the Rotary in 1979. He has been active with the organization since and looks forward to serving the community.
The Rotarians are seen regularly at annual fund-raising and service events.
The Goodfellow newspaper sale (printed by Sherman Publications Inc.) helps raise money for Christmas charity work, including ‘Shoes for Kids,? which helps needy children throughout the school district.
Other service projects include:
? The hosting of the Labor Day parade in downtown Clarkston, which the Rotary has run for 65 years.
? Displaying Christmas decorations in downtown Clarkston.
? The awarding of scholarships to students from Clarkston and Renaissance High Schools.
? The providing of a picnic for the students attending the SCAMP program in Clarkston.
The Rotary also hosts events such as ‘Taste of Spring? or the annual ‘Wine Tasting? events. These are coordinated to better serve the community.
‘My favorite parts about Rotary is the parade and selling the newspapers,? said Spillum.
An interesting fact about Rotary: they host the largest exchange student program in the world.
‘We always have two or three exchange students a year,? said Spillum.
To help build the membership, the Rotary Club will attempt a ‘business partnership? with Clarkston Chamber of Commerce and individual businesses. The aim is a mutual relationship.
Spillum says, ‘There has been a benefit to the businesses, and the Rotary would like to see that too.?
Although the club seeks new members, they have definitely grown and see new prospects developing everyday.
‘I am really looking forward to getting more new younger members in the club,? said Spillum. ‘We could then expand some of the projects we are currently doing.?
The Clarkston Rotary meets at 6:30 p.m. on Mondays at the Clarkston Cafe.
Each meeting includes dinner and a short business meeting.
For more information, call Mike Spillum at 248-922-9250 or Burke Ried at 248-625-7709.