Why I Joined Rotary: Ted Bast
Ted came to the V. I. in 1976 to work in construction and retail. He had previously worked on the Beverly Hills Hotel and had met such notable persons as Elizabeth Taylor and John Wayne. He loved retail and he saw the opportunity to get back into it when Charlote Paiewonsky invited him to join the retail liquor business. He expanded the retail business and developed the real estate for the A H Riise's Mall.
In 1980 when the Mahogany Golf Course was completed, he started playing golf and that is where he met Jim Bragg. At the time, Jim was the Rotary president and Archie Ogden was the secretary. Ted was encouraged by these two fine gentlemen to join Rotary; however, they did not know that upon becoming club president, one of his first acts would be the installation of the first female member-Ethel Mitchell. Ted claims that they wanted to get rid of him; but, thanks to Ted, Rotary II was the trailblazer for other Rotary clubs.
Thank you Ted!