Stories

Dear Citizens of Gravenhurst

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve on a daily basis. It is recommended that organizations plan to respond in a flexible way to varying levels of severity and be prepared to change their operations as needed. We will continue to monitor the recommendations from Public Health and will react accordingly.

Unfortunately we have had to cancel our weekly bingo. We will resume as soon as possible.

During this difficult time we are assisting vulnerable members of our community as much as we can. With the loss of bingo revenue this proves to be a challenge, however we are supporting G.A.P. and providing weekly grocery vouchers for those in dire need. We encourage those who can help to donate to our club or directly to G.A.P. Please see Rotary's latest press release on how to donate. 

After setting up his law practice in Chicago, Harris gathered several business associates to discuss the idea of forming an organization for local professionals. On 23 February 1905 Harris, Gustavus Loehr, Silvester Schiele, and Hiram Shorey gathered at Loehr’s office in Room 711 of the Unity Building in downtown Chicago. This was the first Rotary club meeting.

In February 1907, Harris was elected the third president of the Rotary Club of Chicago, a position he held until the fall of 1908. During his presidency, he formed the Executive Committee, later called the Ways and Means Committee, which met during lunch and was open to any member. The noon meeting was the foundation for Rotary's tradition of club luncheon meetings.

Toward the end of his club presidency, Harris worked to expand Rotary beyond Chicago. Some club members resisted, not wanting to take on the additional financial burden. But Harris persisted and by 1910 Rotary had expanded to several other major U.S. cities.

Harris recognized the need to form an executive board of directors and a national association. In August 1910 Rotarians held their first national convention in Chicago, where the 16 existing clubs unified as the National Association of Rotary Clubs. The new association unanimously elected Harris as its president.

At the end of his second term, Harris resigned, citing ill health and the demands of his professional practice and personal life. He was elected president emeritus by convention action, a title he held until his death.

In the mid-1920s Harris became actively involved in Rotary again, attending conventions and visiting clubs throughout the world. Download his speech book.

As you know we have a Wednesday morning coffee time, to change things up a bit, the last Wednesday of the Month will be an evening social instead of a morning meeting. So if you would, please mark your Calendar - March 25, 2015, 7:30 pm - 9 pm. we are meeting at Sawdust City, in Gravenhurst. It's open all Rotarians and to family/friends. You can bring your own food. Each person will be responsible for their own munchies/beverage. If you can't make it at 7:30 then arrive when you can. Marg will reserve a table - could you RSVP by the Monday prior, March 23. Thanks

Rotary Golf Tournament at Bigwin Island is Thursday, May 28th. Everyone in the Club has been mailed a registration form now and also a donation form. Looking forward to another great tournament and the request has been placed for great weather.