Article penned by Dick Roberts, Quitman Rotary Club
 
 
A Passion for Eclipses and Community: How Dick’s Sky-High Vision Brought the Quitman Rotary Together
 
If you have ever met Dick from the Quitman Rotary Club, you probably know he’s not your average guy. In fact, Dick’s passion for all things celestial goes beyond anything most of us can imagine. Back in 2023, Dick came to the Quitman Rotary Club with an exciting and unique idea that would leave a lasting impact on our entire community. His mission? To provide every ISD student in Wood County with protective eclipse glasses in preparation for a once-in-a-lifetime event—the total eclipse.
 
Now, Dick did not just show up with a random idea. He came prepared, armed with incredible pictures from past eclipses—photos he took during a total eclipse in Wyoming (yes, he travels the world to chase eclipses!). He explained how people from all over the globe would travel for hours just to witness this fleeting, magnificent event that lasts only a few minutes. And the best part? It was not going to happen again for hundreds of years in Wood County! He had our attention.
The Quitman Rotary Club quickly saw the value in this rare opportunity, and we all jumped into action. Under Dick’s leadership, we planned to make sure every student in Wood County would be able to safely experience this cosmic phenomenon. It was a team effort, one that showed what a group of passionate people could do when they come together for a common goal.
 
But what I did not fully understand at the time—what I (and probably most of us) learned along the way—was just how deep Dick’s love for eclipses and sky events ran. As we worked on this project, Dick would take trips to other parts of the world where total eclipses were visible. Turns out, there is always another eclipse somewhere, and Dick was not going to miss one IF he could make arrangements! His enthusiasm became contagious, and before we knew it, our little community project turned into something bigger than just providing eclipse glasses. It was about learning, sharing, and, most importantly, connecting with each other as a community.
 
My reaction after viewing a total eclipse in April:  I get Dick's passion for viewing a Totality Eclipse!
 
This brings me to why I am sharing this with you. If you are reading this and thinking, “Wow, this sounds like an incredible group to be a part of,” then you are absolutely right! The Quitman Rotary Club is full of passionate, driven people just like Dick, who are working together to make a difference—not just in Wood County, but in the world.
Whether you are interested in service projects, networking, or just want to be part of a group that truly cares, we would love to have you join us for lunch. It is an opportunity to connect with others who are eager to make an impact, share ideas, and have a little fun along the way.
 
If you are looking for a way to give back to the community, challenge yourself, or simply meet some incredible people, come join us at our next Rotary lunch. Who knows? Maybe you will end up chasing eclipses with Dick, or find your own passion to bring to the table. Either way, we would love to see you there!

Call to Action:
Interested in joining the Quitman Rotary Club? Join us for lunch most Thursdays and see what we are all about. We would love to meet you!