If you have driven through Hamlin in recent weeks you may have noticed the addition of a Gazebo at the Hamlin Senior Center. The Gazebo is a donation from the Rotary Club of Hamlin - Lake Ariel. "Up until now, most of our fund raising benefited the youth in our community," said club president, Eileen Talalas. "Those projects included swings, bleachers and benches at Salem Park, the establishment of an annual Safe Kids Fair, and books for a summer reading program among others. This year, we approached the Hamlin Senior Center and asked if they had a 'wish list'. An outdoor seating area was the only request." Through club fundraising efforts and a grant from Rotary District 4710, funds were raised to fulfill the wish... and then some.
The club's members gathered on Monday to apply a coat of stain to ensure protection of the wood. The club will also be providing bench seats so the seniors can relax and enjoy the lovely summer weather while being protected from the sun. A plaque was also mounted to the entrance announcing the donation by the club in memory of the club's charter president Dr E.J. "Jeff" Hathaway who passed earlier this year. "Jeff was the club's first president and instrumental in making sure that we all lived by the motto 'Service Above Self'. He was 90 years of age when he passed and until he became ill this past Autumn, he was very active in all club activities. It is fitting that we honor his memory in this way", said Talalas.
Rotary is a worldwide organization that seeks to improve lives, locally and globally. Best known for its efforts to eradicate polio, the organization is also the only non-government organization with a permanent seat in the United Nations. Preventing Disease, Maternal and Child Heath, Improving Sanitation, Literacy and Education, and Conflict Resolution are the primary areas of focus. People interested in learning more are invited to attend a club meeting, held each Tuesday, 5:30 pm at RPlace in Hamlin. The club also seeks sponsors and golfers for their upcoming tournament which allows the club to continue its work. Information is available at NBT Bank, Century 21 in Hamlin, or Re/MAX Best in Lake Ariel.