The Club was chartered in 1920 and is now part of some 33,000 clubs in about 200 countries with over 1.2 million members worldwide. Rotary provides a worldwide network of business and professional leaders volunteering their time for the benefit of humanity. Currently our Rotary International Foundation is completing a two-decade project to eradicate Polio worldwide. With only four countries where Polio outbreaks still occur, our goal or ‘dream’ is almost reached. Rotary’s motto is ‘Service above Self’, and this year’s RI President’s motto is ‘Make Dreams Real’.

Some of the major accomplishments of Mansfield Rotary include:

1. Helping establish the local “crippled children’s” society which is now known as the Rehabilitation Service of North Central Ohio (The Rehab Center).
2. Our early members helped establish the local Boy Scout Council in 1917.
3. Funded and initiated the McGowan Courage Awards in 1968 recognizing high school students showing courage. This annual event has spread internationally.
4. Helped fund the Rotary Adult Day Care Center in the 1978.
5. Helped establish and fund the Rotary Alzheimer’s Unit in 1997.
6. Commissioned the Johnny Appleseed Mural in Downtown Mansfield in 2001.
7. Funded and assembled the North Lake Park Playscape in 2005.
8. Helped fund the rebuilding of the 200-year old Mansfield Blockhouse for Mansfield’s Bicentennial in 2008.
9. Instrumental in establishing Rotary clubs in Ashland, Galion, Shelby, Mt. Vernon, and Ontario.

As of July 2008, Mansfield Rotary has 99 members including 4 honorary members.

Our club meets at the Holiday Inn at 11:45 AM every Tuesday. Call 419-525-6000 for directions.

If you have an interest in joining us, please email us at info@mansfieldrotary.com.

Yours in Rotary,
Harry
Harry Frietchen
President 2008-2009