For several years the Rotary Club of Chesterville has held a very successful Breakfast with Santa event at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 434 in Chesterville. This year SDG MP Eric Duncan and Santa Claus joined volunteers and members of the RCC. Courtesy Photo

CHESTERVILLE – For almost 100 years, the Rotary Club of Chesterville (RCC) has served communities near and far in an effort to improve life for people. It received its charter on June 1, 1938 after the idea of forming a club in Chesterville was suggested and meetings held to moved forward.

The RCC of Chesterville has exemplified the Rotary motto of “Service above Self” in the contributions made to communities. From the pages of our local history books, “The Time That Was” and more recently “Bridging the Centuries” one is able to trace the work done by our Rotarians.

From the “Time that Was” we learn that Rotary Club members raised over $10,000 through a car raffle which was provided to those planning our community park, a wading pool in the park which many older residents will remember, funds for the park pavilion and the sponsorship of many local clubs. There were glasses provided to youngsters in need, assistance to crippled children by providing “custom-made shoes, supports or braces” as well as transportation to medical appointments and summer camps. Through the years the RCC has provided sponsorship to local clubs, and was instrumental in the formation of the Chesterville and District Historical Society.

During World War Two, RCC members raised money for the Red Cross, send donations of cash to help in the purchase of “blankets for war refugees.” Some will remember a public auction in the early 1960’s which provided people with the opportunity to purchase items sent from Rotary clubs around the world including a small wooden doll from Norway which was purchased by a father for his young daughter and “a shillelagh from a club in Ireland.”

Dave Baerg, the current president of the Chesterville Rotary Club, explained most recently the club has been involved in many international projects. These include the sponsorship of a mushroom plant and processing plant in Nepal as well as providing funds for washing stations and washrooms in schools in that country. He also described the support of RCC for shelter boxes, which he explained are sent as part of an international disaster relief initiative.

Locally over the past few decades our Rotary Club has organized social events such as the Dutch Heritage Night and a well-attended dinner which featured the local connection to the Titanic disaster. Baerg also described the work of Rotarians in organizing the annual Terry Fox Run, the ever-popular Breakfast with Santa and Shrove Tuesday Dinner. These have provided the funds necessary for many ongoing local initiatives.

It is certain that residents and visitors to Chesterville have noticed the maple leaves decorating the Main Street in summer and in the winter snowflakes, stars and a Merry Christmas sign decorating the village streets. Baerg mentioned the work of club members, in collaboration with South Nation Conservation, to ensure the lovely water fountain which is our Nation River in the summer months is installed by SNC and the gazebo in the new town square is maintained for the enjoyment of all.

He continued the RCC assisted in the creation of the raised vegetable gardens at Nationview Apartments, for the Little Free Libraries in the village and most recently the beautiful welcome signs situated at the entrances to Chesterville. There is also a lot of support for local organizations given by our Rotary Club who have events Chesterville and during the summer there is generally a Rotary Barbeque held for the enjoyment of many.

Meetings are held twice a month, with the first meeting being a business meeting and the second having a speaker on various topics. Baerg said the meetings begin with a social time at 6:30 p.m., followed by the meeting starting by 7 p.m. and generally finished by 8:30 p.m. with light refreshments served.

Like many organizations the work is done by volunteers and our Rotary Club needs more members to continue their many contributions to the community. Baerg explained there is a membership drive being held. He explained there is a pressing need to increase its membership if the RCC is to survive and thrive in its work both at home and internationally.

He mentioned there is more information about the current membership drive available on their Facebook page or from a Rotarian. When asked why one would join Rotary, he mentioned there is “a feeling of community” and provides an opportunity to give back to your community.

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