Wichita Rotary - 2011 Centennial

In commemoration of the Rotary Club of Wichita’s centennial year, Rotary’s board of directors, staff, and committees have planned educational, fun, and fitting ways to celebrate our club’s century of existence.

In addition to the fun and well-attended Centennial launch event held at the Petroleum Club on January 31, we will have multiple opportunities to celebrate our history as we forge toward the future. Additional events, initiatives, and activities during our Centennial year include:

· Centennial Launch Event at the Petroleum Club on January 31 attended by 270 Rotarians and guests.

· Once a month for each of the next 10 months, one of our members will recount a decade of our history with a “Centennial Minute” presentation. Past President Clark Bastian launched this initiative by sharing some fascinating history about our first decade of existence at Rotary’s 02.14.2011 meeting.

· At our February 28 meeting, Melodee Eby (spouse of Rotarian Martin Eby and granddaughter of our founder), will share some remarks about her grandfather, Wichita Rotary Founder Harry Stanley.

· A significant “Rotary Centennial Gift to the Community” was announced on March 28, 2011 that will serve as a visible symbol of Rotary and its impact for decades to come, while also enhancing the cultural landscape of our community.

In a unique partnership between our club, Coleman, Sedgwick County and the City of Wichita, a major community gift was announced at our March 28 meeting to commemorate our 100th anniversary. To be located on the corner of Second and St. Francis, an urban park that features a Rotary Time Tower more than 40’ tall and an interpretive wall will soon be built. The area will serve as a gateway to Old Town, the Arena and other downtown areas.

The Rotary Time Tower sculpture was designed by local artist Todd Whipple of Whipple Studios LLC

and will be created by Law Kingdon Architecture. The Rotary donation will be $300,000 from the

Wichita Rotary Charitable Fund for the moving sculpture and urban park.

The sculpture will move with the wind, mark time by producing sound every 15 minutes and will be lit at night. The urban park will also feature an interpretive wall that tells the story of the Rotary Club of Wichita and commemorates our Centennial.

· An updated club history will be published under the leadership of Arlen Honts and Clark Bastian.

· Historical displays and photos have been created by Past Presidents Clark Bastian and Dave Marteney for use at centennial events.

· A special Rotary Centennial Pin has been created. For those who weren’t able to attend the Jan. 31 event, a limited quantity of extra pins is available for only $5.

· Fellow Rotarian (and international logo guru!) Bill Gardner has donated his talents in designing a special Rotary Centennial logo (shown at the top of the Round & Round).

· A Rotary Centennial Podium has been designed by Bill Gardner that is being constructed thanks to the generosity and woodworking talents of Chris and Bob Goebel.