Hotel Hays, the site of the first Rotary meetings in Warsaw.

WARSAW — Warsaw Rotary will celebrate 100 years of existence with a bash on Friday, Feb. 8, at the Spohn Ballroom in Goshen. Warsaw and Goshen Rotary clubs are collaborating on a celebration which includes the International President, Barry Rassin speaking. The event is open to the public and reservations are required at https://warsawrotary.com. 

Barry Rassin resides in New Providence Bahamas and earned his MBA in hospital administration from the University of Florida. He has been a Rotarian for almost 40 years and completed many humanitarian hours through Rotary leadership positions.  He received the Service Above Self Award, which is the highest honor bestowed on a Rotarian.  

Warsaw Rotary is blessed with 100 years of wonderful leaders for the organization. The first President, Conrad Schade was the only President serving a two-year consecutive term from 1919-1921. W.F. Maish Sr (1926-27) and W.F. Maish, Jr, (1933-34) are the only father/son duo both serving as President.  Terry Klondaris (1970-71) and Cynthia Hampton (2005-06) are the only father/daughter duo serving as President.  A father and two brothers have served: Wallace Stouder (1977-78); Wes Stouder (1991-92); and Randy Stouder (1996-97). Notably, Cindy Hampton (2005-06) was the first female to serve as Warsaw Rotary President since the US Supreme Court ruled in 1987 that Rotary clubs could no longer exclude women from membership on the basis of gender. 

Significant community contributions are:

• Helped establish local Chamber of Commerce
• Started “Rotary Toy Day” helping children in need during the holidays
• Contributions to Salvation Army
• Mobile Meals delivery to the elderly in need
• Warsaw Biblical Gardens
• Shrine Building
• YMCA
• Baker Boys Club
• Paul Harris Fellows
• Polio eradication
• Pete Thorn Excellence Award for community service
• Honorary members in the 1920s included: Billy Sunday and Homer Rodeheaver
• Rotary Park

Meetings are held weekly on Fridays from noon to 1 p.m. at the Kosciusko County Fairgrounds.