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Phil Chenier, who played nine seasons for the Washington Bullets and spent 33 years in the broadcast booth, discussed that aspect of his life, and more, while speaking at a recent Columbia-Patuxent Rotary meeting. 

He described how his career path led him to Columbia in 1974, a pivotal move that allowed his family to thrive. Phil worked for a time at Howard Community College, and was reunited with three of his coworkers who are now Rotarians – Patti Turner, Sandy Harriman and Linda Lloyd.

Phil had an unusual welcome to the NBA, initially signing with the Chicago Bulls but drafted by the Bullets under new hardship rules allowing him to leave college early. He was blessed to join a team stocked with supportive veteran players like Wes Unseld, Earl Monroe, Gus Johnson, and others.

He said his first Bullets coach, Gene Shue, taught him how to make the transition from college basketball to the professional game. Shue was succeeded by KC Jones, who gave Phil “the freedom to blossom, to grow, to be more confident.”

Phil said Pete Maravich and Earl Monroe were the most challenging opponents he faced. “Those two were creative players,” he explained. “They thought way out of the box, and they would make moves on you, not to try to embarrass you, but that was their creative thinking. If you weren't prepared, you know you could get embarrassed.”

He believes today’s NBA athletes are physically superior (bigger, stronger, faster), but many enter the league with less development due to their younger age. On topical athletic issues, Phil disdains the rise of legalized sports betting because it raises some red flags.

“Some players have gotten themselves in hot water,” he said. “I like to think that guys still have the attitude of playing to win, being competitive and enjoying that experience. The idea of somebody trying to hold back, even a little bit, just doesn't sit right with me.”

On the influence of NIL (“name, image, likeness”) money in college sports, he argued against the current system of direct payment to student athletes. Phil proposed alternatives like (1) athletes getting an extended three additional years to get their degree after their college eligibility is up; or (2) a compensation scale tied to pro salaries for those leaving school early. 

The way NIL acts now, he argued, muddies up everything. “Once again, the big schools are going to win out. I don't like it,” Phil said. “I understand players thinking that they need to be compensated, but I just think that adds a lot of unnecessary problems, and you're already getting that.”

Columbia-Patuxent Rotarians and the Hammond High School Interact Club gave an early Christmas present to the Howard County Food Bank – 1,773 pounds of non-perishable groceries. It was the largest donation ever for their annual canned food drive.

In addition to soliciting Rotarian contributions, Interact members placed collection boxes in the rooms of 45 teachers. Hammond students could bring non-perishable food items to their first period class. The top three classes donating the most won a Chick Fil A breakfast sponsored by the Rotary Club of Columbia-Patuxent. 

Interactors showed their holiday spirit with two other projects. They fashioned paper snowflakes for children in emergency care at the Children’s Hospital in Washington, DC.  Once these children are strong enough to go home, they can take their beautifully crafted snowflake with them. Students also placed holiday-themed decorations on the windows and glass doors at Winter Growth Assisted Living and Memory Care’s facility in Columbia, MD. 

Columbia-Patuxent members brought grocery donations at two club meetings and spent a Friday morning helping stock the Food Bank’s shelves. The club volunteers for this duty once a quarter throughout the year as part of its community service activities. It’s the largest and most active of the seven Rotary clubs in Howard County.   

Columbia-Patuxent Rotary also sponsored and provided vounteer "elves" like Susanne Caviness and Meghan Belcher (shown below) for Respite Retreats' Gingerbread Cookie Decorating Holiday Celebration that brings children and families together to decorate, connect, and step away from the weight of a cancer diagnosis, even if just for a little while. It's a good reminder of the power of community. 

Hammond High Interact is one of 35 active clubs in the Washington, DC and Central Maryland area. Columbia-Patuxent Rotary is proud to sponsor the club under the direction of advisor/Rotary Liaison Kellie Lego. Interact is one of Rotary’s key youth development programs – helping bring young people ages 12-18 work together to learn leadership skills and discover the power of Service Above Self. 

It’s a given that Rotary membership can be life-changing, but even non-members can find their lives improved by experiencing programs and activities offered worldwide.  One such example is the Rotary Youth Exchange program that gives 15-to-18-year-olds a chance to explore diverse cultures. Hosted by Rotary families, they can live up to a year overseas, learning a new language, new customs/traditions, and making new friends.

Progeny Health CEO Susan Torroella recently told Columbia-Patuxent Rotarians about her Youth Exchange year in glowing terms. She grew up in Lancaster, PA, where a newspaper article concerning an exchange student from India sparked her interest. Susan applied for the program, passed the formal interview process, and was assigned to spend a year in Brazil on exchange.

Sent to a small town where little English was spoken, Susan initially struggled with language, but immersion allowed her to rapidly acquire Portuguese: by three months she was nearly fluent, and by six months, locals mistook her for a native.  

She lived with two Brazilian host families, relating cultural differences including doing laundry manually with a washboard, reliance on letters for family communication (with long delays), and enjoying the Brazilian custom where a person with a birthday treats everyone else to a meal.

Susan described the warmth and community of Brazilian society, the closeness of the family unit, and the strong bonds with other international exchange students. She also attended evening Rotary meetings where she was welcomed despite the all-male membership prevalent at that time.

Susan believes Rotary Youth Exchange has shaped every facet of her life. It influenced her decision to pursue an International MBA, provided the foundation for her global marketing career, and made her more adaptive, culturally aware, and open-minded. It’s been pivotal to her personal and professional success, enriching her worldview and giving her the ability to appreciate and adapt to cultural subtleties. She closed her speech to our club with these words: “I'm so grateful to Rotary. I'm grateful for that entire experience. I would do it again and again.”

Anyone looking for an example of Rotary’s commitment to Service Above Self can proudly point to Columbia-Patuxent Rotary past president Jim Ehle, 2025 recipient of The Reverend John W. Holland Humanitarian Award presented by the Community Action Council of Howard County.

This annual honor salutes exemplary leadership, meaningful community impact, sustained engagement, and inspiration for others. Jim’s been a dedicated CAC supporter for over a decade. Since 2014, he’s volunteered nearly 3,000 hours of his time at Howard County’s Food Bank, Community Garden and CAC offices. An hour of volunteer time in Maryland is worth $34.79, based on the most recent national and state-level data.

The awards citation said Jim’s efforts helped to connect underserved Howard County residents with needed programs and services. Along with spouse Joanne, Jim’s philanthropic giving has helped ensure that local families living in hardship can grow and thrive. The couple actively supported and sponsored foreign exchange students. They currently sponsor two US Naval Academy students in the region.

Joanne joined Jim on the awards podium, along with The Reverend Dr. Robert Turner, CAC board chair, and Tracy Broccolino, the organization’s president. CAC’s mission is to diminish poverty and enable self-sufficiency for all Howard County individuals, families, and children in need.

In his acceptance speech, Jim called the Holland Award “an honor I never imagined.” He went on to say: “Service, for me, has never been about recognition. It's been about showing up, listening, learning, and doing what I can, with what I have, to make someone's day a little easier, a little brighter.

“I've learned that the most powerful change doesn't always come from grand gestures. It comes from consistency, from kindness, from quiet work done behind the scenes in food collections, reading a story for children, meals delivered, forms filled out, and hands held.”  

Jim noted the Holland Award “is more than a plaque or a title. It's a reflection of what happens in a community when compassion meets action, and when a community and an organization's quiet persistence becomes a lifeline for many.

“This award isn't mine alone. It belongs to every volunteer who said yes when it wasn't convenient; to every neighbor who offered help before being asked; to every person who believes that dignity is not a luxury – it’s a right. To my fellow volunteers, colleagues, and community members: thank you for walking beside me, for cheering me on, and for reminding me that kindness is contagious.”

He closed with a gentle challenge for all of us to undertake a Service Above Self commitment: “Volunteer. Donate. Advocate. Ask yourself, ‘What can I bring to the table?’  Whether it's time, talent, or treasure – every offering matters. Because when we show up together, we don't just ease burdens. We restore dignity. We build hope.”

Jim is the second Columbia-Patuxent leader to be named a Hollard Award winner. Past president Shaun Eddy received the honor in 2023. Columbia-Patuxent Rotary is the largest and most active of Howard County’s seven clubs.

Photos by Dave Bittner 

It’s easy to think of Rotary clubs as service organizations in their local community, but Rotary’s global reach takes this concept and extends it to projects on a worldwide basis, benefiting people in places far removed from a club’s home turf. That’s the case for Columbia-Patuxent Rotary and one of its latest examples of international service to others.  

In September 2022 the club initially donated $3,500 towards construction of a dedicated teachers staff room and work space at the St. Ursula Kalungu Primary School in Uganda under the auspices of the Assisi Centre for Peace and Justice. The new building, which took only a couple of months to complete, helped teachers feel that their school was complete.

For a second school-related project, Columbia-Patuxent partnered with 16 other US and Australian Rotary Clubs for the construction of 10 shower cubicles to be used by the 750 teenaged girls at the Kimaanya Secondary School in Uganda. This initiative was called Abigail's Project, named for the student who pushed for the much-needed hygiene facilities and developed the idea of requesting funding from Rotary.

On behalf of the Assisi Centre, Emily Nabakooza explained the need for showers as follows: “For a long time, mornings at BS Kimaanya Secondary School began in chaos, with students scrambling for a chance at the few available washing facilities. With so few bathrooms for so many learners, long lines tested patience and drained energy before the day even started. Those girls fortunate enough eventually secured their turn, but many faced a harsher reality like bathing in the open, where privacy was lost and hygiene compromised.”

Emily went on to say: “What should have been a simple daily routine became an exhausting struggle, leaving students weary before their first lesson. This Rotary-funded facility is more than just bathrooms. It is a space that reduces waiting times, improves hygiene, provides privacy and dignity, and restores confidence that empowers girls to start their day ready to learn."

International service is part and parcel of Rotary’s belief that fighting disease, providing clean water and sanitation, improving the health of mothers and children, supporting education and growing local economies builds optimal conditions for peaceful societies. Columbia-Patuxent Rotary is the largest and most active of the seven Rotary clubs in Howard County.  

While most students were preparing to start the new school year by getting backpacks and school supplies ready, Hammond High’s Interact Club board gathered over pizza and fries to plan for monthly meetings and service projects in 2025-2026. Interact is one of Rotary’s key youth development programs – helping bring young people ages 12-18 together to learn leadership skills and discover the power of Service Above Self.  

Hammond High Interact is one of 35 active clubs in the Washington, DC and Central Maryland area. Columbia-Patuxent Rotary is proud to sponsor the club under the direction of advisor/Rotary Liaison Kellie Lego, assisted by fellow Rotarian Michael Werling. They guide Interactors in projects and activities that can make a difference in their school and community.

For this school year, Interact plans include two long-standing service projects: an annual Food Drive to collect non-perishables for donation to Howard County’s Food Bank, and making snowflakes for children in emergency care at the Children’s Hospital in Washington, DC.  Once these children are strong enough to go home, they can take their beautifully-crafted snowflake with them.

The project list goes on to include making dog toys for local animal shelters; creating thank-you messages for veterans; making blankets for kids with Project Linus; fashioning Valentine’s Day cards for senior citizens; preparing meal prep kits for the Food Bank; and cleaning up the community around the school on Earth Day. “They were even able to squeeze in some weekend community service activities throughout the school year,” Kellie Lego said. “It is going to be an amazing year!”

In addition to hands-on service and having fun, past Hammond High Interact achievements even have had international impact. For example, a 2011 student-led “Walk 4 Water” raised money for fresh water well drilling in Ethiopia. It garnered enough capital to pursue drilling of four new drinking wells in the East African country.

Columbia-Patuxent Rotary is the largest and most active of the seven Rotary Clubs in Howard County.

(Excerpts from remarks by Rotary International 2025-26 President Francesco Arezzo, who took office July 1)

In an increasingly divided world, Rotary remains a beacon for unity. We begin this year with a clear message: Unite for Good. It is an extraordinary phrase for its simplicity, brevity and impact. Unite can be understood in two different manners. You have to unite in space and in time.

Uniting in space means involving all members in service. It means involving other organizations that function as partners. In short, it means to “expand our reach.” It means increasing our membership. Providing a strong club experience that meets the needs of members is imperative. That means making sure your club is welcoming, flexible and open to new ideas. It also means being responsive to the needs of your community. When we build connections locally, we increase our impact globally.

Uniting in time means we must work and plan with those who preceded us and with those who follow us. If we really want to change the world and people’s lives, together is a word that must always stand out prominently. Alone we go nowhere, any difficulty will seem insurmountable. Let’s learn instead to value the team, to use our infinite different skills, to look at problems from different points of view. Alone we lose, together we win, always.

Unity means working in harmony, building bridges, involving as many people as possible to achieve more effective results. Together, we can unite. We can unite to change lives, including our own. We can unite to change communities, right around the corner and half a world away. We can unite to change our world for the better, not just for us, but for generations to come. Together, we Unite for Good,

When we Unite for Good, we bring about change where our presence, our commitments, and our friendships matter. We build communities that care. And as we support and sustain one another, we grow in the process. We can do it. And we will do it. We are People of Action.

Columbia-Patuxent Rotary Club has recognized 14-year member Kellie Lego as its 2024-2025 Rotarian of the Year for her dedication, passion and service above and beyond the call of duty. The honor, announced by immediate past president Karen Mosel, is based on Kellie’s work not only with young people, but also in updating club bylaws.

Kellie serves as the club’s New Generations chair and advisor to Hammond High School’s Interact Club. Interact is one of Rotary’s key youth development programs that brings young people ages 12-18 together to learn leadership skills. Kellie helps students plan and implement local community service projects. She also volunteers to speak at Career Days and prepares students for the real world by assisting with their mock interview process.

“Kellie has been a guiding light for our youth, introducing them not just to Rotary but to the spirit of Service Above Self,” Karen said. “Through her tireless efforts, Kellie has inspired the next generation of leaders and volunteers, helping them understand the value of giving back, of building community and leading with the heart.”  

In the spirit of Columbia-Patuxent’s club service, Kellie put countless hours of work into updating and modernizing the club’s bylaws. “This work was critical to keeping us strong, organized and prepared for the future,” Karen said. “It’s often thankless, meticulous work, but Kellie took it on with incredible diligence, grace and commitment. Her energy, leadership and unwavering dedication to Rotary's mission have made a lasting mark on our club and our community.”

Kellie is the Managing Attorney of MVP Law Group and began her tenure in the legal field as a law clerk in 2005. She became a Rotarian in 2011. Columbia-Patuxent Rotary is the largest and most active of the seven Rotary clubs in Howard County.

Rotary and its members have a long history of promoting peace and working to address underlying causes of conflict in communities around the world. Peacebuilding is one of the cornerstones of our mission as a humanitarian service organization. That became more visible in Howard County in June when the Rotary Club of Columbia-Patuxent installed a Peace Pole at the Heroes Grove at Howard County Johns Hopkins Medical Center.

A Peace Pole is a monument displaying the message “May Peace Prevail On Earth” in languages spoken in the locale where it’s placed. This message was authored by the late Masahisa Goi of Japan after the World War Two bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. It’s now an international message with over 250,000 Peace Poles dedicated in every country in the world.

“What does peace mean to us? Peace is more than just the absence of conflict. It is a state of harmony — within ourselves, within our communities and with the world around us,” said Columbia-Patuxent president Karen Mosel, wielding a shovel at the ceremony. “Peace means respect, understanding and compassion. It means working together to overcome differences, to build bridges rather than walls, and to create a future where everyone can thrive safely and with dignity.

“This Peace Pole stands not only as a physical marker but also as a beacon of hope for Howard County,” she continued. “It represents our commitment to these ideals — a daily reminder that peace begins with each of us. When we pass by this pole, may we be inspired to foster kindness, to engage in respectful dialogue, and to act with empathy in our everyday lives. Let it remind all of us to work tirelessly toward a more peaceful, just, and inclusive society — right here at home in Howard County and beyond.”

Rotary estimates more than 70 million people  - half of them children - are displaced as a result of conflict, violence, persecution and human rights violations.  Peace Poles are intended to foster unity among people of all cultures, ethnicities and backgrounds.

The local dedication ceremony was attended by County Executive Calvin Ball, Howard County Economic Development Authority CEO Jennifer Jones, Kirsten Baier of Johns Hopkins Howard County Medical Center Foundation, and many Rotary members. Columbia-Patuxent Rotary is the largest and most active of the seven Rotary clubs in Howard County.  

The Rotary Club of Columbia-Patuxent celebrated a year of accomplishment while honoring outgoing and incoming board members and officers at the Annual Dinner in early June. The event included a festive cake decorated with Rotary International’s logo.

Outgoing President Karen Mosel said 2024-2025 has been a “busy but fantastic year” tackling projects big and small. She noted a club bylaws update (the first in 11 years), a successful drive to add $50,000 to our Charitable Trust endowment, and a $30,000 annual Tour de Vines fundraising record for grants to local nonprofits.  These, she said, “show our commitment to building a solid foundation and making a major investment for the future of this club.” 

Karen said placement of a Rotary Peace Pole at Johns Hopkins Howard County Medical Center’s Heroes Grove garden is “the most meaningful milestone in my mind because it will serve as a visible symbol of Rotary's commitment to peace, community, and an enduring legacy that will stand long after our service is through.”  

Incoming 2025-2026 President Linda Ostovitz said Karen’s leadership showed class and grace in “facing challenges as an opportunity to make our club better, and she did. She has fought for us and represented us really wonderfully for the last year.” 

Linda recounted her own Rotary membership experience, saying she joined the club to fill time after her late husband’s death, but found such a sense of acceptance, belonging, service and friendship that “the people in this room became people who filled my heart … who are as close to me as family, and who have sustained me and will continue to sustain me for the rest of my life.”

Linda’s goals for her term include making the club and its good works more visible in the community and having more fellowship activities for members. “Let's tell the world about what we do. We do so much. I believe in my heart that will cause other people to want to get engaged with us,” she said. “I would also love to drive our engagement with each other, because we rely on each other and the relationships that we have made, cultivated and cherished throughout the years.”

Ken Solow, a club past president and past governor of Rotary District 7620, administered the oath of office to 2025-2026 officers and directors, enjoining them to do their best to honor the bylaws of the Rotary Club of Columbia-Patuxent and of Rotary International.

When Rotarians are part of a local service project, they do more than just put in a day of volunteer work. They perform an act of social responsibility and community empowerment that reflects their motto of “Service Above Self.”  A perfect example is Columbia-Patuxent Rotary Club’s yearly support of Rebuilding Together Howard County Day.

 This meaningful project involves teams of volunteers from across our area coming together to repair and revitalize the homes of neighbors in need as part of National Rebuilding Day. Current club president Karen Mosel has been involved since 1998, when the program was known as Christmas in April. She’s a six-year board member and fundraising committee co-chair as well.  

“This work matters. We are committed to improving the quality of life for elderly homeowners, individuals with disabilities, veterans and families with children—people who have worked hard but can no longer afford the critical repairs their homes need,” Karen says. “In today’s challenging economic climate, the need is even greater. Rebuilding Together fills a vital gap by serving an often-overlooked population in Howard County. It brings dignity, safety and stability to those who need it most.”

 Columbia-Patuxent’s house rehab project included such tasks as building and installing two fence gates, caulking and painting window trim, kitchen trim painting, replacing three posts in a split-rail fence, adding hangers to a pergola, putting corrugated extensions on four downspouts, strapping and connecting another downspout, cleaning and mulching a flower bed, and moving an orange azalea to the cleaned bed.

 These small jobs comprise more than hands-on service. They show caring hearts sharing values of compassion and unity, of taking care of our own and honoring the dignity of neighbors. They have a tangible impact, not only physical results but also intangibles like meeting new people, bridging divides and proving that we can take care of each other. In essence, that’s what Rotary is all about.  

The Rotary Club of Columbia-Patuxent helped create a Nourishing Garden by connecting three previous grant recipients and supplying some of the physical labor needed to help make the visionary project a reality. It began with James Place Inc, one of the club’s grantees that provides funding and advocacy to help people recovering from the disease of addition. For many years Barbara Allen, James Place executive director and wife of Rotarian Tom Allen, has worked with Turek House, an addiction treatment and recovery program that includes a men’s residential treatment facility. 

Barbara advocated for years that Howard County needed a similar program for women. She was thrilled when Turek purchased property and opened a women’s program, Highland House, in 2024, assisted  by a Columbia-Patuxent Rotary grant. Zelda, one of Highland House’s 14 residents, expressed interest in creating a garden on the property. Gardening has been shown to have many therapeutic benefits as well as providing fresh vegetables, herbs and flowers. Barbara thought this was a great idea and approached Turek management to say that if they agreed with the project, she would manage it.

With Turek’s approval, Barbara approached Geoff Carton, Rotary’s community service chair, about the club providing some volunteer labor. He agreed and also connected Barbara with the Community Ecology Institute (CEI).  Rotarians have completed a number of projects and provided grants to CEI over the years. The Institute also has a Nourishing Gardens program to transform lawns into beneficial growing spaces to nourish people, the community, and nature. CEI created a design for Highland House’s garden and sourced supplies and plants. A Howard County Health Dept. grant paid about half the project’s overall project cost.  

On garden installation day, Rotary helpers along with Turek staff, men from Howard House and the women of Highland House, worked to make Zelda’s vision come true. A 30 x 30-foot lawn area was transformed into a fenced garden with six raised beds for vegetables and herbs, surrounded by perennial flowers and berry bushes. When the weather’s warmer, more plants will be added and Highland House residents will learn how to care for and harvest the produce.

Rotarian Geoff Carton lauded the new garden as a great example of how connections between Rotary and various organizations can help spur community improvements. “It is so seldom that we get an opportunity to meet with and see the humanity of the people we are trying to help,” he said. “The Turek men and Highland House women were very real and open. I look forward to hearing about their success. I really appreciate that they were there doing the work themselves.”

TEXT by Tom Allen                                                                                                                                                                                                      PHOTOS by Geoff Carton

It’s the practice of Rotary clubs to have a guest speaker at their regular meetings. Our aim is to have a program of informational, educational, motivational or entertainment value that will be of general interest to all club members.

We look for speakers who are mindful of the fact that Rotary is a non-political and non-religious-affiliated organization, and who will refrain from controversial topics or volatile issues that could cause anger or division. Speakers representing religious or charitable organizations are welcome to speak about their work, however, so long as they don’t advocate a particular political or religious position.

It is acceptable to have current political office holders speak when the format is a report on issues that face the community or a report to constituents on congressional or legislative affairs. We plan to refrain from hearing from political candidates during an election campaign. 

We welcome company or business speakers to talk about issues that affect their industry and the community and how they cope with them. We’re interested in fresh topics on a company’s approach to sound business practices.  

We welcome speakers from non-profit organizations that impact our community, state, nation or the world. We especially like to hear from those we have financially supported through our annual Grants Day program or who have club members serving as their volunteers or board members.

We also try to invite speakers who might be considered as potential members of the Rotary Club of Columbia-Patuxent so that we can learn more about them while they experience the warm welcome that we’re known for. Here’s just a few of the organizations whose speakers we’ve heard in recent months:

• Maryland State Dental Association
• Howard County Economic Development Authority
• Neighbor Ride
• Make A Wish                
• Wings of Hope Global Cooperative
• Gilchrist Hospice
• Just Living Advocacy
• Better Business Bureau
• Just Living Advocacy
• Columbia Amateur Radio Association
• The Business Monthly
• Special Olympics
• Columbia Housing Center
• Silhouette Stages

(Excerpted from an article by Rotary International CEO John Hewko that originally appeared in the Chicago Tribune's Opinion Section  © 2025 Chicago Tribune)

In February 1905, a Chicago lawyer named Paul Harris resolved to fill a hole in his life. He had arrived in the city a few years earlier, and though he’d built a successful law practice, something was missing. The young man was lonely. The sense of camaraderie and community he had known growing up in a small Vermont town was glaringly absent in the hustle and bustle of urban life.

To overcome his feeling of alienation, Harris asked three acquaintances if they wanted to meet regularly to share friendship. Their first meeting took place February 23 in downtown Chicago. There, they decided to form a club, where people could come together—not just to do business, but to form lasting, genuine connections. Because they would rotate their meetings at each other’s offices, they chose “Rotary” as a fitting name for the group.

The first four Rotarians were Gustavus Loehr, Silvester Schiele, Hiram Shorey and Paul Harris. That one club soon became dozens and then hundreds, until finally there were thousands of clubs in small towns and big cities across America and the world. They meet for fellowship, networking and community services. 

More than a century later, Harris would likely not be surprised that the clubs he founded to combat isolation and loneliness have become a powerful global force for human connection. In recent years, however, the idea of belonging to traditional civic organizations is perceived to be obsolete. Many who flock to online communities see them as something for their grandparents’ generation.

Are they really?

While technology can be a tool to bridge gaps, it is no substitute for real-world engagement. Despite being more digitally connected than ever, many people are struggling to forge the kind of deep, meaningful relationships that give life purpose. We have thousands of online “friends” but fewer real confidants. The decline of religious and civic participation, coupled with the rise of remote work and social media, has left many of us feeling isolated—even in crowded cities.

Given the prevalence of loneliness, the vision of Harris—that people, no matter their profession or cultural background, could come together to form meaningful relationships and create lasting change—is more relevant today than ever. Reviving people’s interest in joining civic organizations is an effective solution for loneliness.

At their core, community membership organizations are about more than service projects. They are about creating spaces where people of all backgrounds come together to find support, and a sense of purpose. In recent years, many traditional membership organizations have modernized their rules and reinvented themselves, creating programs and causes that appeal to the young generation.

As we face this loneliness epidemic, the solution is within our grasp. It begins with each of us choosing to connect—to reach out to a neighbor and to join a local group. In doing so, we not only enrich our own lives but help build a society where no one has to feel alone.

Rotarians put their motto of “Service Above Self” into action every day and in every part of the world, generously contributing time and talents to help others. Columbia-Patuxent Rotary members, for instance, carry out community service projects that address local needs and have worked with distant clubs to cosponsor international humanitarian work.

Here are just a few examples: (1) we collect school supplies to stuff and distribute backpacks each year for local students; (2) we welcome veterans arriving on Honor Flights at BWI, recognizing their service to our country; and (3) we prepare and help serve meals for residents at the Grassroots shelter.

How valuable is this type of volunteerism?  A special report prepared for Rotary International by the Johns Hopkins Center for Civil Society Studies has estimated the value of Rotary member volunteer hours at $850 million a year.

That Rotary members log a lot of volunteer hours should come as no surprise to anyone familiar with the organization. But the Johns Hopkins report provides a powerful look at the impact of all those volunteer hours. The report found that Rotary members had volunteered a total of 5.8 million hours within a four-week survey period.

Extrapolating those results over an entire year, the report gave an estimate of nearly 47 million hours of volunteer effort generated by Rotary members in a typical year. The Center analyzed the economic impact of all those hours and arrived at the $850 million estimate, if communities had to pay for the services that Rotary volunteers provide.

Rotary International, with the help of Johns Hopkins University, is the first global service organization to conduct an empirical analysis of its volunteers’ impact using an internationally sanctioned definition of volunteer work. The authors of the report noted in their conclusion that at each step, their analysis had chosen the most conservative estimates.

 Employees in small businesses are acutely aware when the boss becomes passionately involved with community service projects in their hometown. And why shouldn’t they? Many employees not only work in Howard County, but also live and raise their families here. This is especially true of younger employees. They care greatly about company values and corporate benefits other than just salary, like job flexibility, enjoying the work environment, maintaining a healthy work/life balance, and working for a business that obviously cares about more than just earning a profit for the owners. 

That’s why the Rotary Club of Columbia-Patuxent’s Corporate Membership program is such a fitting benefit for small businesses to offer. When the next generation of company leaders is given an opportunity to join Rotary, that’s valued in a different way than other benefits. Why? Because this next generation gets to see and feel the value of community service in their hometown, as well as to enjoy those new personal and professional relationships they’ll make in the club. 

Business owners know that next generation executives and staff are critical to a company’s current and future success, and the chance to get future leaders involved in community service can further connect them to one of their company’s core values: service to others.

Offering Rotary membership to employees has perks that should interest a business owner, but two are of particular interest. The first is that Rotary Corporate Members get the opportunity to meet and network with others who are successful business owners, executives and retirees, and to learn from them in a positive and fun environment. 

The second benefit is that Rotary offers a chance to hone their leadership skills. Whether it’s participating on a club committee (maybe eventually leading one), or working together on a service project, being in an environment where young members are encouraged to step up and lead is important, invaluable training. Especially true for business owners looking to develop strong, mature future executives.

Corporate Membership is comparatively simple compared to other company benefits. Perhaps one of its most important features is our recognition that businesspeople require a great deal of flexibility in scheduling. Up to four representative members of a business can attend our weekly Friday morning meetings.

If the owner (primary member) is too busy to attend, that’s fine. All or none of the other corporate members can fly their business’ flag on any given week. Regardless of weekly attendance, all four members retain full membership in our club and in Rotary International.

Why not explore the benefits of our Corporate Membership program?  You may be surprised at how inexpensive it is to provide a meaningful benefit for your staff, and to have your business be an important member in an organization that serves others and has fun doing it.

For more information about our club and the Corporate Membership program, contact Membership Chair, Sandy Harriman at sharrima1@verizon.net, or go to columbiarotary.com.  

The Rotary Club of Columbia-Patuxent meets on Friday mornings at 7:30 a.m. at the Periodic Table restaurant in Columbia, MD. Our 50+ men and women members serve Howard County by raising funds to support local non-profit organizations, and by doing a variety of “hands on” projects that help improve life for others. We’re part of Rotary International and its more than 1.5 million members worldwide. Rotary has been the preeminent service organization for business leaders since 1905.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                       By Ken Solow

If you look a little closer, you’ll find that the heart of each Rotary Club beats with a simple desire: to serve others. Rotary Club of Columbia-Patuxent members join for all kinds of reasons. Some come to connect with new friends, looking for a warm and welcoming social circle. Others want to network with leaders in Howard County, where friendships in Rotary can naturally blossom into rewarding business relationships. Yet, what truly unites us all is the shared joy and purpose in serving others.

Remarkably, the most effective way to forge friendships and build meaningful connections is to work alongside fellow Rotarians to make a difference. This experience, this blend of camaraderie and service, is the “secret sauce” that makes our club so special. Whether your primary motivation is community service, friendship, or professional connections, you’ll find that by giving back, you fulfill all those goals—and you’ll have a lot of fun along the way.

 With over 35,000 Rotary clubs worldwide, each approaches community service in unique ways. The Rotary Club of Columbia-Patuxent raises funds for various local nonprofits supporting Howard County and takes part in hands-on projects that bring us face-to-face with our people. Here are just a few examples of the work we’ve done together:

• Preparing weekly bag lunches for the Grassroots Crisis Center throughout the summer.
• Partnering with the Community Ecology Institute to run power lines, rehabilitate wells and install water systems to nurture plants and provide classroom spaces.
• Packing care boxes for cancer patients through Respite Retreats.
• Joining other Rotary clubs in Howard County to rehabilitate homes in our annual Rebuilding Together program.

“Community service” can mean different things to different people. Some members roll up their sleeves for hands-on work, while others focus on supporting charitable efforts financially. New members often find projects that resonate with their passions, working alongside others with similar interests. Even in an affluent area like Howard County, countless families struggle with basic needs. Whether you’re driven to help address poverty, environmental concerns, healthcare, housing, or any other need, you’ll find members ready to support your cause and magnify your efforts in a way that goes beyond what you could accomplish alone.

Our commitment to service doesn’t end at Howard County. Through Rotary International, we connect with clubs worldwide to address challenges far beyond local borders. From health and maternal care to environmental and educational projects, we do “hands on” projects with Rotarians around the globe to make a positive impact. If you’ve ever dreamed of being part of an international cause, joining Rotary opens up a network of over 2 million members in more than 200 countries who share your values and passion for making a difference.

If you’re ready to find a place where you can make a meaningful impact while meeting warm, inspiring people, we’d love for you to join us. Our meetings take place every Friday at 7:30 am over breakfast at the Periodic Table restaurant in Columbia. To learn more about our local service projects, please reach out to Service Chair Geoff Carton at glcarton@gmail.com. If you’re interested in club membership, Sandy Harriman can answer all your questions at sharrima1@verizon.net. To explore Rotary International’s work, visit Rotary.org.

Come join us, and let’s make a difference together.                                                                                     

                                                                                          -- KEN SOLOW

Step into the dining room at the Periodic Table restaurant in Columbia, MD on just about any Friday morning at the godawful time of 7:30 and the room is filled with enthusiastic people getting caught up on the week’s news. They are loud and boisterous, engaging in energetic conversations that have raised the volume to high levels.

You might be surprised to learn that this is a Rotary meeting. The men and women here certainly don’t fit the stereotype of members of a stodgy old fraternal organization. After all, everyone knows that Rotary is for old, retired guys with nothing else to do. Our fathers went to Rotary meetings where business cronies met for lunch and cocktails in ancient times when women weren’t allowed, and they still hadn’t invented color TV. 

 Fast forward to today to find out that Rotary is one of the world’s largest service organizations, with over 1.5 million members in more than 200 countries around the globe. It’s hard to imagine, but there are more than 50,000 Rotary clubs, each serving its local community in its own way. If you’re a Rotarian, you’re welcome to visit them all. One-and-a-half million people on a mission to help others, and who adhere to the same code of high ethical standards in all they do – amazing to consider, isn’t it?

Sadly, the very idea of community service and community service clubs seems out of date. In fact, meeting people in person anymore to discuss … anything … may be going out of fashion.  Tweets are fine. TicTok has its place. Goodness knows that ancient means of communication, Facebook, allows for a sense of community. But it’s not the same as being together with friends and business associates. 

We live in a mobile world where our long-time friends move away to chase the sun, be with the grandkids or pay less taxes. Suddenly, we find our personal social network is disappearing. We could all use the energy, creativity, positivity, and sense of accomplishment that comes from meeting once a week with a group of old or new friends with similar goals and values: to help others, do a little networking, and enjoy each other’s company. Not to mention, the breakfast is pretty good.

The Rotary Club of Columbia-Patuxent, those nutty people meeting Fridays at 7:30 a.m. at the Periodic Table, is an eclectic group serving the community by raising money for worthy charitable organizations, and by getting their hands dirty (in some cases, literally) while working in a variety of local projects to help others have better lives. The club is also 50 or more people who treat one another like family and care deeply about each other. Our membership rules have an enormous amount of flexibility for folks who want to join in the fun and the service but have busy lives with lots of other commitments. 

You may not have heard of Rotary. Or, if you did, maybe you didn’t realize it isn’t the organization you thought it was. It really isn’t your dad’s Rotary anymore. In fact, Columbia-Patuxent Rotary can be anything you want it to be so long as it serves others, engages our members, and stirs our collective imagination in terms of “service above self,” which happens to be our motto. 

Why not visit us at 7:30 on a Friday morning? Come for breakfast, listen to a speaker talk about an interesting community topic, get to know some fascinating people who are anxious to meet you. It's possible that you, too, could be a Rotarian and help add to the calamitous noise, join in the discussion and the laughter. The Periodic Table restaurant is located at 8808 Centre Park Drive, Columbia, MD 21045. For club membership information, contact Linda Ostovitz at lostovitz@offitkurman.com.                                                                                                                                                                                              -- By KEN SOLOW

1. Friendship

Rotary meets one of the most basic human needs: that of friendship and fellowship. It’s one of the reasons why Rotary began in 1905.

2. Business and Personal Development

Rotary is an organization of leaders and successful people. Membership aids   business success, leadership, and growth in personality, social skills, and people skills. Rotary is for people who like people.

3. Citizenship in Your Community

Rotary membership makes better community citizens. The average club consists of the most active local citizens. Timely topics discussed at each meeting keep us informed about what‘s happening in the community, nation, and world.

4. Worldwide Citizenship

Around the world, almost every religion, country, culture, race, creed, political persuasion, language, color, and ethnic identity may be found in Rotary. It’s a global cross-section of the most prominent citizens from every background. Our pin proudly says “Rotary International.”

5. Fun

Rotary is fun, a lot of fun. Each meeting is fun. Club projects are fun. Social activities are fun. Service is fun. Rotarians above all are nice people -- the nicest people on the face of this earth.

6. Development of Ethics

Rotarians practice a Four-Way Test of ethical standards in the things that we think, say, and do. Rotarians are pledged to do the right thing in their business and personal relations.

7. Vocational Skills

Rotarians are expected to take part in the growth and development of their own profession/vocation. Everyone needs to network. Rotary is a cross-section of every business community, with members ready to help each other and collectively help others. 

8. Prestige

Rotary members are prominent people: leaders of business, various professions, art, government, sports, military, religion, and education. Rotary is the oldest and most prestigious service club in the world, composed of people who make decisions and influence policy.

       9. Absence of an “Official Creed”

Rotary has no secret handshake, no secret policy, no official creed, no secret meeting or rituals. It is an open society of men and women who simply believe in helping others.

10. Opportunity to Serve

Rotary is a service club. Its business is mankind. Its product is service. Rotarians provide community service both locally and internationally. The satisfaction that comes with “Service Above Self” is richly rewarding.

Rotary International President Stephanie Urchick has selected The Magic of Rotary as the theme for her year of service. What those words mean to her – and for Rotarians worldwide – is reflected in this excerpt from her message in the most recent issue of Rotary Magazine:

Rotary is at its best when we foster a sense of inclusion and belonging in our clubs. In fact, I would go so far as to say that belonging is The Magic of Rotary itself. With a focus on inclusivity and belonging, it is easier to be united in a common purpose. When we are committed to one another and focused on our goals, we are most effective.

That’s why expanding our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion is so important. Committing ourselves to each other’s well-being is the first step to expanding our reach, allowing us to spread Positive Peace in these troubled times.

Peacebuilding is one of our top priorities, and one of the most effective ways we can build peace is with our Rotary Peace Fellowships, through which peace and development professionals learn how to prevent and end conflict.

We offer these fellowships through our Rotary Peace Centers at leading universities around the globe, where more than 1,800  Peace Fellows have graduated. Next year’s Rotary Presidential Peace Conference in Istanbul  will highlight the many ways our family of Rotary advances peacebuilding.

The truth is, we’re not going to bring peace to the world, end polio, or grow membership by waving a wand and saying some funny words. It’s up to you. You create the magic with every project completed, every dollar donated, and every new member inducted.

I love my Rotary family and I know you do too. That’s why I know that together, we can make every club and district simply irresistible. This year, let us change the world by embracing The Magic of Rotary.