Sunrise Rotary celebrates 50 years

Nancy SimpsonThe Madera Tribune

Guest speaker Johrita Solari, Rotary International Director, shares her experiences in Rotary as attendees enjoy the celebration of Madera Sunrise Rotary Club’s 50th anniversary.

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Madera Sunrise Rotary Club held a dinner at the VFW Post 1981 hall to celebrate 50 years since the club began. Rotarians from various clubs in the Central Valley attended, as well as others in the community.

President Gordon Kennedy began with a warm welcome at the August 23 event, for all who were attending. He honored presidents and other Rotarians of the past, and also past District Governors who were Sunrise Rotarians, naming quite a few who were present and active Rotarians in Madera County. 

Kennedy gave special homage to Bob Bitter, who was not there because of ill health. “We’re missing Bob Bitter tonight,” he said. “He is the oldest member (chronologically) in our Rotary Club. There are no more of our charter members in the club anymore. Bob joined in 1976. He had been a member in Selma for 10 years before that.” Kennedy explained how Bitter had been involved in many projects in Sunrise Rotary.