Chartered in 1971, the Rotary Club of North Jackson is planning its 50th anniversary celebration. The luncheon gala will be held on July 20 at the Country Club of Jackson from 11 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. Keynote speaker is John Germ from Chattanooga, past president of Rotary International and incoming president of The Rotary Foundation. Special guest will be Philip Gunn, speaker of the Mississippi House of Representatives. June 29 marks the 50th year of the club.
In addition to social gathering and networking, North Jackson Rotary Club engages in widespread community service including volunteer reading to kindergarteners at Walton Elementary School, distribution of dictionaries to third graders in several Jackson area schools and introduction of the Chess Game to students in selected elementary schools in the metro area. Members regularly serve dinners at the Billy Brumfield House and have recently begun a beautification project at Parham Bridges Park. During the Covid pandemic, the club supported front-line heroes like emergency room personnel and first responders with snacks and beverages and recognized an outstanding Precinct 4 police officer each quarter with a public reception. North Jackson Rotary also sponsors the Millsaps Rotaract Club composed of young professionals and college students. Both clubs work in tandem with activities and projects.
In 1905, Paul Harris, a Chicago lawyer formed the first Rotary Club. His idea was for professionals from various backgrounds to get together, exchange ideas and establish friendships. Quickly, the original friendship club evolved into a service club helping to solve challenging civic and social problems. The concept quickly spread throughout the United States and eventually throughout the world.
Today, 116 years later, there are 1.2 million members in 35,000 local Rotary clubs in more than 200 countries. Among thousands of projects, Rotary’s signature international project has been a global challenge and fight to eradicate polio. In partnership with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and other organizations, that challenge has been successfully met.
Rotary’s primary areas of focus include maternal and child health, water and sanitation, disease prevention and treatment, basic education and literacy, growing local economy, peace building and conflict resolution, and supporting the environment. All align with the motto “Service above Self. They profit most who serve best.”
The vibrant, fun-loving and service-oriented North Jackson Rotary Club meets each Tuesday at noon at The Rickhouse by The Manship Restaurant on Poplar Boulevard in downtown Jackson. Those who enjoy helping others and enhancing community are welcome to visit, get to know the members and learn more about the club’s history and activities.
As North Jackson Rotary celebrates 50 years of fun, fellowship, networking and community service, its members continue their focus on a bright future filled with continued growth and good works. Anniversary Celebration Committee Chair and Club President-Elect Dr. Suman Das says “We see a world in harmony, peace, and prosperity, free of diseases and sufferings; but it’s all on us. All depends how we steer our Rotary ship through an unchartered future.”
For more information about the North Jackson Rotary Club, the 50-Year Anniversary Gala or Rotary International, contact Dr. Suman Das at dr.sumankdas@gmail.com.
