Welcome to Rotary!
Established in 1922, the Rotary Club of Greenfield has provided more than a century of service to the community. On February 16, 2023 the club became a breakfast club and meets each Thursday (except holidays) for a 6:30 a.m. breakfast at the Catch 22 Sports Pub, followed by a 7:00 a.m. meeting. The Catch 22 Sports Pub is located at 250 Jefferson St., Greenfield, Ohio.
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Rotarian Dan Pearce passes at age 65
The Greenfield Rotary Club recently received news of the passing of Daniel Hallard “Dan” Pearce, 65, longtime Rotarian and active Highland County community supporter. Those who knew Dan were aware of his charitable efforts on behalf of Rotary, the Hillsboro Elks Foundation and other organizations working to make a difference in the lives of area residents. In 2021 Dan transferred his membership to the Greenfield Rotary Club and immediately became engaged in local club projects such as preparation of kindergarten registration packets, activities to encourage literacy, the Rotary Charity Auction and other projects. In 2024 the club decided to create a Four Way Test Award to a graduating McClain High School senior, designed to honor character development through practicing the Four Way Test of the things we think, say and do. As a member of the committee, Dan provided valuable input into how this award should be structured and how nominations could be made by members of the MHS faculty. The Four Way Test, long used by Rotary International, asks participants to consider the following questions before taking actions: Is it the truth? Is it fair to all concerned? Will it build goodwill and better friendships? Will it be beneficial to all concerned? Those four questions helped Dan Pearce in his approach to life and have made a significant difference in the lives of countless others in the years since it was adopted by Rotary International. Per Dan’s wishes, there won’t be a funeral or viewing. He requested that his friends gather for a celebration of life at the Alley 21 in Hillsboro, where he spent his happiest days with friends brainstorming charity functions and playing trivia. The celebration of Dan’s life will take place at 5:00 p.m. Monday, April 21 at the Alley 21, 1086 N. High St., Hillsboro, where friends can share memories, laugh, and pay their respects in the “new bar” area with the overhead doors. The Rotary Club of Greenfield offers condolences to Dan’s family and friends as we remember the life of this dedicated Rotarian. Dan's obituary can be found at the following link: https://www.turnerfuneralhomes.cc/obituary/daniel-pearce 
Passing of longtime Greenfield
Rotarian Dean Gardner noted Dean Gardner, 1929-2025 Longtime Greenfield Rotarian Dean Gardner passed away March 27 at the age of 96, and his arrangements have been posted on the Ebright Funeral Home website. A link to Dean's obituary is included below. Dean was a friendly, community minded Rotarian who was a credit to our club and the international organization. For his outstanding efforts on behalf of Rotary, Dean was awarded a Paul Harris Fellowship in 2002. A memorial service will be held on Thursday, April 10, 2025 at 12 p.m. at the Greenfield Church of Christ with Danny Dodds officiating. A visitation will take place at the church beginning at 11 a.m. Everyone is encouraged to wear their favorite Hawaiian shirt or bright colors. At a later date, Dean will be laid to rest in the Bohemian Cemetery in Diagonal, Iowa. To see Dean's obituary, visit ebrightfuneralhome.com or follow the link below: https://www.ebrightfuneralhome.com/obituaries/willis-gardner Please keep Dean's wife Jackie in your thoughts and prayers. R.I.P. Dean. 
Pictured (l-r) are Jerilyn Haglund, adult poster representative, Dorothy Walker, mother of poster child Lukas Walker, Rotarian Lloyd Smith and HCSCA Karen Miller as the visit the GCTV studios in Greenfield during the 2025 Ernie Blankenship Radio-Telethon.
53rd annual Ernie Blankenship Radio-Telethon tops $166K as Highland Countians show strong supportThe 53rd annual Ernie Blankenship Radio-Telethon raised pledges of more than $166,000 on March 26, 2025 as Highland Countians stepped up once again to support the unique organization known as the Highland County Society for Children and Adults.
The radio-telethon was sponsored jointly by the Rotary Clubs of Greenfield and Hillsboro as they have been doing for many years. The funds raised will be used by the Society to provide assistance and services to Highland County children and adults who are unable to pay for expenses for necessary medical treatment, transportation, equipment, pharmaceutical and other health care devices and services. The total raised by the event over the past 53 years is approximately $4.5 million. The Highland County Society for Children and Adults is a non-profit corporation founded in November of 1950. It has a volunteer board of trustees representing each township in the county who employ a part-time Executive Director responsible for reviewing and approving requests for assistance from county residents. Donations can be made to the Society at any time online at hicoso.org or the Society’s Facebook page; also, checks payable to HCSCA can be dropped off at any local bank or mailed to the Society at P.O. Box 972, Hillsboro, Ohio 45133. For more details about the 2025 radio-telethon, visit the HCSCA PAGE on this website. Four-Way Speech Contest winners announcedMcClain High School senior Ashley Mitchell won first place honors at the Rotary Four-Way Test speech contest on March 12.
Ashley was followed closely by Nathan Alvarez, who placed second, and Raenee Stratton took third place in the speech contest at the McClain auditorium. When the scores from three judges were tallied, Ashley took the top prize of $200 while Nathan received a $100 check for second place and Raenee took home $50 for placing third. The checks were presented by Greenfield Rotary President Dana Daugherty, who invited Ashley Mitchell to present her winning speech to the Greenfield Rotary Club. Ashley was invited to participate in the District 6670 speech contest at Wright State University on March 30, with a chance to win additional prizes. The Four-Way Test of the things we think, say or do is a test used by Rotarians worldwide as a moral code for personal and business relationships. The test can be applied to almost any aspect of life. The Four-Way Test was scripted by Herbert J. Taylor of Chicago, a businessman who helped save the Club Aluminum Products Distribution Company from bankruptcy. By applying the principles of the Four-Way Test, the company repaid its debts and generously paid its shareholders. In the 1940s, when Taylor was an international director of Rotary, he offered the Four-Way Test to the organization, and it was adopted by Rotary International for its internal and promotional use. Never changed, the 24-word test remains today a central part of the permanent Rotary structure throughout the world, and is held as the standard by which all behavior should be measured. The Greenfield Rotary Club sponsors a Four-Way Test speaking contest annually to help educate and inspire local students while giving them an opportunity to creatively develop organizational and public speaking skills. “There is a lot of wisdom behind the four questions that can help each of us in our personal and business relationships,” said Dana Daugherty. “That is why our club typically opens each meeting by reciting the Four-Way Test.” The Rotary Four-Way Test Is it the TRUTH? Is it FAIR to all concerned? Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS? Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned? The Greenfield Rotary Club meets at the Catch 22 Sports Pub at 6:30 a.m. each Thursday (except holidays) for breakfast and a club meeting. Rotary spaghetti dinner coincides with
50th anniversary of MHS 'New Gym' Greenfield Rotarians were happy to be part of a special evening on December 13 as they brought back their spaghetti dinner on the evening that the McClain High School "New Gym" celebrated 50 years since its opening in 1974. The facility still looks great and has provided many memorable moments for McClain fans through the years. Rotarians served up spaghetti, sauce, garlic bread, salad, cookies and beverages prior to the McClain vs. Washington C.H. basketball games. The spaghetti dinners are a longstanding tradition of the Greenfield Rotary Club, but have faced interruptions caused by covid-19 and other circumstances. For a time, even the spaghetti sauce secret recipe was lost, but a recovery team successfully unearthed the recipe in time for the dinner. Rotary President Dana Daugherty expressed her thanks on behalf of the Rotary club to everyone who attended the spaghetti dinner. "Proceeds from Rotary events are used to support other worthwhile projects in the community," she said. "Your support is greatly appreciated." Rotary Appreciation Dinner honors print buyers as District Gov. visits
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Greenfield Rotary donates to Adena Foundation
The Greenfield Rotary Club on Aug. 1, 2023 presented a $10,000 donation to the Adena Foundation for its ongoing work in the community. Holding the check are foundation board member Linda Penn and Rotarian Barb Barton. Also pictured are (front row, l-r) Josh McCoy and Kris Donley of Adena; and on the far right is foundation board member Elena Zint. In the back row (l-r) are Rotarians Ron Coffey and Pat Hays, as well as Lynn Harris with Adena. |
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Surrounded by members of the Greenfield Rotary Club, and receiving the check from club president Dana Daugherty (center, right), are McClain FFA members Abby Wise (secretary) and Brenna Wright (treasurer). On the far right of the photo is McClain FFA adviser Madison Schumacher.
Rotary Club supports
MHS FFA trip to Ireland
The McClain FFA received a $1,000 check from the Greenfield Rotary Club to help support the FFA trip to Ireland in May of 2024.
The Greenfield Rotary Club also sponsored a hole for a golf outing at Buckeye Hills Country Club in advance of the trip to Ireland.
The Greenfield Rotary Club meets each Thursday at 6:30 a.m. at Catch 22, 250 Jefferson St.
MHS FFA trip to Ireland
The McClain FFA received a $1,000 check from the Greenfield Rotary Club to help support the FFA trip to Ireland in May of 2024.
The Greenfield Rotary Club also sponsored a hole for a golf outing at Buckeye Hills Country Club in advance of the trip to Ireland.
The Greenfield Rotary Club meets each Thursday at 6:30 a.m. at Catch 22, 250 Jefferson St.
Wes Surritt, 2021-23 Rotary President, passes a "gavel" to 2023-25 President Dana Daugherty. Club meetings are typically opened and closed by striking a Rotary bell with a gavel (or spoon) to get the attention of members.
Dana Daugherty installed as
Rotary President for 2023-25
A changing of the guard was observed June 29, 2023 as outgoing Rotary President Wes Surritt’s presided one final time at the breakfast meeting at Catch 22 Sports Pub. Near the end of the session, Surritt invited President-elect Dana Daugherty to come up front for a passing of the “gavel” – in this case, a spoon that Wes used to ring a Rotary bell for the opening and closing of each meeting.
Surritt thanked the club members for the support the past two years, as he became club president on July 1, 2021 and helped the club transition through the covid pandemic, and change from a longtime tradition of meeting for lunch to becoming a breakfast club effective Feb. 16, 2023. Among his other accomplishments was leading the club through its final Rotary-sponsored festival in 2022 and helping the club find new opportunities for service in an era of changing demographics for service organizations.
Surritt thanked incoming President Daugherty for her leadership with the Rotary Charity Auction, which took place in June as part of the inaugural Greenfield Music Festival. He said the club is in good hands as the new president begins her two-year term and encouraged all Rotarians to do what they can to help.
The Greenfield Rotary Club meets each Thursday (except holidays) at 6:30 a.m. for breakfast and a brief meeting. Anyone interested in learning more about Rotary is welcome to come and have breakfast at the Catch 22 Sports Pub in Greenfield.
Rotary President for 2023-25
A changing of the guard was observed June 29, 2023 as outgoing Rotary President Wes Surritt’s presided one final time at the breakfast meeting at Catch 22 Sports Pub. Near the end of the session, Surritt invited President-elect Dana Daugherty to come up front for a passing of the “gavel” – in this case, a spoon that Wes used to ring a Rotary bell for the opening and closing of each meeting.
Surritt thanked the club members for the support the past two years, as he became club president on July 1, 2021 and helped the club transition through the covid pandemic, and change from a longtime tradition of meeting for lunch to becoming a breakfast club effective Feb. 16, 2023. Among his other accomplishments was leading the club through its final Rotary-sponsored festival in 2022 and helping the club find new opportunities for service in an era of changing demographics for service organizations.
Surritt thanked incoming President Daugherty for her leadership with the Rotary Charity Auction, which took place in June as part of the inaugural Greenfield Music Festival. He said the club is in good hands as the new president begins her two-year term and encouraged all Rotarians to do what they can to help.
The Greenfield Rotary Club meets each Thursday (except holidays) at 6:30 a.m. for breakfast and a brief meeting. Anyone interested in learning more about Rotary is welcome to come and have breakfast at the Catch 22 Sports Pub in Greenfield.
Breakfast meetings lead to growth in attendance
Greenfield Rotary Club's Thursday morning breakfast meetings continue to be a hit with members and potential members. At the March 2 get-together, 14 Rotary members and four potential members showed up for a delicious breakfast followed by a brief meeting. (Some got away before the photo above was taken.)
Rotary continues to be involved in community projects and activities. At the upcoming Greenfield Music Festival (June 2-3-4), the Rotary club will continue with its popular auction offering lots of quality items from lawn equipment to concert tickets, and featuring a set of 10 limited edition prints by local artist Tammy Wells.
Are you interesting in helping the community but too busy for a lunch or evening meeting? Check out the Greenfield Rotary Club's breakfast meetings at 6:30 a.m. each Thursday at the Catch 22 Sports Pub.
Rotary continues to be involved in community projects and activities. At the upcoming Greenfield Music Festival (June 2-3-4), the Rotary club will continue with its popular auction offering lots of quality items from lawn equipment to concert tickets, and featuring a set of 10 limited edition prints by local artist Tammy Wells.
Are you interesting in helping the community but too busy for a lunch or evening meeting? Check out the Greenfield Rotary Club's breakfast meetings at 6:30 a.m. each Thursday at the Catch 22 Sports Pub.
Greenfield Rotary's first breakfast meeting took place Feb. 16, 2023 at the Catch 22 Sports Pub. Members are shown at the conclusion of the meeting celebrating the historic occasion. Henceforth the club will meet at 6:30 a.m. each Thursday (except holidays) for breakfast and a business meeting. Anyone interested in learning more about Rotary is welcome to attend.
First Rotary breakfast meeting a hit with members
The Greenfield Rotary Club’s first breakfast meeting took place Feb. 16, 2023 and struck a good note with members, with about a dozen Rotarians present along with some visitors from McClain High School.
The menu at the Catch 22 included sausage and bacon, scrambled eggs, biscuits and gravy, and even coffee cake for dessert! A few bleary-eyed retirees welcomed the aroma and caffeine of fresh-brewed coffee and all enjoyed visiting their friends and neighbors during the 6:30-7:00 time slot.
At 7:00, President Wes Surritt opened the meeting with the traditional Pledge of Allegiance, recitation of the Four Way Test, and prayer. Two senior guests from McClain High School introduced themselves, talked about their school activities and future plans.
A program was presented by Greenfield Schools Director of Instruction Alisa Barrett, who presented information about the ways children are taught to read. She distributed a message printed in Portugese and asked if any Rotarians could read the text. No Rotarian present was able to interpret the message, so Mrs. Barrett explained that as children, we learn to speak as a natural process, but reading is more difficult to pick up. For some children, trying to read is similar to Rotarians attempting to interpret a message in an unfamiliar language. Mrs. Barrett said new techniques are equipping teachers to help children overcome barriers to reading and make learning more fun.
Following the program, Treasurer Mike Penn gave a financial report and other Rotary business was discussed.
The meeting was adjourned in time for Rotarians to get on with their day, and several made positive comments about the new format before departing.
The Greenfield Rotary Club will continue to meet for breakfast at 6:30 a.m. on Thursdays at the Catch 22 Sports Pub, 250 Jefferson St. in Greenfield.
The menu at the Catch 22 included sausage and bacon, scrambled eggs, biscuits and gravy, and even coffee cake for dessert! A few bleary-eyed retirees welcomed the aroma and caffeine of fresh-brewed coffee and all enjoyed visiting their friends and neighbors during the 6:30-7:00 time slot.
At 7:00, President Wes Surritt opened the meeting with the traditional Pledge of Allegiance, recitation of the Four Way Test, and prayer. Two senior guests from McClain High School introduced themselves, talked about their school activities and future plans.
A program was presented by Greenfield Schools Director of Instruction Alisa Barrett, who presented information about the ways children are taught to read. She distributed a message printed in Portugese and asked if any Rotarians could read the text. No Rotarian present was able to interpret the message, so Mrs. Barrett explained that as children, we learn to speak as a natural process, but reading is more difficult to pick up. For some children, trying to read is similar to Rotarians attempting to interpret a message in an unfamiliar language. Mrs. Barrett said new techniques are equipping teachers to help children overcome barriers to reading and make learning more fun.
Following the program, Treasurer Mike Penn gave a financial report and other Rotary business was discussed.
The meeting was adjourned in time for Rotarians to get on with their day, and several made positive comments about the new format before departing.
The Greenfield Rotary Club will continue to meet for breakfast at 6:30 a.m. on Thursdays at the Catch 22 Sports Pub, 250 Jefferson St. in Greenfield.
Greenfield Rotary history now includes
Feb. 9, 2023 as the date of 'Last Luncheon Meeting'
With the Greenfield Rotary Club moving its meeting time to 6:30 a.m. on Thursdays, Feb. 9, 2023 will go down in club history as the date of the "Last Luncheon Meeting."
President Wes Surritt presided at the Feb. 9 meeting and reminded members that a new era was about to unfold as the club has decided to have its meetings at 6:30 a.m. each Thursday, followed by a business meeting at 7:00 a.m.
The final luncheon menu included some wonderfully spicy potato soup, cornbread and hot Italian sub sandwiches, plus donuts with icing for dessert.
The idea behind the move is to make club meetings more convenient for a group of community minded business people trying to keep up with the demands of changing times. Several potential new members have already indicated interest in joining the club.
"All current club members and anyone interested in seeing what the club is about is invited to join us for our Thursday morning meetings," President Surritt said. "There will be a buffet-style breakfast and a brief meeting so that members can get to work or their next activity without affecting their busy schedules."
Feb. 9, 2023 as the date of 'Last Luncheon Meeting'
With the Greenfield Rotary Club moving its meeting time to 6:30 a.m. on Thursdays, Feb. 9, 2023 will go down in club history as the date of the "Last Luncheon Meeting."
President Wes Surritt presided at the Feb. 9 meeting and reminded members that a new era was about to unfold as the club has decided to have its meetings at 6:30 a.m. each Thursday, followed by a business meeting at 7:00 a.m.
The final luncheon menu included some wonderfully spicy potato soup, cornbread and hot Italian sub sandwiches, plus donuts with icing for dessert.
The idea behind the move is to make club meetings more convenient for a group of community minded business people trying to keep up with the demands of changing times. Several potential new members have already indicated interest in joining the club.
"All current club members and anyone interested in seeing what the club is about is invited to join us for our Thursday morning meetings," President Surritt said. "There will be a buffet-style breakfast and a brief meeting so that members can get to work or their next activity without affecting their busy schedules."
Celebrating the centennial of Greenfield Rotary are, front row (L-R), Eric Zint, Barb Barton, Beverly Giffin, Jackie Gardner, Dean Gardner, Dan Pearce, Dana Daugherty, Angela Shepherd, Mike Penn, Ron Coffey; back row, Cleve Bartley, Larry Hayes, Steve Pearce, Kevin Sinnock, Blain Bergstrom, Club President Wes Surritt, Pat Hays, Eric Borsini, Steve Hunter, Heath Fettro, Tom Lubbers, Andrew Surritt. (Photo by Seely Portraits)
Ohio House of Representatives recognizes Greenfield Rotary's century of service
In 2022 the House of Representatives of the 134th Ohio General Assembly recognized the Rotary Club of Greenfield for its 100 years of service.
Greenfield Rotary President Wes Surritt showed members the congratulatory proclamation, signed by 91st House District Representative Shane Wilkin and House Speaker Robert R. Cupp, at the club's August 18, 2022 meeting.
The proclamation notes that the Greenfield Rotary Club "has attained a praiseworthy record of service to the area" in the century that has elapsed since the formation of the club in 1922. "Since its inception a century ago, the Greenfield Rotary Club has enhanced the quality of life within the surrounding area, and its generous contributions have earned it the gratitude and respect of the many citizens it has so capable served," the proclamation reads. "We are certain that as this fine endeavor maintains its unfaltering dedication to service, it will continue in the tradition of excellence that has become its hallmark."
"We appreciate this recognition and look forward to new opportunities to serve in the years ahead," President Surritt said.
The local Rotary club meets each Thursday (except holidays) at the Catch 22 Sports Pub.
Greenfield Rotary President Wes Surritt showed members the congratulatory proclamation, signed by 91st House District Representative Shane Wilkin and House Speaker Robert R. Cupp, at the club's August 18, 2022 meeting.
The proclamation notes that the Greenfield Rotary Club "has attained a praiseworthy record of service to the area" in the century that has elapsed since the formation of the club in 1922. "Since its inception a century ago, the Greenfield Rotary Club has enhanced the quality of life within the surrounding area, and its generous contributions have earned it the gratitude and respect of the many citizens it has so capable served," the proclamation reads. "We are certain that as this fine endeavor maintains its unfaltering dedication to service, it will continue in the tradition of excellence that has become its hallmark."
"We appreciate this recognition and look forward to new opportunities to serve in the years ahead," President Surritt said.
The local Rotary club meets each Thursday (except holidays) at the Catch 22 Sports Pub.
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