Editors, Vineyard Gazette;

There will be an open house hosted by the Martha’s Vineyard Rotary Club on Jan. 31 at the Portuguese American Club in Oak Bluffs. The event takes place from noon to 1 p.m. and current members will be there to discuss the club with prospective members. A light lunch will be provided.

During the year, the Rotary Club meets at noon on Wednesdays at the P.A. Club. We discuss community projects, volunteer efforts and listen to and interact with speakers on matters significant to the Island. This year’s speakers have included Bob Douglas, founder of the Black Dog; Beth Folcarelli, CEO of Martha’s Vineyard Community Services; Denise Schepici, president of the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital; Cong. William Keating, State Rep. Dylan Fernandes; and State Sen. Julian Cyr, among others.

Rotary International was founded In Chicago in 1905 and now has 1.4 million members in 46,000 clubs in 150 countries. Its mission is to provide service to others, promote integrity and advance world understanding, goodwill and peace through fellowship of business, professional and community leaders. It is non-political and non-religious, committed to equity and diversity.

The Martha’s Vineyard club was founded in 1991 and has given out more than $775,000 to Island organizations and individuals in need. Fundraising is done in a variety of ways, the largest being an annual Vineyard Charity Golf Tournament that we co-sponsor with Community Services.

We also strongly support youth activities including scholarships, international student exchanges, and Rotary Youth Leadership Program participation. Under the direction of Stephanie Burke, our youth services coordinator, we have welcomed students from Germany, France, Peru, Japan and more. In return, we have sent Vineyard students to those countries as well. Currently, Paula Geschke from Germany is at the regional high school and Malika Khelalfa, from the Vineyard, is in France.

As a local Rotarian, you can give back to your community, meet people and participate in a prestigious worldwide service organization. RSVP to the open house by Jan. 27 to either Leo Convery at Leocmvy@gmail or Tom Rosenthal at Tgrosenthal@gmail.com, or by calling or texting 508-441-4720.

For more information, visit mvrotary.com.

Tom Rosenthal

Edgartown

Tom Rosenthal is the vice president of the Rotary Club of Martha’s Vineyard.