Coshocton Rotary Club has a legacy of giving back
The Coshocton Rotary Club continues its legacy of giving back to the community.
Established in 1918 in Coshocton, the club currently has 66 active members who work diligently to improve the community.
Known for its “visible” local projects, such as the American flags throughout the city on patriotic holidays, the donut booth and Rotary Pavilion at the county fair, the court square gazebo and signboard, and the 12 Days of Christmas prize drawing, there are many more facets to the club’s contributions, funded by the local Rotary Foundation.
The Coshocton Rotary Foundation was incorporated in 1972, as a non-profit public fund to support and benefit the community with particular interest in public parks, restoration of historic places and other tangible assets.
Initial funding of the Foundation was provided from a bequest from the late Raymond Hay, who died in 1984. Hay, who was the owner of Hay Jewelry on Main Street, was known for his philanthropy with the Coshocton Historical Society and the development of local parks and playgrounds.
Tim Vance, Rotary Foundation Chair said, “In the past 25 years, the Rotary Foundation has invested over $604,000 in the community, with an average yearly grant awards of over $23,000.”
He points out that in just the past 10 years, local parks have been improved with the playground and walk path at Bancroft Park and a shelter at Himebaugh Park. In addition, improvements at the Lake Park complex include soccer field restrooms, foot-bridge reconstruction, bathhouse renovations, pavilion painting and lighting, and other projects.
Kids America was assisted with softball field fencing, a security system and pickleball nets.
Coshocton In Bloom received a grant for its new greenhouse, which accommodates the hanging flower pots and ground displays throughout the city. Clary Gardens was able to erect its new outdoor venue with the help of Rotary funds.
Other entities given assistance through the Coshocton Rotary Foundation include the animal shelter, Boy Scouts, Roscoe Village, Coshocton Fire Department, the art park, the tree management program, and many others.
Vance stated that it needs to be stressed that Rotary’s community involvement does not stop with financial contributions. “The members of Rotary are workers,” he said. “Hundreds of volunteer hours are invested into a number of projects that make Coshocton a better place to live, work and raise families.”
Vance said, “For more than a century, Coshocton Rotary Club has been making a positive and lasting impact on our community. In addition to our good works, we enjoy friendship, fellowship, and fun.”
The Rotary Club meets on Tuesdays at Lock Landing (Roscoe Visitor Center) at noon. Anyone interested in the club may obtain more information at info@coshoctonrotary.org.
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