Rotary dedicates Camp High-Tor bathhouse

Pictured (l to r, back row) are Terry Mathias (Treasurer), Don Broyles (Past President), Bruce Davis, Del. Mike Hall, Mark Berardi (YMCA Board members), (front row) Mary Keely (President Elect), Cathy Stark (YMCA Director), Lana Newhouse-Taylor and Joy Harmon (YMCA Board)

At sunset today, Putnam Rotarians marked the completion of a $20,000 bathhouse for the Tri-County YMCA at its Camp High-Tor on North Poplar Fork.

Don Broyles presents a Rotary plaque for the new bathhouse to YMCA Director Cathy Stark.

"If we really want to love," she had said, "we must love until it hurts."

"If we love, we begin to serve," added Broyles. "No Rotarian should call himself a Rotarian if he does not make time to serve."

The motto for the centennial year of Rotary International is "Service Above Self."

"This is why we stand here today," said Broyles, "to commemorate a century of service and commitment to community" begun in 1905 by founding Rotarian Paul Harris.

Putnam Rotary has supported the Tri-County Y summer camp and recreation center for several years through a number of projects including a major cleanup and renovation at the time the YMCA took over operation of the camp.

Rotarians kicked off the new project for showers and toilet facilities with a gift of $10,000 -- $1,500 in 2003 followed by $8,500 in September 2004.

Contributions in planning and site preparation by Parkline, among other community businesses and service groups, enabled the bathhouse project to move forward.

Director Cathy Stark noted that the new bathhouse had enhanced greatly the use of the swimming pool for summer campers. Wet foot traffic in the main lodge was curtailed. Dressing areas and toilets near the pool are much more convenient for swimmers, she said.

Rotarians on hand today for dedication of the new bathhouse were (l to r) Terry Mathias, Peter Faulkner, Mary and Bob Keely, and Don Broyles. More Putnam Rotary News? Click HERE.