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[Pages S2382-S2383]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS
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ROTARY CLUB OF CASPER CENTENNIA CELEBRATION
Mr. BARRASSO. Mr. President, today I wish to celebrate the
Centennial of the Rotary Club of Casper, Wyoming, a club which holds
special importance for my wife, Bobbi and me.
On Saturday, May 4, 2019, the Rotary Club of Casper will recognize
their 100th anniversary at a special celebration. Rotary organized in
Casper, WY on March 12, 1919, just 14 years after the first Rotary club
was formed in Chicago, and 28 years after Wyoming's admission to the
Union.
At a luncheon on March 12, 1919, 15 businessmen, representing all
walks of Casper life, met and elected their leadership--President James
T. Gratiot, Directors Loui McMahon, Steve Starrett, George Nelson,
Billy Johnson, Carl Shumaker, and Otis Walker. With a shared mission
and sense of duty, these charter members laid the groundwork for a
century to come.
The Casper Daily Tribune noted Rotary's founding in an article the
following day, March 13, 1919, ``The purpose of the club is to
encourage business and social relations and its by-laws define the
policies of the club in a way that marks various departures from other
clubs or societies.'' With this in mind, the club hit the ground
running, impacting the Casper community in positive and distinct ways.
Within their first years of forming, Casper Rotary's commitment to
the community was proven and acknowledged. As early as 1920-21, with
memories of WWI fresh in their minds, they voted to support and donate
funds to the construction of an air base near Casper. This air base,
established in 1942, would come to fruition as the Casper Army Air
Field. Governor Bryant B. Brooks, who would join the club and become
president, noticed their initiative and addressed the club early on.
This began a pattern with the club hosting a great number of Wyoming
Governors, U.S. Senators and Congressmen, and local officials.
The Rotary Club of Casper always realized the importance of the youth
of their community. From the beginning, the club sponsored the Boy and
Girl Scouts. They established a student loan fund for students wishing
to further their education and engaged with high school students to
encourage their ambition. They were part of the effort to bring a
junior college to Casper, lobbying the State legislature in Cheyenne.
Their efforts were rewarded in 1945, when Casper College was
established as Wyoming's first junior college.
Countless dollars and volunteer hours were donated and continue to be
given to the creation of parks, camps, playgrounds, and swimming pools
for the community. The most well-known is Rotary Park on Casper
Mountain. Popular since the early 1940s, Rotary Park contains the
picturesque Garden Creek Falls and Bridle Trail. Additionally, each
August, Rotary helps host Casper's Riverfest and the Great Duck Derby.
Rubber ducks fill the North Platte River with the proceeds going to the
area's trail systems. The club's continuing engagement and investment
in future projects ensure these areas are enjoyed for generations to
come.
The history of Casper's Rotary Club is a microcosm of the history of
Casper. Professionals encompassing the
[[Page S2383]]
entire Casper community worked together throughout the years to promote
good will, service, and character. For the club's 40th anniversary
celebration in 1959, Rotarian M. E. ``Monte'' Robertson wrote, ``We can
all be justly proud of our Casper Rotary Club, of the pioneers who
constituted its membership in the beginning, and the character and
quality of those members who have carried on until the present day.''
These words hold true today with the leadership of President Dick Jay,
President Elect John Griffith, President Elect Nominee Lisa Scroggins,
and Centennial Committee Chair Barry Johnson.
It is a high honor for me to rise in recognition of this significant
milestone for the Rotary Club of Casper. I have seen firsthand the
important work the club does, as Bobbi and I have been fortunate to
call ourselves Rotarians. Since my days as an orthopedic surgeon in
Casper, I have been involved with Casper Rotary for 36 years. We made
countless lifelong friendships along the way and continue to appreciate
the dedication of our fellow members.
It is a great privilege to recognize this incredible service
organization and their dedication to the betterment of their Wyoming
community. Bobbi joins me in extending our congratulations and deep
gratitude to the Rotary Club of Casper on their centennial
celebration.
____________________
