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Dear Editor:
When I moved to Westfield in June 2023, the local Rotary Club was the first group to welcome me in, and it quickly felt like home.
Rotary is about two things that make communities strong: service and connection. Our local club supports organizations that matter here – Youth Assistance, Student Impact, Meals on Wheels, Special Olympics, and Open Doors, among others – while also contributing to global Rotary initiatives through the Rotary Foundation.
On a global scale, Rotary International’s signature effort, the fight to eradicate polio, is a powerful reminder that a small town can help change the world. We fundraise by selling bratwursts at every Cool Creek Concert Series show during the summer months. When my daughters (20 and 17) asked why I’m involved, I told them Rotary is like the service clubs they’ve loved in high school and college: it brings together like‑minded people to have fun, build friendships, and serve the community.
As a newcomer, Rotary also taught me Westfield’s story. Westfield Rotarians Cindy Olson, Melody Jones, Kurt Wanninger, Dave Mueller, John Salladay, and so many others know this city well and have given so much to it. Learning from them has been a gift.
I’d also like to share a compelling fact that I hope causes some readers to consider joining Rotary or another local service club: research shows that adults who volunteer and engage in civic groups enjoy better psychological and physical health, and report stronger connections to their communities. In one study, people who belonged to formal civic groups were significantly more likely to rate their communities as “excellent” (46 percent) compared to those who did not (24 percent) (thepolicycircle.org/briefs/civic-engagement).
If any of the above sounds appealing, please join us. The Westfield Rotary Club meets every Tuesday at 7:30 a.m. at the Bridgewater Club. Members’ ages range from mid‑20s up to the 80s and we represent a wide array of professions and backgrounds. There’s never pressure to join, just an open invitation to visit and see what we’re about.
You can also check out the website at WestfieldRotaryIN.com to learn more and see a schedule of events.
If you’re new to town, looking to give back, or simply hoping to meet thoughtful, community‑minded neighbors, come by. Rotary helped me build fast and meaningful friendships, and I’m confident it can do the same for others.
Scarlett Nokes
Westfield