Have you ever felt the pull to make a difference—to be part of something bigger than yourself? Maybe it’s the satisfaction of seeing a smile from a neighbor you’ve helped, or knowing your small act of service can ripple out to change lives across the world. If that sounds like you, you already share the heart of Rotary
The Wachusett Area Rotary Club (WARC) serves the communities of Boylston, Holden, Paxton, Princeton, Rutland, Sterling, and West Boylston. We’re part of Rotary International, a global network of 1.2 million neighbors, friends, and problem-solvers who unite to create lasting change—both close to home and across the globe.
Read this article to learn more about Rotary International and the Wachusett Area Rotary Club.
(Originally printed in The Landmark)
Have you ever felt the pull to make a difference—to be part of something bigger than yourself? Maybe it’s the satisfaction of seeing a smile from a neighbor you’ve helped, or knowing your small act of service can ripple out to change lives across the world. If that sounds like you, you already share the heart of Rotary.
The Wachusett Area Rotary Club (WARC) serves the communities of Boylston, Holden, Paxton, Princeton, Rutland, Sterling, and West Boylston. We’re part of Rotary International, a global network of 1.2 million neighbors, friends, and problem-solvers who unite to create lasting change—both close to home and across the globe.
Rotary began with one man’s vision. In 1905, Chicago attorney Paul Harris brought together professionals from diverse backgrounds to exchange ideas and form meaningful friendships. From those first meetings grew a worldwide movement dedicated to humanitarian service.
Today, Rotarians work together on causes that truly matter: eradicating polio, promoting peace, fighting disease, providing clean water, supporting education, improving maternal and child health, growing local economies, protecting the environment, and responding to disasters.
In fact, Rotarians have been at the forefront of the global effort to end polio for more than 40 years—reducing cases by 99.9% since 1979. Through more than $2.1 billion in donations and countless volunteer hours, we’ve helped protect nearly 3 billion children in 122 countries from this devastating disease.
At home, WARC members live Rotary’s Four-Way Test, an ethical guide that asks:
- Is it the TRUTH?
- Is it FAIR to all concerned?
- Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?
- Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?
Our local projects reflect these values in action. We’ve provided breakfasts for seniors, helped build beds for kids who don't have any, donated new winter coats for children, collected plastic bags that are converted into Trex benches, and given scholarships to high-school seniors. We also deliver holiday hams and turkeys to brighten the season for older adults in need.
Looking ahead, we’re tackling challenges that affect everyone. Our Operation Pollination initiative raises awareness about the decline in bee populations—especially the amazing “super pollinator,” the Mason Bee—and teaches small lifestyle changes that can make a big difference. We’re also exploring lithium-ion battery recycling, and future efforts to support local nonprofits with hands-on service.
Rotary also nurtures future leaders through Interact Clubs (ages 12–18) and Rotaract Clubs (ages 18+)—inspiring young people to discover the power of “service above self.”
Whether it’s the joy of seeing a child receive a warm coat or the pride in helping fund a hospital in Uganda, Rotarians share a simple goal: to make our world a better place—together.
If this spirit of service speaks to you, we invite you to join us. The Wachusett Area Rotary Club meets most Friday mornings at 7:30 at the Holden HMLD building, 1 Holden Street, Holden.