Magician Duane Zanon, “The Great Zambini,” performs at the Rotary club meeting. Photo by Connie Voss

GRIDLEY, CA (MPG) - Gridley Rotary hosted a special guest at the weekly meeting—District Governor Steve Turner.

In honor of the occasion, and in-keeping with the Rotary theme “The Magic of Rotary,” magician Duane Zanon “The Great Zambini” from Oroville, entertained the audience. His antics were enjoyed by all.

Governor Turner, a retired fire chief from Sacramento, then took the podium.

Turner gave a brief history of Rotary International, highlighting some accomplishments. Established in 1905, Rotary International President Paul Harris came up with the very first service project of the organization—a public toilet in the City of Chicago. In 1945, forty-nine Rotarians were involved in the drafting of the United Nations charter in San Francisco, and 17 signed it.

Rotary District Governor Steve Turner addresses the Gridley Club Members. Photo by Connie Voss              

In the late 1970’s, Rotary took on eradicating polio, by supplying the polio vaccine in the Philippines. The project has continued to spread until now, when there are only 24 cases of polio worldwide, in Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Continuing with District 5180’s goals, Turner indicated the need to increase Rotary’s value in communities by investing district grants into public projects. He also stressed the need for budget cuts to make the Rotary membership dues lower.

Rotary International’s first service project was building a public toilet in Chicago in 1907. Photo courtesy of Rotary International.

President Lynne Spencer had been asked by Turner who in the Gridley chapter had made special efforts and contributions, for a special recognition called the Rotary Star. Turner announced that Lisa Van de Hey was the winner. Van de Hey has served many years as a Rotarian. In addition, she has made sure there is a speaker every week and sent out meeting reminders. “She’s the glue that holds our club together,” said President Spencer.

Rotary District Governor Steve Turner presents the Rotary Star to Lisa Van de Hey. Photo by Connie Voss

Other items of note were the UN International Day of Peace on Sept. 21, and the International Peace Conference coming up February 20-22 in Istanbul, Turkey—Rotary’s newest peace center.  There will also be a District 5130 Conference at Disneyland, May 17, 2025.