The West Emerson Street entrance to Magnolia now has a welcome sign donated by the Magnolia chapter of the Rotary Club.
Unveiled on Wednesday, Feb. 23, in honor of the 100th anniversary of the national Rotary Club and the year-old Magnolia club, the new sign next to Goodman Racing not only greets visitors and residents, but symbolizes the group's humanitarian efforts, according to Rotary members.
Although Magnolia's Rotary Club has only been around a year, Rotarian Muriel Boyd, wife of organization president Roger Boyd, said she is very pleased with the efforts the group has made so far to help the community.
"It's been 100 years since this guy from Chicago named Paul Harris got the idea of getting a group of guys together in the community to help out," she said. "So it started in the community like we're doing here."
According to Boyd, who chairs the Rotary's community service wing, Rotarians pride themselves on community service, helping such organizations as Magnolia Help Line as well as holding fundraiser for the victims of the tsunami in Asia. Boyd said she makes a great effort to come up with fundraiser ideas.
The Magnolia chapter is part of King County's Rotary District 5030, which includes 54 clubs in all. District governor Kathy Johnson said she also is very pleased with the sign.
"I am from the Eastside in Issaquah, and when I drove up I knew exactly where I was," Johnson said. "Not only does it say 'Magnolia' and 'Rotary,' it also signifies that this is our 100th anniversary right across the bottom."
Placed at Magnolia's north end near Fishermen's Terminal, the new sign was funded solely by donations from Rotarians. The sign itself was built by club members Mike MacNamara, Doug Anderson and Rick Jones.
King County Councilmember and Magnolia resident Larry Phillips was on hand during the unveiling event.
"One hundred years of Rotary is something worth celebrating," Phillips said, addressing the gathering. "My stepfather, Russel Young, was a proud member for a long time and taught me all the great lessons about Rotary and its great contributions to the community. Here today we have a chance to celebrate the newest club and Magnolia's contribution to Rotary."
Kelly Ogilvie, assistant to Mayor Greg Nickels, spoke on the Mayor's behalf. "As a Magnolia resident I believe this sign represents a community coming together, and this gateway is something that I think represents a great benefit for the city, the residents and businesses."
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