Evanston’s Rotary Club has much to be proud of after 40 years of their commitment to the community of Evanston and to the larger community of the world.  Their mission of service above self is what Rotarians strive to put into practice in their daily lives.

Members and guests celebrated the club’s 40th anniversary on Tuesday, Oct. 25th at the Fairway Restaurant and Grille at the Purple Sage Golf Course with a social hour, dinner, music, and a presentation by Charter member Tim Beppler on the history of the Evanston Rotary Club.

Early Rotary Club photos of their service projects and members and other memorabilia WERE displayed on a table in the corner of the dining area. 

As guests were seated, Club President Shawn Ungerman called the meeting to order, Ben Bell provided an invocation followed by Brent Hatch leading the pledge of allegiance, and Steve Moscinski giving the Rotary 4-way test.

“The four-way test of things we think, say or do,” Moscinski said. “Ask ourselves the four questions: Is it the truth, is it fair to all concerned, will it build goodwill and better friendships, and will it be beneficial to all concerned?”

Kevin Kallas read off the names of all of the past presidents of the Evanston Rotary Club and the dates they served: Larry Meyer, 1992 -1993; Jim Wise, 1995 – 1996; Tim Beppler, 1997-1998; Steve Moscinski, 2001 – 2002; Mike Adams, 2010 – 2011; Tim Lynch, 2012 – 2013; Dan Knox, 2016 – 2017; Joy Bell, 2017 – 2018; Shawn Ungerman, 2000 – 2021; and Ben Bell – 2021 – 2022. 

While guests dined, Dan Knox provided entertainment, play guitar and singing old-time favorite folk tunes. 

A history of the Evanston Rotary Club was provided by Tim Beppler through story telling along with a slide presentation of photos.

“The Rotary Club was founded in Chicago in 1905 and the Evanston Rotary club began on October 23, 1982,” Beppler said. “We were sponsored by the Rotary Club of Green River, Wyoming. Ben Brychta was the first club president. We had 29 charter members including Gary Larsen and myself.”

As Beppler went through the years following the club’s inception he gave the name of the club president, the theme of the club for the year, the club’s service projects and other activities.

In 1982-1983 the theme was “Mankind is one – build bridges of friendship.” The first service project was ringing bells for the Salvation Army which is still a tradition for the club after 40 years.  That year the club began an annual tradition…