Service Above Self - Fenton Rotary's Story

Founded in 1985, the Rotary Club of Fenton has been providing outstanding community service ever since.

A question often asked by members of the public is: what do you do with all that money you receive from your fund raisers like the July 4th Rubber Ducky Regatta and the 4 Grand Feast which is held in April?

Good question. The motto of Rotary International is "Service Above Self", and we local members of Rotary take that very seriously.

Bob Reynolds, Fenton Rotary member and a past district governor of Rotary says, "To be a true Rotarian you have to have the heartbeat of Rotary". This involves enthusiastically working within the community to raise funds that benefit the entire community. Here's what we do with the money raised from the Rubber Ducky Regatta and the 4 Grand Feast.

1. $1,000 scholarships are awarded each year to a graduating senior from Fenton, Lake Fenton, and Linden High Schools.

2. Scholarships of $1,000, $500, $250 and $250 are awarded to winners of a debate program that extends over several months in the fall and winter. These student debaters are in grades 4 to 7 with participants from Fenton, Lake Fenton, Linden, and St. John's. This scholarship money is held in trust until the student graduates from high school. The money can be used for either a 4 year degree college or for vocational training.

3. Ramp builds. Over the last few years we have built several ramps at the homes of disabled individuals so that they can go from their house to their backyard or vehicle. Our latest took place in Holly on July 11 and 12, 2013. The ramps are built by members who are commercial builders together with other members who have the skills to do this type of work quickly and professionally.

4. Bush Park. We contributed to the building of the Gazebo at Bush Park and have purchased and placed many plants at the Gazebo and at the entryway to the park. A new bridge will replace the failing bridge from the park to the small island that is in the Shiawassee River. This project is expected to be completed in late summer or early fall.

Fenton Rotary has had many mature maples as well as fruit trees planted at the park. Those of you who are kayakers will appreciate the ramp we had placed just for you and your friends who use canoes.

5. Literacy. The Rotary Club of Fenton has been involved with improving the literacy of our students at the elementary level in Fenton, Lake Fenton, and Linden. We have provided books and other needed materials to further the goal of literacy. Our members have even gone into the classroom to read to students to get these students enthused about reading.

6. At Christmas time we provide live trees at Bush Park for elementary students to decorate. Winners are rewarded with a party later in the year. The trees have sponsors solicited by the Fenton Rotary. Later in the spring these trees are planted in the community contributing to "the greening of America". At this same celebration at Bush Park we bring Santa Claus for the children. So no one goes hungry we provide hot chocolate and hot dogs for both children and their parents. Last year we ran out of hot dogs (over 300 were distributed) indicating the popularity of this event.

7. Angel Tree. During the Christmas season, Rotary works with local agencies to make sure those in need experience a fine Christmas. Clothing, toys, books, and food are distributed to hundreds of deserving individuals. The smiles and joy we receive when distributing these gifts is impossible to put into words.

8. Little League. Each year Fenton Rotary contributes to the little league programs in Fenton, Lake Fenton, and Linden.

9. Senior Picnic. Each August the Rotary provides a picnic at the Lake Fenton Sailing Club for residents of convalescent homes and assisted living facilities in southern Genesee County. Lunch, pontoon rides and live music provides an oasis of happiness for these seniors. Many use walkers and wheelchairs. When these beautiful people look into your eyes and tell you that this is the one day a year they look forward to, the tears don't stop. This year's senior picnic will take place on August 6.

10. We provide $1500 each year to the Fenton Freedom Festival. The Fenton Freedom Festival is perhaps the most successful 4th of July event in Genesee County. It was the Rubber Ducky Regatta, begun 25 years ago by Fenton Rotarian Bob Harris Sr., that acted as a catalyst to revive a moribund 4th of July in Fenton. Bob Harris was the Grand Marshall of this year's Freedom Festival. You witness the amazing success we have today. That's what we Fenton Rotarians do. We do it with joy and happiness because that's what we are about. 

Dennis C. Owocki, D.D.S.
Fenton Rotarian