We’ve asked some of the senior members of the Arcadia Rotary to recall some of their memories of the club’s early days. This is the fourth in the series of these recollections. It’s from Dick Martinez who has been a member since 1978.

1. Share some of your early memories of the club.

We had 135+ members representing a diverse list of vocations.
There were business owners and managers representing most of the businesses and professionals in Arcadia and surrounding area.

2. Your most memorable highlights from your years in the club.

Starting in 1978 and for several after, our Rotary Amigos program gave a Christmas party to the poorest of the poor in cities of Tijuana and Ensenada, Mexico. A team of 50+ Rotarians, wives, children, and friends would journey across the border and provide a big lunch with all of the trimmings, drinks, snacks, and a nice gift to all 350-400 children and their mothers. The Tijuana Rotarians would have a team of 20-25 members to help. The highlight for all of the kids was receiving a gift and a Polaroid picture with Santa Clause, who was always a member of our club. For the majority of the children this was the first time they had seen themselves in a photograph. Mothers would ask to take a picture with their child to be used a family portrait. The evening was celebrated with fun fellowship at the home of a Tijuana Rotarian or at a local restaurant. Fun was had by all.

3. What projects, both local and international, were emphasized in the early days of the club?

International Rotary Amigos and matching grants were very popular and created very positive impact in various parts of the world. We had involvement in most City projects and activities plus Club initiatives for the benefit of the community.

4. Compare and contrast the club of the past to the present day club. Was there a difference in time, place and manner in which the meetings were conducted? What fund raising methods were used?

The Club was much more active and most members participated in our activities. Part of the reason was that involvement and perfect attendance was strongly emphasized and expected starting with the Red Badgers.
Fundraisers were large social events similar to our successful Pot of Gold events.