Ten years is an anniversary to celebrate, and the Rotary of Great Falls did it in great style. A gala reception at River Bend Country Club provided the occasion for remembering the club’s projects, speakers, and friends. President Stephen Clark introduced Master of Ceremonies Jeff Thinnes, the dynamo life-long Rotarian who founded the club. On that occasion, 85 newly minted Rotarians gathered at River Bend, a number that so amazed Rotary International that Thinnes was invited to speak at the international conference in Thailand that year.
Charter Members: Chris Massey, Jeff Thinnes, Kevin Crabtree, Gary Pan, Barry Broadway, Eileen Curtis, John Burke, Marc Andersen, Michael Broyles, Connie Sawtell
According to Great Falls Connection, "The club’s opening also served up drama with its guest speaker, Supreme Court Judge Antonin Scalia. Over the years he has been followed by a who’s who of presenters, ranging from Senators and astronauts to CEOs and NGOs championing causes such as Preventing Soldier Suicide, environmental protection for the Potomac River, and Alzheimer’s updates."
As per Great Falls Connection, "Thinnes noted that the club is especially proud of its work with youth. It stages contests for middle and high schoolers centered on music and essays on Rotary’s Four Way Test. It provides scholarships to immigrant children and to young Rotary leaders. It stages a First Time Campers weekend at Wolf Trap and offers STEM tutoring to latchkey kids. It has maintained an active Interact Club for ten years, comprising over 40 high school students at any given time. They are learning the power of service, culminating each year in a Habitat for Humanity project. Recently, the club added Rotaract for young professionals."
Maryam N. is a Senior Writer at Nesbitt Realty. She is an expert on Fairfax County. Maryam has also worked previously as a geologist. She is a foodie and enjoys cooking and exploring new restaurants.
