Murfreesboro Rotary Celebrates 100 Years at Friday Night Live

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Folding chairs filled the streets of the city square, as the Rotary Club of Murfreesboro celebrated 100 years in the community at the Main Street Friday Night Live concert July 5. Members of the club gave away commemorative fans to the crowd, which was much appreciated on the warm sultry night.

The event began with one of the lead singers from the performing band, mosaic Rhythm singing “Happy Birthday, dear Rotary.”

In spite of the heat, the audience was not afraid to get up and dance to the sounds of Mosaic Rhythm. They offered hits such as, “Heard it Through the Grapevine,” Ride Sally Ride,” and others in genres as diverse as R&B, Country and Rock.

Main Street Chair, Bill Jakes, new Executive Director, Sarah Callender, and Andy Jakes, Southern Regional President of Wilson Bank and Trust, welcomed the crowd, supported by incoming Murfreesboro Rotary Club President John Hinkle, Jr and immediate past president, Melissa Cassidy.

“Friday Night Live on the Square and Rotary is a perfect partnership,” said John Hinkle, Jr. “As the Rotary Club of Murfreesboro prepares to celebrate our 100th anniversary, we give thanks for the partnership we have with this amazing community.”

Made up of local community leaders, Rotary’s motto is Service Above Self. It is an organization that is dedicated to public service both locally and internationally with six areas of focus: Peace and conflict prevention/resolution, disease prevention and treatment, water and sanitation, maternal and child health, basic education and literacy, and economic and community development.

Rotary International is best known for their Polio Plus program that has almost eradicated the disease from the earth.

In the local community, the Rotary Club of Murfreesboro has given time, resources, and funding to many diverse organizations, including Hope Clinic, the Boys and Girls Club, and Center for the Arts. Most recently they have put their emphasis on literacy, being major contributors to Read to Succeed, Books from Birth, and Southeastern Young Adult Book Conference. Joining with the two other Rutherford County Rotary clubs, they have supplied every third grader in Rutherford and Cannon Counties with their own dictionary for almost ten years. They also support a scholarship at Middle Tennessee State University.

Literacy and education programs the club has supported have reached to South America and Africa, and they have participated in clean water programs in many nations around the world. During disasters, Murfreesboro Rotary has sent aid to blighted areas.

“We are part of a worldwide organization of more than 1.2 million members – your neighbors, community leaders, and problem solvers who unite to take action to create lasting change across the globe and in our communities,” said Melissa Cassidy, immediate past-President.

As the night continued, around the square the restaurants buzzed, and people moved to the music that wafted on the evening breeze. Families enjoyed the time together, representing the diverse population that now calls Murfreesboro home. Just as Rotary’s 1.2 million members come from countries from all over the globe.

“Thanks to everybody that came out to see Mosaic Rhythm at the Main Street First Friday Live Concert series,” said David Hartful, Sr, Manager of Mosaic Rhythm, on their Facebook page. “I definitely appreciate it…! Also, thanks to Main Street/Rutherford, the Rotary Club, and Dr. Gloria Bonner for having us!”

Rotary Club of Murfreesboro was the sponsor of the event, along with series sponsor Wilson Bank and Trust. The next concert will take place on August 2, with Music City Swing.