The year was 1925. The jazz age was in full swing. Calvin Coolidge became the first U.S. president to have his inauguration broadcast on the radio. F. Scott Fitzgerald published The Great Gatsby. Mount Rushmore, in the Black Hills of South Dakota, was dedicated as a national memorial to be formally completed in 1941. Pork chops cost $.37 a pound, with men’s wool suits costing $12.50 and gasoline at only $.20 per gallon. And, the Rotary Club of Oakland, Maryland, was chartered as part of the global Rotary International organization.
With the motto “service before self,” the Rotary Club has been an important part of the fabric and foundation of the Garrett County community, in which it has thrived for 100 years. The Oakland Club was first conceived by Dr. Henry W. McComas, with plans for its organization begun in 1923, with a charter issued on December 7, 1925, by Guy Gundaker, president of Rotary International. The charter membership list included 23 local individuals, with membership growing to a few dozen individuals shortly thereafter. During World War II, the Club sent a letter to each serviceman from the county once a week and also sponsored a drive to sell War Bonds. Other early activities included street clean-up, funding better street lighting, providing funds for children’s treats at Christmas, aid to crippled children, and helping in the establishment of a golf course in Oakland.
The Club started its now “famous” French fry initiative in 1961-62 under the presidency of John Wolf. Clearing less than $1,000 that first year, the program grew to generate over $7,000 in gross profits by 1985 and now generates about $40,000 in annual profits, while remaining a favorite of Agriculture Fair goers and others to this day. Over its lifetime, the initiative has generated over half-million dollars in “profits” that have been redistributed to the community and many of its nonprofit organizations and individuals in need. All members of the Club are volunteers, so funds raised are maximized and pass through to the community with limited expenses diluting donations.
In 1988, Rotary International revised its bylaws to allow women as members, and the Oakland Club’s first woman president, Katherine Zimmerman, took office. Kathy was one of many female members and leaders that have helped propel the Club to continued success and service. Local attorney Crystal Brady is currently the Club president, continuing a tradition of true Service Above Self for all members. Stated Brady, “It is an honor to serve the community I love as Club president this fiscal year. We have a great group of folks working together to do good and to place service above self. We not only raise and distribute funds to organizations and individuals in need, but we have fun and great camaraderie while we conduct our business.”
Additional initiatives over the years have included the distribution of food baskets and later, gift cards to local children and their families, special events and gift cards for senior citizens in-need, the funding and maintenance of the Oakland community park by the pavilion downtown, collection of essentials for school children in need of clothing and other items, scholarships for local students and at one point, the entertainment and event hosting of 30 international college students from WVU! The Club has also worked to help secure potable water and ensure AIDS awareness in third-world countries as part of a district-wide effort headed by past district governor and Club president Doug Riley.
Current nonprofit organizations receiving funds include, but are not limited to, Chris Lantz Foundation, Habitat for Humanity, Garrett Mentors, Stage West Arts Council (formerly GLAF), American Cancer Society, James Isaac House, Cindy’s Fund, House of Hope, Garrett Mountain Bike Team, Civic Club of Oakland, Dove Center, GC Public Schools Foundation, Reflection House, Southern Garrett Rescue Squad and Oakland Fire Company. Well over 200 children and senior citizens in need also benefit from our efforts and donations. “While we are known for our French fries, the beauty of our Club is the fact that most of the funds raised from our French fries and other fundraising go right back into our community. As a 100% volunteer organization, we will be able to distribute over $50,000 this year,” stated immediate past-president Mike Tumbarello.
The Rotary Satellite Club was formed in 2014 with just eight members and has now grown to well over 20 regular members. While the “main” Club meets every Thursday at Noon, the Satellite Club meets once a month for dinner at a local restaurant. The Satellite Club was initiated by then Club president John Pucciano in an effort to recruit a younger, more diverse membership, including those whose schedule did not allow for Noon lunch meetings. The Satellite Club has been a huge success to date, partnering with senior citizen communities in the Oakaland area, sponsoring events and fundraisers, managing the Club’s Christmas gift program, helping staff the fry booth and trailer, clothing collection and distribution for our school children, planting a native plant garden at Rotary Community Park and many other efforts.
The Club, including both the Noon and Satellite Clubs, has grown to over 50 members and strives to add more local individuals that support and want to experience “Service Above Self” as lived by Rotarians across the globe and locally. Check out the Club’s Facebook page.
Photo Cutline: Past Club presidents at the Club’s 100th anniversary picnic. Left to right: Mike Tumbarello (2024-2025), Walt Maleki (2021-2022), Herb Lambert (1998-1999), Bill Riley (1974-1975), Craig Wengerd ((1983-1984), Bob Ulino (1989-1990), Steve Lantz (1999-2000), Kathy Zimmerman (1996-1997), Jim Murray (1982-1983), Dave Moe (1994-1995), Russ Sines (1991-1992), Bob Stephens (2003-2004), John Pucciano (2013-2014), Teresa Feather (2022-2023), and Doug Riley (1997-1998)
