ORANGE — The Athol-Orange Rotary Club recently celebrated its 100th anniversary with a dinner at the historic Revival Wheeler Mansion, bringing together members, past presidents and community guests to reflect on friendships, initiatives and the club’s community impact over the years.
Founded in 1925, the Athol-Orange Rotary is one of the oldest clubs in District 7910, which stretches from New Hampshire to Connecticut. Over the years, members have supported projects ranging from funding libraries and school initiatives to providing meals through the Salvation Army and supporting veterans organizations. They have also fostered global connections by hosting and visiting Rotarians across Europe.
“I think the greatest quality of an Athol-Orange Area Rotarian is they always seek to serve others.”
Athol-Orange Rotary Club President William Kessler
As part of the centennial celebration, attendees explored the mansion, taking in photos and memorabilia that highlighted the club’s past before moving outside for the main program.
Athol-Orange Rotary Club President William Kessler welcomed the crowd on Sept. 8, thanking everyone for joining and “remembering service above self in our community.”
“I’m very proud to represent the Athol-Orange Rotary Club on our 100th birthday,” he said.
Kessler highlighted the club’s century of service and honored the generations of families who have sustained the organization.
“I think the greatest quality of an Athol-Orange Area Rotarian is they always seek to serve others,” he added.
President-Elect Linda Lee and Club Advisor Barbara Robichaud led the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance and an invocation, followed by Assistant Treasurer Carol Courville reciting the Rotary Club’s guiding principles.
State Rep. Susannah Whipps, I-Athol, presented Kessler with a citation from the Massachusetts Legislature, recognizing the club for a “century of service to communities near and far.”
Following dinner, former President Ray Belanger delivered the keynote address, reflecting on the club’s long history.
“As I looked back on 100 years, four words kept coming to mind: service, leadership, collaboration and dedication,” he said.
Belanger recounted the club’s many accomplishments over the decades: from helping banks during the Great Depression, to developing the Athol Hospital, as well as supporting schools, libraries, youth programs and international exchanges.
The evening also recognized individual Rotarians whose dedication has left a lasting mark. Paul Harris Fellow awards were presented to both Peter Gerry of Pete’s Tire Barn for his philanthropy and support of employees in crisis, and Steve Raymond for decades of volunteer work with the Salvation Army, through which he served thousands of meals to those in need.
Rotary District Gov. Johnny Ahern, representing District 7910, praised the club as the 10th in the district to reach a centennial.
“Your work planting seeds, both physically and metaphorically, for community growth exemplifies this year’s theme, ‘Unite for Good,’” he said.
Ahern then presented the club with a centennial plaque from Rotary International President Francesco Arezzo.
Before the ceremony came to a close, past presidents reflected on the club’s impact. Deb Blanchard, one of the first women to join the Athol-Orange Rotary Club, recalled the challenges of joining a traditionally male organization.
“Today, I look around at all the women in this club and it makes me so happy to see all of you leaders in the community,” she said.
Athol Town Manager Shaun Suhoski added, “At each table I see people who have made legacies, have done things in business or have helped serve people. It’s really an honor to be a part of this group.”
As the club celebrates its centennial, it also looks toward the future.
“Today, Sept. 8, 2025, we celebrate our community service organization,” Kessler said. “I’m confident our club will continue to be that strong servant leader for the next hundred years.”