Baily's Crossroads Rotary Club celebrates 40 years of service

The Bailey’s Crossroads Rotary Club celebrated its 40th birthday March 18 at Wildfire Restaurant in McLean, Va. About 50 Rotarians and their guests attended. Some of the VIPs at the dinner included former Congressman Tom Davis - one of the founding members and a past president - and Rotary District 7610 Governor Janet Brown and First Gentleman Felton Page.
Rotarian Joe Luquire was the master-of-ceremonies.
Joe introduced three members who gave their thoughts on this special birthday.
Speaking on the early days of the club was Rob Cannon. Rob was a founding member and early president.
Rob reminded the crowd that Bailey’s was the first breakfast club in the district. He went on to list all the venues that the club met at before coming to the Goodwin House several years ago. In addition to the many service projects the club completed, Rob said that they were always a club that had fun.
“You ain’t seen nothing yet,” he said in closing.
The middle years of the club were highlighted by K. Wasko who was a Rotary Foreign Exchange Student. K. also said the the Finally Amy O’Malley, a more recent member, told the group how much she loves Rotary and that Rotarians are her family. Amy said that when she goes to the breakfast meeting, “I run and hug everyone because that’s what families do.”
Current President David Feld spoke next and asked all the past ‘Rotarians of the Year’ to stand.
“We’re famous,” said David. “We do stuff.”
Rotarian Bill Bailey read a moving poem for this special birthday and proposed a toast of champagne to the club.
To close the meeting District Governor Janet Brown made a few remarks. She said the district has a special affection for Bailey’s.
“No matter what we ask you,” said DG Brown, “you are there.”
“Thank you for a great 40 years,” she said.