Congratulations to Cape West Rotary Club on 50 years

For half a century the Cape West Rotary Club has served our community.

The organization celebrated the milestone earlier this month, which members said was "an opportunity to reflect on the good that's been done during that span while looking forward to the next 50 years," according to a story by Southeast Missourian reporter Lindsay Jones.

The group has accomplished plenty of good since its inception in 1966, such as funding scholarships at Southeast Missouri State University and also providing resources, time and effort for other needed projects at places like the Humane Society, Hope House Children's Home in Jackson and many more.

"We're all out there just trying to do something," J. Derieck Hodges, a past club president, said at the celebration event.

Ray Klingingsmith served as the keynote speaker at the club's event. The former president of Rotary International pointed out the remarkable growth of the club, which has blossomed from 23 original members to around 75 currently.

We hope this organization, and others like it, continues to grow.

"The Cape Girardeau club had vision in starting this club, and look at it now," Klingingsmith said.

As Cape Girardeau Mayor Harry Rediger recently wrote in a column, there are several service clubs -- "the backbones of our city" -- that deserve thanks for their contributions to society.

We echo his sentiments -- thank you to service club members for the impact you've already had and that which is still to come. Congratulations on your first 50 years.