About Us

Rotary International

Early Beginnings

Rotary started with the vision of one man — Paul Harris. The Chicago attorney formed the Rotary Club of Chicago on February 23, 1905, so professionals with diverse backgrounds could exchange ideas and form meaningful, lifelong friendships.

Over time, Rotary’s reach and vision gradually extended to humanitarian service. Members have a long track record of addressing challenges in their communities and around the world.

That commitment endures today through an organization that remains truly international. Only 16 years after being founded, Rotary had clubs on six continents. Our members now span the globe, working to solve some of our world’s most challenging problems.

We’re not afraid to dream big and set bold goals. We began our fight against polio in 1979 with a project to immunize 6 million children in the Philippines. Today, polio remains endemic in only two countries — down from 125 in 1988.

We connect people.

1.4 million members worldwide

We transform communities.

Approximately 47 million volunteer hours each year

We fund sustainable projects.

$333 million awarded for global service initiatives in 2020-21

Whatever Rotary may mean to us, to the world it will be known by the results it achieves.

– Paul Harris
Rotary Founder

Your Local Club

Rotary Club of Oriental #6172

The Oriental Rotary Club was chartered on September 10th, 1951 in the Whitehurst Hotel. There were twenty charter members of the club. The Rev. John M. Waters served as the first president upon the nomination of “Captain Bill Mason” who was active in our club until he passed away in 2001. The organization of our club is typical of Rotary Clubs worldwide. The officers and directors constitute the Board of Directors. They are responsible for running the club, selecting activities to be supported, identifying club functions, establishing committees, etc.

Oriental Rotary Club Meets weekly on Mondays (excluding major holidays) from 6:00 PM to 7:15 PM at the Brantley’s Village Restaurant located on Broad Street Oriental, NC. Meetings include a meal and a program.

If you are interested in joining Rotary, please reach out to our Membership Coordinator, Phyllis Yodlowski, at pyodlowski@gmail.com. Or, attend a Monday night meeting – your first meal is on us.

2023-2024 Board of Directors

Dedicated volunteers each serve a 1-year term on the Board of Directors (2023-2024) as voted on by the membership and defined by their roles. We are fortunate to have so many who give their time and talents to transform Pamlico County.

Club President (2023-2024)

Cathy Santore

Immediate Past President (2022-2023)
Sally Belangia

President-Elect (2024-2025)

Sheri Rettew

Treasurer

Tim Fowler

Secretary

Bill Craven

Seageant-at-Arms

Bill Manager

Club Service Chair

Carol DeMoranville

International Service Chair

Pappy Khouri

Membership Chair

Phyllis Yodlowski

Public Image Chairs

John Mitchell