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New Rotary Group Organizes

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By KENNETH KNIGHT kknight@tampatrib.com

The Tampa Tribune

Published: February 11, 2009

NEW TAMPA - Organizers of New Tampa's third Rotary Club drew more than 30 people to the group's kickoff event at the Hunter's Green Golf and Country Club last month.

The first meeting and reception to launch the New Tampa Evening Rotary Club attracted a cadre of civil leaders, businesspeople, educators and a politician.

Community interest has remained strong, drawing an average of 25 people for each of the following weekly meetings, said Said Iravani, a Rotarian and a founding member of the group.

Rotary International requires a new club to have at least 20 members and be sponsored by an existing Rotary Club. The Rotary Club of New Tampa, which meets Friday mornings at the Tampa Palms Golf & Country Club, is the sponsor.

The evening group meets at 6:15 p.m. Thursdays at the Hunter's Green Country Club, 18101 Longwater Run Drive.

The group, made up of current Rotarians and interested residents, can begin the process of electing officers to lead the volunteer service club, said Tom Wagner, an assistant governor of Rotary District 6890 assigned to help get the club up and running.

Wagner is working with club organizers, Iravani of Heritage Isles and Rotarians Doug Andrews of Lutz and Jim Mutascio of Tampa Palms. Their goal, they say, is to create a casual environment where civic-minded volunteers can discuss a wide range of community service projects and activities over coffee or cocktails. Buying dinner is not required.

Wagner said the group plans to file an application for charter to Rotary International. When approved, the New Tampa Evening Rotary group will be the 47th club in Rotary District 6890, which covers Hillsborough, Highlands, Hardee and Polk counties.

"Then we will do a final assessment to make sure all requirements have been met," Wagner said.

Residents who attend the organizational meetings will become charter members. Annual dues will be less than $200.

JOIN THE CLUB

For information about the New Tampa Evening Rotary Club, contact the organizers at ntpmrotary@gmail.com.

Reporter Kenneth Knight can be reached at (813) 865-4842.

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