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LAPLACE — The Rotary Club of LaPlace recently celebrated 44 years in the community. Rotary is a service organization that brings together business and professional leaders with the belief of service above self.

Although the first club was founded in 1905, the local club was founded in January 1976. Over the years, it has supported many local education, quality of life, community development, environmental and civic initiatives. This includes fund raising events such as Pups in the Park on 51, a charity dog walk which has raised thousands of dollars for animal-related charities and initiatives in the local community.

The group celebrated with fellowship and cake. Current President Gordon Taylor acknowledged all of the club’s past presidents. Those that were available were invited to visit with group and speak about their time in office. Many spoke of the joy they experienced in the group and others expressed how the club had changed over the years.

Ann Tatje was a member when Rotary Club members were predominately men. Women were not allowed to join until 1987. Tatje was asked to throw her name in the ring as a candidate but did not think she would win. She was elected president by default when her male contenders backed out. The major focus of her year as president was Meals on Wheels.

Beverly Harris made Rotary Club of LaPlace history when she became the first black president. She was diagnosed with cancer during her second term and says that she wakes each day with a prayer to have the strength to serve her husband and others.

Other past presidents include Penelope Shumaker, who said she had fun while in Rotary and misses it. She found a souvenir from her time with Rotary. It was the pair of tennis shoes — complete with hot sauce stains that will never come out — she wore while working the onion mum booth at the Andouille Festival.

Shawn Steinkamp expressed his gratitude for the continuation of Allene Gregoire Scholarship which began when he was president.

Cheryl Millet noted that in her term, the Homemakers of Slidell introduced the Meet the American Flag program to the club and inspired the club to present the Flag Program in schools the following year.

Robbie Tomeny has the distinction of being the oldest club president. She is happy that the auction for Polio Plus she initiated has continued, and she continues to host the Teddy Bear Tea.

Poonam Oberoi said that she is the first president from India and was happy for the success of the Drive for Your Community fundraiser that Robert Tamplain introduced to Rotary during her term.

Finally, Mary Lynn Alltmont, although never a president, is a long-standing member. Alltmont and Dean Torres have been in the club the longest number of years. She remembers being a guest speaker at Rotary when women weren’t allowed to be members and said she was proud of the diversity she saw around the room.

The Rotary Club of LaPlace meets at noon on Tuesdays at Sicilly’s Italian Buffet, located at 214 Belle Terre Blvd in LaPlace. For more information about the Rotary club, email rmichel@ rtconline.com.