Note: This is part of the Icon's feature series on Ada service clubs.
By Barbara Lockard
While members of the Rotary Club of Ada may not have traveled to El Salvador or Zambia, they have played a role in bringing needed medical equipment and supplies to these countries.
Through a program known as MESA (Medical Equipment and Supplies Abroad) Rotarians in the northwest Ohio District 6600 have collected and distributed everything from ambulances to wheelchairs to countries in Central America and Africa.
Later this month, area residents can also support the MESA program by participating in a Family Fun Ride on the Rotary Riverwalk/Ottawa River Bikeway in Lima.
According to Ada Rotary treasurer Laurie Laird, this is a “bonus” ride to increase the club’s donation to MESA.
“The District holds a Bike Tour in June, but some clubs are holding bonus rides to help support that effort,” said Laird.
This is the first year the Ada club has hosted a ride which takes place on Saturday, Oct, 26, from 9 a.m.-noon, rain or shine. Bicyclists can ride the entire 26-mile route, or as far as they want.
Entry fees are $20 for adults (18 and over) on or before October 15 and $25 after October 15. Entry fee for children (under 18) is just $7. Check in is from 8-10 a.m. at Ottawa Metro Park, 2632 Ada Road, Lima.
Ada Rotary has also supported MESA with a large donation of dental equipment supplied by retired dentist Mark Shull. The equipment was transported and is now housed in a 26,000 sq. ft. warehouse located in Fostoria, Ohio, that is owned by District 6600.
A Service Club
Rotary Club of Ada, comprised of 20 members, is a service club that’s also about serving the Ada community.
The club provides scholarships to high school seniors and has purchased a scoreboard and benches for the Ada Park. Laird added that the group is routinely involved in several community events each year.
Current officers are: Jamie Hall, president; Teddy King, president-elect; Bob Ward, secretary; Laurie Laird, treasurer; Bill Trudeau, youth chair and John Neville, grants.
If you live or work in Ada, you’re invited to join the Rotary Club of Ada. The group meets on Tuesdays at noon at The Inn at Ohio Northern University. For membership information and to register for the October 26 Family Fun Ride, contact Laird at 419-634-5220 or [email protected]
