They have had a role in the organization of the Carroll Wellness Center and numerous other beneficial projects, and on Nov. 18, they were in a mood to share those deeds with the community.

The Rotary Club of Hillsville welcomed guests to its weekly meeting at Shoney’s and members discussed the group’s mission and community involvement.

“From being a founder of the Wellness Center, Playground 2000, a supporter of the Farmers’ Market, the Training Center and the Christmas Fund, there’s a lot of energy in our club,” said President Brian Spencer.

The club, which has 31 members, has been active in a number of area interests.

“We look for things in the community where we can be an encouragement and a help,” said Service Committee Chairman Barry Mayberry.

Locally, Past President Randall Gravley was instrumental in the group’s efforts to get the Wellness Center going. The Rotary Club laid the groundwork, canvassed the community and helped raise funds for that project. The club also sponsors the Interact Club at Carroll County High School, raises funds for scholarships and sponsors a cottage at the Training Center. Rotary also put in a sign at the Farmer’s Market, helps with the Carroll County Fair and gives food to the First United Methodist Church Food Pantry and toys for the Carroll Christmas Fund.

The Rotary Club also assists in international projects through the Rotary Foundation. Since 1985, Rotary International has teamed with the World Health Organization to combat and eradicate polio worldwide. Today, the disease only exists in four countries.

Worldwide, Rotary is in 160 countries in 29,000 clubs. Its membership is in excess of 1.2 million members and is meant to be a cross section of local business and professional leaders.

Spencer said while the club does a lot of good works in the community, it doesn’t go out of its way to self-promote. The open house was just a way for people to learn more about the club and its many works.

“We don’t advertise a lot of what we do,” Spencer said. “We wanted to share with the community what we’ve done in the past and what we’re working towards. We thought we would invite people in to see us more at a personal level.”