By David Rogers. BLOWING ROCK, N.C. — It didn’t take long for the enthusiastic applause to begin.
The Rotary Club of Blowing Rock celebrated a successful 2025-26 fiscal year while ushering in the new one on June 29, with approximately 40 club members and spouses or significant others in attendance. The dinner was hosted by the club at the American Legion Building, with dinner catered by Rocca Bistro.
Outgoing club president Charles Hardin thanked so many in the club who helped Rotary have a positive impact on the Blowing Rock community, from the dollars raised by club and awarded to various non-profits and college scholarships, to the many service projects, including F.A.R.M. Cafe, Hospitality House and Grandfather Mountain, to name a few.
Rotary International District 7670 Governor Paige Scott (FY2026-27) was on hand to help Hardin offer special recognition to longtime member Jim Clabough, who for more than 10 years has been The Rotary Club of Blowing Rock’s liaison and special coordinator for the Blowing Rock Charity Horse Show.
“Most of us don’t realize the incredible amount of work that goes on behind the scenes to coordinate our partnership with the Horse Show,” said Hardin, in recognizing Clabough. “I certainly didn’t realize it. This year, it has taken five of us to do what Jim has been doing. We are sorry to see him move away, but we wish him all the best in this next chapter of his life.”
District 7670 Governor Scott also performed the honors of inducting Frank Irizarry as the new club president for the FY2026-27 club year.
“Service Above Self,” said Irizarry in addressing the club, as he recalled several different people and moments in his life where what has become Rotary International’s motto rang true. “You are going to hear me say that a lot in the coming year.”
After introducing the new executive board and honoring the several past presidents of the club in attendance, the members joined in reciting “The 4-Way Test” (of the things we think, say and do), before adjourning.
