Rotary hosts President’s Night at site of club initiative
The paint is peeling, the floors are uneven and worn. Birds have taken up residence in the dusty rafters beneath a roof that is in need of repair. The kitchen and restrooms are crying out for some TLC.
Despite years of neglect, the Main Pavilion in Washington Park remains a cherished piece of Washington’s history. The 110-year-old structure, deemed an architectural gem and home to Washington Community Theatre, holds a special place for so many, evoking memories of countless weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, reunions and other milestones celebrated there as well as theater productions.
So it was particularly fitting that the Rotary Club of Washington celebrated its President’s Night last week at the beloved community gathering spot, which happens to be one of the organization’s primary fundraising initiatives this year. Yellow table covers and potted geraniums in red and white provided a splash of color to the pavilion’s otherwise worn and dimly lit interior, hinting at the structure’s hidden beauty that’s certain to return with some fresh paint, new lighting and other improvements.
The annual President’s Night event serves as the unofficial change in club leadership, lauding the work of the outgoing club president and welcoming the new one. Joe Piszczor received his past president’s pin along with a plaque and ceremonial gavel from incoming President Rich Podgurski.
On this night, however, the club expanded its guest list to include local leaders who have been instrumental in helping secure funding for the pavilion project. The Rotary, in partnership with the city of Washington, is working to raise $800,000 to make improvements to the deteriorating structure. Plans include a new roof, accessible bathrooms, upgraded electrical service and lighting, restored floors, ceilings, walks and railings and a new community catering kitchen. The project will be kicked off with replacement of the roof, with an anticipated start date of September or October. Remaining work will be done in stages, with June 2018 the target date for project completion.
To date, $275,000 has been raised, which includes $200,000 from the Local Share Account of revenue from The Meadows Racetrack & Casino; $35,000 from the city; $30,000 from Rotary, and $10,000 from Washington County Tourism.
Two fundraisers are in the works. Mark Scott of the Olivia Scott Foundation announced a raffle for a New York City theater package that includes two tickets to the Broadway production, “Hamilton.” The fundraiser will benefit both the pavilion fund and the Olivia Scott Foundation. Tickets are $20 each and will be sold at the community theater production of “Urinetown,” being performed at the pavilion from June 21-25, as well as at the front counter inside the revolving door at the Observer-Reporter, 122 S. Main St., Washington. The winner will be based on the 7 p.m. June 26 drawing of the Pennsylvania Lottery. And, a Tailgate Cash Bash to benefit the pavilion fund will be held Sept. 9 at the Main Street Pavilion on South Main Street, Washington. Details will be announced closer to the date.
In addition to the incoming and outgoing presidents, several Rotarians also were honored at President’s Night. Bill and Susan Price, Tom Uram and Ellen Hough were recognized as Community Champions at the recent Rotary District Conference. Club Shining Star awards were presented to Podgurski, Tom Drewitz, Brad Montgomery, and Bill and Susan Price. And Rotarian Paula Leppert received the Lew Green Award for exemplifying service above self.
For more information or questions about the Hamilton ticket raffle, email Marc Scott at mascott10@verizon.net/.