After 65 years the Portage Rotary Club is still in operation and as vibrant as ever. That's from member Preston Meier who shares his thoughts on if it's a surprise to know the club's been around for that long.

"It's surprising you say that. Actually, it's not. I mean, the nice thing about Portage is there are likeminded people that have worked together for years to make whatever organizations there are today to be successful. And I think the Rotary Club's been one of them. We're proud to say and I'm proud to be part of a club that was started in June 28, 1951, and has been going ever since. And there's been so many people that have been involved in it for those 65 years."

Preston Meier reading early documents of the Portage Rotary Club

Meier says it's a large and successful club today.

"And there's been a lot of great people that have done a lot of work. I think we're really proud of that; likeminded community people that were dedicated to helping make Portage that much better. You go back, and the names of past presidents and past members since 1951, it's pretty impressive. So, it's really cool to be part of a club that's been around and that's been vibrant for that long."

He says they like to get out there and participate, not only through fundraising of course, which is a big part of it, but also for a lot of fellowship that goes on. Meier notes more importantly they give back to the community with some of the volunteer work.

Over the years, Meier explains, not a lot has changed with the operation of the club. Names have changed, but the archives showed some original minutes from 1951 when the club was chartered. He says he's familiar with some of the names -- longtime Portagers. But other than some language and dates, you could put in today's dates with and it would be the same thing. He says the club was full of spirit, and a great fellowship as developed. The last words in 1951 were inspiring the club to move on and accomplish the many things that they did. 65 years he says it's still their same mantra.

Meier adds they're having a more formal celebration in late July or early August, and are inviting everyone who's ever been involved in Rotary, been touched by Rotary, or helped the club over the last 65 years.

He says, "I couldn't begin to add up the amount of dollars that were given back, the amount of commitment put into the community. You can't go a block without seeing some project the Rotary club was involved in over the last 65 years. It brings goosebumps to me to see that happening."