Lodi Rotary taking presidential approach to centennial

Say what? Didn’t you mean president? No, the Lodi Rotary Club 583, District 5220 turns 100 in the spring of 2021 and the club has decided that it wanted to do something different this year for its centennial and five previous presidents eagerly pitched in and will share the presidency. Thus, each gets bragging rights as to having been the president of the club during the centennial.

The five sharing the presidency are Joe Cotta, Jerry Fry, Doug Holck, Chris Littlefield and Mike Smith. So, who are these presidents and what is a Paul Harris Fellow?

• Joe Cotta, President Cotta Vineyards, is a Cabernet Sauvignon grower. Cotta is a Paul Harris Fellow and a member of Paul Harris Society.

• Jerry Fry, President MohrFry Ranches. Fry is a Paul Harris Fellow and a member of Paul Harris Society.

• Doug Holck, general contractor. Harris is a Paul Harris Fellow. Holck has built several winery tasting rooms in the Lodi area.

• Chris Littlefield, President (retired) Kellogg Garden Products.

Littlefield is a Paul Harris Fellow.

• Michael Smith, owner of Michael Smith Engineering. Smith is a Paul Harris Fellow.

Continuing the legacy of the founder of Rotary international, the Paul Harris Fellow program recognizes individuals who contribute, or who have contributions made in their name, of $1,000 to The Rotary Foundation of Rotary International. The honor was established in 1957 to show appreciation for contributions that support the club’s annual fund, PolioPlus, or an approved foundation grant. The

Paul Harris Society recognizes Rotary members and friends of The Rotary Foundation who elect to contribute $1,000 or more each year to the annual fund, PolioPlus Fund, or approved global grants.

The club is planning a big celebration in the spring. In the interim you can visit the club’s website www.lodirotaryclub.com to learn more about Rotary or our Facebook page www.facebook.com/lodirotary

to find out about current events.

Rotarians direct their efforts in six areas to enhance local and global communities. The club’s most successful and sustainable projects and activities tend to fall within the following areas: Promoting peace, fighting disease, providing clean water, saving mothers and children, supporting education and growing local economies. The club’s major project last year involved the purchase of an ultrasound machine for the Batangas Regional Hospital in the Philippines.

You can contact the club by calling 209-867-7258 or by email at

Someone will get back to you within 24 hours.