For several months it has been a work in progress.  But the conclusion brought accolades from the Rotary members who attended the August 21 open house at the newly expanded and renovated Rotary Club of Tulsa office. 

Located in the former Chamber Building at 616 South Boston, the new office layout for Rotary staff also features a conference meeting room that accommodates 10 and can be reserved for
Rotary committee meetings. 

Our thanks go to Past President Cory Nickerson, the 2008-2009 board of directors and Long Range Planning Committee who saw the need for improvements to the office and increase in staff — after a pro bono analysis by Jim and Jeanine Rhea — to serve the growing needs of our club.  Their leadership and the club’s approval of last year’s dues increase made the improvements possible.

President Del Dreyer and his 2009-10 board served as hosts at the Friday afternoon open house.  Also welcoming visitors were Executive Director Donna Mercier, Membership Coordinator Laurel Owen, Administrative Assistant Jane Stewart, and our club's part-time bookkeeper, Tomilyn Siegerist.  Refreshments for the visitors were graciously donated by Lynn Martin of Gourmet on the Go.  

Throughout the offices, framed photos from the Rotary Club of Tulsa/Beryl Ford Collection are artfully grouped and hung on the walls, as are photos of Rotary projects like the Nicaraguan water well program, Celia Clinton Adopt-A-School, Camp Enterprise and others.

"This was an important step to serve our members and improve efficiency," said President Del. "The renovation gives a warm and inviting image to visitors, and it's a better reflection of Rotary's role as an organization of business and community leaders."

Del said that many Rotarians contributed time and resources to make this project happen.

Previously,Rotary staff — plus files and archives of 93 years of club history — were cramped into two offices. When it became apparent there was a need to restructure and add one person to the staff, something had to be done.  Past President Matt Davis negotiated a new lease to double our space on the fourth floor.  After inserting a doorway, installing new cabinetry, painting and decorating, the club leadership was ready to welcome visitors.

In the reception area, on a color-accentuated wall, a gold club logo designed by Ron Butler is raised in three dimensions.  The signage was created, installed and donated by member James Adair of Claude Neon Federal Signs.  Jim Dunn of Mill Creek Lumber contributed cupboards and a custom granite countertop.  Installation was done by Stava Building Corporation, thanks to Rotarian John Stava.  

New desks and furniture to display club archives, along with cabinetry for storage, are also part of the renovation. Rotarian George Basore and his Scott Rice design team helped with workplace design which re-purposed our existing furniture throughout the office suite.

President Del recognized other Rotarians who worked on the project, from sorting through archives, painting walls to hanging pictures.  They include Past President Tim Colwell and club director Ron Butler, who guided and executed the décor renovation. Ron coordinated the print making and professional framing. Tom Byers helped wield a paintbrush. Tony Oliva hauled away purged items. Jerry Cornelius provided the Beryl Ford images. Past President Ed Monnet researched options to furnish the additional space. Immediate past Long Range Planning Chair Chuck Wilson provided direction and enthusiasm.

"The professional framing and display of our historical club documents and Beryl Ford treasures is impressive," said President Del.  "But Tina Miller's framed photography is stunning."  

With her trusty Nikon, Tina has captured photos of Celia Clinton students, bell ringers, club programs and well drilling activities in Nicaraguan.  On one office wall, the anchor photo is of a Nicaraguan woman and her children showering themselves with fresh water from a new well drilled by the Rotary Club of Tulsa. That picture won third place in last year's Rotarian Magazine's international photo contest.

The Rotary Club’s office hours are from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays.  Donna and the staff welcome Rotarians to stop in when you are in the area or are in need of their services.  The meeting room is already being reserved for committee meetings, and Yearling University sessions are held there as well.