Rotarians pull the cover on new clock

Rotarians from all walks of life -from those in retirement to some with lofty positions in state government - converged Wednesday morning before the Nevada State Legislature Building to unveil the service club's 18-foot gift to the state.

Lt. Gov. Lorraine Hunt, an honorary Rotarian, pulled away a blue tarp to reveal a gold and black $22,000 Verdin Clock Company replica of a Seth Thomas Howard street clock. She put her hand to her chest and whispered, "That is beautiful."

Bill Reeves, a member of the Carson City Rotary Club and a past district governor, tapped his wrist watch and smiled to the crowd of about 100 people, as if to say the clock was set perfectly.

The computerized four-faced clock, which will be illuminated at night, was funded by several Nevada Rotary Clubs and the Carson City Redevelopment Authority in honor of the international organization's 100th anniversary.

"Now we can all remember the contribution of Rotary each time we gaze at this beautiful clock," the lieutenant governor said as diesel trucks rumbled by on Carson Street.

She added that perhaps legislators will come out to look at it and be reminded of the Rotary 4-Way Test, which includes such tenets as being truthful, doing good for all and building friendships. Carson City Major Marv Teixeira pondered during his proclamation if the clock would make the legislators on time.

"The only thing is, we're going to have to reset that clock on the last night of session too," said veteran lobbyist Greg Ferraro, referring to the historic, but illegal, trick of turning the clock back on the final night of the Legislature to give lawmakers more time to finish their business.

Noon Rotary Club President Rafael Cappucci said 100 years ago founder Paul Harris started the rotating venue club, which is how it got the name, and today it's 1.2 million members strong. His inspiration was to create a world service organization. Rotarians have donated $1.4 billion to service projects in more than 100 different countries.

"Paul Harris is an example of how one person can change the course of history," Cappucci said.

Carson City Rotarian Elmer "Andy" Anderson, a retired accountant, said the clock is the perfect example of the club's dedication to Nevada.

"I think it's great," he said. "They put a lot of hard work into that clock."

Carson City Noon Rotary Club member Barbara D'Anneo said she enjoyed witnessing the dedication.

"This exemplifies Rotary and 'Service Above Self' and caring about our community and work for others," she said.