Rotary House

McAlester Oklahoma Rotary Club

The House That Rotary Re-Built
with A Lot Of Help ...... From Its Friends

photo of a duck swimming on the pond at Rotary Park

A duck swimming on the pond at
Rotary Park in McAlester, Oklahoma

photo of the picnic pavillion and children's playground at Rotary Park

The picnic pavilion
at Rotary Park in McAlester, Oklahoma

Outside View

One of 6 Bedrooms

Sitting Room

Kitchen

Dining Area

Walking Path through Rotary Park to the Hospital

Play Equipment at Rotary Park view from Rotary House

The McAlester Rotary Club started with a goal of a “Rotary Park.” They built it, with a walking trail, a stage and amphitheater, and a covered pavilion, near the McAlester Regional Health Center.

Then they thought that an old house at the corner of the park property, might be used for storage for club equipment. They discussed the idea, and Rotarian Bob Saunier, who had seen a facility for families of patients, at the hospital in Tulsa, thought that McAlester might develop a similar plan.

Rotarian Ted Welch, who was an official at the Kiamichi Vo-Tech School at the time, put the plans on paper. And many other Rotarians liked the idea.

Judge Steve Taylor, now a State Supreme Court Justice, and also a McAlester Rotarian, looked for funding. He talked to former Rotarian Norris Welker, who was chairman of trustees of the Puterbaugh Foundation. The Foundation trustees voted to match what the Rotarians could raise.

Meanwhile Saunier, who was also on the City Park Board, talked to city officials.

With the backing of the former mayor and Park Department officials, the City Council purchased the house for $26,000.

The Rotary fund raising started under former club President Monte Brown, in 1999. The next three presidents pushed the project. Randy Saunier, Harvey Bollinger and Terry James all promoted the funding. The total climbed to $50,000, and it was matched by the Puterbaugh Foundation.

Bob Saunier said that City Park official Billy Jack Boatright headed up the work detail. Six bedrooms were added. A group called, The Baptist Men, did the electrical work.

Men’s and women’s restrooms and showers were installed.

And an equipment room was built below.

Former District Governor Fred Baker of Ft. Smith, came for the dedication. He commended the club and told the audience the Rotary House is a good example of what Rotary does.

Saunier introduced those who had helped., and explained the facilities were for out-of-town family members of patients who were seriously ill, and needed family members present.

Since then, Rotary House has been well used. It is operated by the McAlester Regional Health Center.

Family members of hospital patients have numbered from one to four. During the first two years, 94 persons stayed at Rotary House. Patients of the families have been in the Cancer Center, Rehab, ICU, Acute Care, Outpatient, and Surgery patients.

The food pantry is stocked by the All Saints Episcopal Church. Security is provided, as well as maintenance and housekeeping, from the hospital. The Grand Avenue Methodist Church donates books and Home Extension Clubs provide quilts. A retired Navy officer makes weekly checks of the facilities. The Accounting Department at the hospital takes the money.

Several families which have stayed there have donated books, laundry soap, kitchen supplies and pillows.

Family members have come from eight states and 33 towns and cities in Oklahoma, Texas and Arkansas.

Melanie Patton at the hospital’s Social Services, and RN Mary Leffler, director of Volunteer Services at the hospital, call Rotary House “a great service.”

“Being able to offer a service like the Rotary House gives us an opportunity to have families stay with patients who otherwise would not have the financial means to stay with and comfort patients while hospitalized.

“We would like to thank everyone who has made this possible,” they said.

Rotary Park

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