The Rotary Club of Hayward Area, a service organization composed of a broad cross-section of the local community, has chosen to give a non-member one of their highest honors: the Paul Harris Fellow distinction.
The Club has chosen to honor Rhonda Passolt, a dedicated volunteer in the Hayward area.
The presentation of a Paul Harris Fellow recognition is the Rotary Foundation’s way of expressing its appreciation for a substantial contribution to its humanitarian and educational programs. The recognition is named after Rotary’s founder, the late Paul Harris, a Chicago lawyer who started Rotary with three associates in 1905.
Rotary Club of Hayward Area Board President Kimberly Kayler noted that Passolt joins a remarkable company of people throughout the world, all recognized for their commitment to service and their community. “Rhonda has worked tirelessly in our community to enhance life here. She has been an area business leader, devoted civic and church volunteer, schools champion and litter clean-up devotee” Kayla said.
A Litchfield, Minnesota native, Passolt and her husband moved to Hayward in 1995. Two business ventures ensued: Northland Computers and Black Bear Golf Course (Minong). When the ownership of Black Bear transferred, Rhonda began working at the River Deck Restaurant, Scheer’s Lumberjack Shows, Lumberjack Village Mini Golf, Lumberjack Village, Village Pines, and Up North Retreats. She also managed related commercial and residential spaces.
Many in the community also know Passolt from her notable involvement with keeping area roads and parking lots free of litter. She has spent countless hours picking-up trash and has also engaged her daughter in this activity over the years. She also coordinated local churches for litter pick-up activities, assigning roads and setting schedules.
In recent years, Passolt became involved with Rotary Club of Hayward Area as a non-member who helped often with the Club’s activities, such as Adopt-A-Road, Musky Fest beverage tent and the Lumberjack World Championship beverage tent.
Passolt recently moved to Minnesota. “She leaves a void in our community and is missed!” Said Kayler.
The Rotary Club of Hayward Area meets twice monthly for community and educational sessions, as well as participates in a variety of community service activities. Kayler noted that all community members are invited to consider membership. Please reach out to haywardarearotary@gmail.com.
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