Denise Wortman

Denise Wortman, president of the Rotary Club of Fitchburg that recently celebrated its 100th anniversary, has worked as a full-time real estate agent in North Central Massachusetts for more than 12 years.

With a vision that being a real estate agent is more than about joining professional associations, she said she believes agents should be involved in the communities where they work as well. To that end, she has served her community in several capacities, including on the board of Habitat for Humanity North Central Mass., serving as president 2017-2018 of the Rotary Club of Fitchburg, as the North Central Mass. Board of Realtors Community Involvement chair, and advisory board member for New Vue Communities, an organization working to build strong neighborhoods through home ownership.

In her free time, Ms. Wortman, 62, said she enjoys camping, traveling, volunteering and spending time with her family on vacation. Ms. Wortman is married and has three sons and two grandsons.

What does the Rotary club do?

“Rotary is a global network of over one million friends, leaders and problem-solvers who see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change – across the globe, in our communities and in ourselves. Our motto is ‘Service Above Self.’

“Locally, our Rotary Club of Fitchburg has 32 active members who are community leaders, business professionals and retirees.

“We raise money to award scholarships to high school seniors and for the high school band programs. We give dictionaries to all third-grade students in Fitchburg schools, we raise money for local food pantries, and we have an annual awards ceremony for all unsung heroes in the city. We work with other clubs local and globally to take action on sustainable projects. From literacy and peace to water and health, we are always working to better our world, and we stay committed to the end.”

Why did you decide to get involved?

“Rotary started as a business networking group in 1905, by a Chicago lawyer, Paul Harris, for professionals with diverse backgrounds that could exchange ideas, form meaningful, lifelong friendships, and give back to their communities. As a self-employed Realtor with EXIT Realty in Leominster, I wanted to join an organization that fit that model.”

Can you talk about the 100th anniversary and what it means?

“Our club was sponsored by the Rotary Club of Worcester, organized in February 1918, and chartered June 1918.

“We are celebrating our centennial year as a strong, vibrant and involved club. With our motto of ‘Service Above Self,’ we are known for that in our community.”

What are some of your favorite projects?

“The Sunday before the big Thanksgiving Day football rivalry between Fitchburg and Leominster, we sponsor the Breakfast for the Bands - a joint project with the Fitchburg and Leominster rotary clubs. Breakfast is served up by rotarians, band parents and even the local mayors. Profits are split equally between the two high schools.

“Another favorite project is the giving of dictionaries to all third-grade students in the Fitchburg elementary schools. The students get to take them home at the end of the school year and they belong to them.”

Can talk about membership over the years?

“Membership is holding across the globe. Our club had about 80 members early on when most members were local professionals that could meet at a set time each week. As the economy, business environment and work habits have changed over the years, many people don't have the time to devote to any organization. The good news is that there are more and more young professionals coming into rotary that are committed to making change, not only in their communities, but in the world.”

Are civic groups still relevant?

“I can only speak about rotary. Rotary International has 1.2 million members and we’re committed to service. We’re not afraid to dream big and set big goals. Rotary began the fight against polio in 1979 with a project to immunize 6 million children in the Philippines. Today, polio remains endemic in only three countries — down from 125 in 1988. I’d say we are relevant.”

Compiled by correspondent Paula J. Owen