The Houtskär Rotary Club was founded in the former savings bank building in Näsby, which is now the home of Uma and Aaro Söderlund, a concert hall, and an architectural firm. The idea for a local club arose when the couple realized after moving that it would take three hours to travel to and from Nauvo RC meetings.
When Rotary International reduced the number of members required to establish a club from 20 to 15, they began to gauge interest. With the help of the local newspaper and local activists led by editor-in-chief Ulla Mattsson-Wikléen, the names of nearly 50 interested parties were collected – representing 10% of the population of Houtskär. Interest extended from Iniö to Korpo, including both permanent and part-time residents.
District Governor Matti Hakoila participated in the founding meeting both online and in person. When the club clearly exceeded the minimum requirement for establishing its own club, the association was quickly registered with the Finnish Patent and Registration Office (PRH). This speed was necessary because the pre-approved club rules expire on December 13, 2025.
Meetings are currently held at the Sybarit restaurant in a hybrid format (in person and online), which is necessary because physical attendance is sometimes difficult in the archipelago. Sari Miettinen from Rotary International’s Zurich office attended the last meeting. The club has already been invited to the 75th anniversary celebration of Pargas RC in spring 2026.
At its next meeting on November 19, the club will discuss the selection of officers (e.g., president, secretary, and treasurer) for the interim period from January 1 to June 30, as well as the selection of those who will begin the actual Rotary year on July 1, 2026. The spring will be used to train future officers. The club aims to obtain its charter by January 1, 2026, at the earliest, in order to avoid membership fees in the fall.
Aaro and Uma Söderlund warmly recommend that other Rotarians who move to a new area without a Rotary club consider starting one, as it is an excellent way to get to know local experts.
Regards
Aaro Söderlund
Nauvo Rotary Club Past President, D1410 PDG 2023-24, DFC-Chair 2025-26
Uma Söderlund
Nauvon Rotary Club Immediate Past President 2024-25
