Cape Charles Rotary dedicates new clock celebrating 100 years

Pictured from left to right: Cape Charles Mayor Adam Charney, Cape Charles Main Street President Gerry Taylor and Cape Charles Rotary Club Vice President Jim Ritch.

Cape Charles marked a milestone this weekend with the dedication of a new Rotary Clock at Strawberry Street Plaza, concluding the Rotary Club of Cape Charles’ 100th anniversary celebration.

The ceremony, held Saturday, August 16, featured remarks from Rotary leaders and town officials. Rotary Club Vice President Jim Ritch welcomed guests, followed by greetings from Cape Charles Mayor Adam Charney. The event also highlighted recent renovations at Strawberry Street Plaza, with recognition given to Cape Charles Main Street and its Executive Director, Karen Zamorski, for their role in the project.

Past Rotary President Katie Nunez reflected on the club’s century of service to the community, while Ritch acknowledged donors who contributed to the clock project. The unveiling was performed jointly by Mayor Charney, Ritch, and Cape Charles Main Street President Gerry Taylor.

The Rotary Clock, now a permanent feature of Strawberry Plaza, was made possible through the generosity of community members and organizations. Major contributions came from Milton and Dona Usry in honor of their son, Mark L. Usry, and from the Harrell family in memory of their son, Carsen Christopher Harrell. Additional donations were made by local families, civic groups, and businesses.

The dedication concluded with closing remarks from Ritch, who expressed gratitude for the support that enabled the project. Founded in 1925, the Rotary Club of Cape Charles has long supported community initiatives, and members said the new clock will serve as both a landmark and a symbol of the club’s ongoing commitment to the town.