A Gift Of Time: Rotary And Village Dedicate Landmark Clock On Lakeside Promenade
BY SHANNON ANASTASIO
On a beautiful Thursday morning in April, members of the Wellington Village Council gathered with Wellington Rotary Club representatives at the picturesque Lakeside Promenade, adjacent to the Wellington Community Center, for a momentous occasion: the dedication of a striking new clock feature.
This unique timepiece, both elegant and symbolic, now graces the waterfront path as a tribute to community, volunteerism and enduring civic service.
Commissioned and gifted by the Wellington Rotary Club, the clock bears a quote from Paul Harris, the founder of Rotary International: “The greatest gift you can give someone is your time.” Its presence is more than decorative — it is a reminder of legacy, love and leadership.
The project was made possible through a heartfelt donation by Rotarian Jay Broder, in memory of his late wife, Donna Broder. She was a woman deeply devoted to community service, and her spirit of generosity continues to echo through this remarkable gift.
“Obviously, the clock donation was to add a ‘splash’ to the walkway around Lake Wellington,” Broder explained. “But more than that, it preserves Donna’s legacy — her commitment to volunteerism, which is what Rotary is all about: ‘Service Above Self.’”
On Saturday, April 12, Broder’s friends, family and Rotarians gathered once again for a private memorial dedication. The clock, now a fixture of the promenade, stands not just as a physical monument, but as a personal one — an enduring tribute to Donna Broder and her life’s work.
Wellington Rotary Club President Walter Imperatore reflected on the clock as a continuation of the club’s long-standing partnership with the village.
“Our first collaboration for a landmark was the Wellington Rotary Peace Park in 2006,” he noted. “It’s a testament to our shared commitment to fostering global understanding and local connection. This new Rotary clock carries that tradition forward.”
For Rotarian Scott Armand, the project is deeply personal. As the club’s president-elect several years ago, Armand envisioned the clock as a meaningful addition to the new Lakeside Promenade development underway at Wellington’s Town Center, which has since joined the Wellington Community Center, Wellington Village Hall, Scott’s Place Playground, the Wellington Amphitheater and the Patriot Memorial as a central place of community gathering.
“I made it my goal to see this clock project through during my presidency,” Armand recalled. “I reached out to Village Manager Jim Barnes, and not only did the village agree — they enthusiastically partnered with us and prepared the site. When Mr. Broder came forward shortly after my installation with a major contribution, everything aligned. His wish to include a plaque of remembrance for Donna gave the project both soul and purpose.”
Support soon followed from across the community, with an anonymous donor stepping in to cover the remainder of the cost.
“This project illustrates what can be done when vision meets collaboration,” Armand said. “We hope future visitors remember Donna Broder and reflect on Rotary’s mission. If everyone gives just a little, we can do so much.”
From the village’s perspective, the clock was a welcome addition to one of its most scenic destinations.
“The village was honored to be approached by the Rotary Club of Wellington with the idea of gifting a beautiful clock to the community,” Barnes said. “We saw it as a meaningful and timeless addition that would enhance the character of our public spaces. After considering several possible locations, we determined that the Lakeside Promenade — one of our most visited and scenic areas — would be the perfect setting. It offers high visibility and a picturesque backdrop, making it an ideal place for residents and visitors to enjoy the clock and what it represents.”
Barnes also noted the broader impact of the clock’s presence.
“The new Rotary clock enriches the Lakeside Promenade and greater Town Center area by adding both aesthetic and symbolic value,” Barnes said. “It serves as a distinctive landmark and gathering point that celebrates civic pride, volunteerism and Wellington’s strong sense of community. Positioned near the Wellington Community Center and the Lake Wellington waterfront, the clock adds charm and character, while complementing the surrounding landscape and amenities. It’s a feature that invites people to pause, reflect and appreciate the moment, making our Town Center even more welcoming and vibrant.”
Barnes also expressed gratitude for the effort and collaboration involved.
“We’d like to extend our deepest thanks to the Rotary Club of Wellington for their generous gift and for initiating this project with the community in mind,” he said. “We also want to recognize and thank our village’s Engineering Department, which stepped in to oversee the project and managed the clock’s installation from start to finish. Their work helped bring this vision to life in a seamless and thoughtful way. This project truly reflects the power of collaboration and the spirit of giving that defines the Village of Wellington.”
With time, the Rotary clock will quietly tick forward, marking not just the hours, but the enduring spirit of a community that values service, honors its members and cherishes the moments that bring people together.
From concept to completion, Wellington’s new Rotary clock represents a convergence of vision, legacy and generosity. It is a gift to Wellington that will endure for generations, encouraging all who pass by to remember what truly matters: not just time, but how we spend it — and with whom we spend it.


