The Rotary Club of San Saba recognized Harold Yates as a Paul Harris Fellow at its meeting on September 1, 2011. The Paul Harris Fellow Award is based upon exceptional community service and significant contributions to the Rotary Foundation which provides humanitarian and educational services worldwide. Harold was recognized for his service as a past President of the San Saba Rotary Club, Rotary Flag Project Chairman for two years, financial support of the Rotary Foundation, as well as exceptional service to law enforcement agencies, community schools and other service organizations within San Saba County.

Paul Harris was born in Racine, Wisconsin, USA, on April 19, 1868 and received a law degree from the University of Iowa in 1891. After arriving penniless in San Francisco in 1891, he worked as a reporter for the San Francisco Chronicle, a ranch hand, grape picker, actor, cowboy, hotel night clerk, and a traveling salesman. In 1896, he opened a law practice in Chicago and founded the Rotary Club in 1905. Harris was convinced that the club could be expanded into a service movement and strove to extend Rotary to other communities. In 1910, the National Association of Rotary Clubs was formed and Harris was elected its first president. He held the office for two years and afterward became president emeritus, serving as the public face of the organization and promoting membership extension and service around the world. Harris died on January 27, 1947, leaving a rich legacy of fellowship, professionalism, service, and friendship.

The Rotary Club of San Saba is comprised of public service oriented professionals who seek to pattern their professional and personal lives around a four way test. The test asks if a decision or action: 1) represents the truth, 2) is fair to all concerned, 3) builds good will and friendship, and 4) is beneficial to all concerned. The Rotary Club Motto is "Service before Self." Here in San Saba, the Rotary Club is especially active in literacy and school programs. The Club welcomes visitors and prospective members to join them for their 12:00 PM Thursday weekly meetings held in the meeting room of Pepperbelly’s Restaurant.