"If there is one factor more than any other that distinguishes the haves from the have-nots, either in your community or between countries, it is literacy," declared William Boyd, chairman of the Rotary International Literacy Committee. The past RI director was being interviewed for an article in the Oct. 2002 "The Rotarian".

Did you realize that nearly 5,000 Jefferson County residents are functionally-illiterate? Without basic reading and writing skills, they struggle with a job application. Forget about them reading a local newspaper. Many couldn't even read their child a bedtime story. How do you succeed in a world you can't understand? Many don't.

Even if one is not "illiterate", having ineffective reading and writing skills puts one at a great disadvantage in this technological age. And, employers'll tell you that bar is being raised each year. Studies have shown that high school graduates make 43 percent more in wages than dropouts do.

Thanks to the efforts of its volunteers, the Literacy Council of Jefferson County has opened the world of reading to hundreds of people since its inception in 1986. An influx of immigrants to Jefferson County has made the Literacy Council's English as a Second Language program a precious resource to our new residents, as well.

The service is confidential, it's one-on-one, and it's free. Even so, less than 10 percent of the adults who could benefit from these literacy programs are currently being served.

If you know someone who can't read this sentence, or would like to volunteer some time with the Literacy Council, call the Jefferson County Rural Library, 385-6544, for more information.

This Rotarian grew up in a land far, far away. She said the photo at the left was taken "a few years ago".

From age 5 through high school, she took acrobatics and ballet and tap dance classes. She also took voice and piano classes. (Hmmm. . .haven't seen her play the piano at Rotary lunches.)

Of course, with that background, she was a high school cheerleader, as well.

Her first job was in a glass factory. She sorted bottles for defects and made cartons.

Chimacum High School's Interact students traveled to Port Townsend's Kah Tai Care Center on Dec. 18 to spread good cheer and handmade Christmas cards. They also wanted to take Santa out for one last time before his big day on Dec. 25.

The student-led caroling was truly enjoyed by the residents and staff. Club members also brought roses and games to leave in Kah Tai's recreation area.

With Randi Rowe as president and Becca Brown as vice president, the club has had a great year so far. Pete Schornstaedt is the club's faculty advisor and Linda Kostenbader is the Interact Sponsor. Thanks, too, to Jeffrey Hartman and Milt Morris (aka Santa Claus) for making the trip to Kah Tai a special memory for all.

"What Rotary Means to Me"

"I'm a Rotarian because of the opportunity to serve my community and the world, and for the fellowship of knowing Rotarians from my local area, my district and from around the world.

Being a Rotarian is being COMMITTED TO ACTION. It means taking the time to raise funds to help our local area, as well as projects all over this globe we call earth. It may also mean being personally involved in service to others. And, of course, it means having fun and fellowship even as we serve.

I was honored to be sponsored by the late Dick McCurdy to join the Port Townsend Rotary Club over 20 years ago. I have served on the board of that club and also as President. Later I served at the District level as Assistant District Governor and as Chairman of the District Council.

While all of these positions required much time and effort, they were also personally rewarding in broadening my understanding of how important Rotary is locally, regionally and internationally.

As an individual I can only serve in a limited way — but, through Rotary, I can help make a significant impact both here and abroad. Rotary offers much to those who get involved. Ask any Rotarian who is involved. "