Volume 2, Issue 1
January 2003
Rotarians focus is on community service

Rotary is a global network of community volunteers. Community service — the "Third Avenue of Service" — has been called the heartbeat of Rotary.

From that very first community service project, back in 1907, Rotarians around the globe have been making significant and long-lasting contributions in their local communities, and in communities far away.

Rotary International promotes four community service committees: Human Development, Partners in Service, Community Development and Environmental Protection.

Karl Kostenbader, road cleanup crew organizer.

Community service defines our Rotary Club's character. The good deeds we do promote Rotary's appeal and visibility in the community. Service is the main reason Rotary continues to grow.

"Rotary taught me a sense of purpose," said Dee Weinstein, a past-president of our Club. "I'm thankful not only for what I have, but for the ability to help people who may not be so lucky— and to be able to give back to my community that has helped me to grow and prosper."

The Rotary Club of East Jefferson County's annual Puttin' on the Ritz fundraiser requires a lot of volunteer hours from us all. But, with those funds we have been able to do so much good.

Since 1990, the East Jefferson club has disbursed more than $344,000 — most of that went directly into the local community. Through the years, the Club has supported: food banks, Port Hadlock's Teen Resource Center, the Port Townsend Marine Science Center, Future Business Leaders of America, Jefferson County 4-H, Jefferson County Historical Society Museum, many Chimacum School activities, Rotary Youth Leadership awards, Tri-Area Community Center, Boy Scout Troop 480, McCurdy Pavilion, youth baseball and football, the American Red Cross, Literacy Council of Jefferson County, OlyCap's Thanksgiving and Christmas community dinners, Christmas for Tri-Area Children, July 4 fireworks, the guardian ad litem program, as well as many other similar programs. Medic 13's $29,000 Life Pak 12 heart monitoring unit was a gift from Rotary, too.

The Club's long-range planning committee, first chartered in 1996, was tasked to develop potential fundraising activities and club projects that are multi-year in scope. The first project was to raise $63,500 to replace and vastly improve the aged playground at Chimacum Schools. The project was completed in 1999, thanks to fundraising efforts and a lot of volunteer labor. The Club is currently raising money to add to the amenities offered at H.J. Carroll Park.

Club honors CHS students
Rachael Garcia and parents.
A glimpse into the future? Rotary President BreAnna Waliser??
Jori, Iris and Neville Pearsall.
Michelle Buchanan-Short and her daughter, Jessie.
Krista Vielguth and her mom.

Looking at these Chimacum High School students, one realizes that these Rotary Students of the Month are indeed our future. Who they are — and who they will be — has been formed by genetics, their parents, teachers and the members of this community. From now on, however, the future is in their hands.

Jori probably will head off to Harvard. Jessie may decide not to be a nurse like her mom and Krista may never want to work in one of her mom's restaurants. BreAnna may visit Finland once again and Rachael just may be the first woman President of the United States. Who knows?

"What Rotary Means to Me"

"At first, I joined Rotary to get contacts, since I was in a high profile job of soliciting donations. Once involved, I felt it was an organization that I wanted to put energy into.

I am proud of the good Rotary does and get a good feeling by contributing to my community. However, the fundamental good I feel is getting to know and doing things with the members. "

Bob Peden
a.k.a. Mr. UGN

So close to home!!
District 5020
Conference 2003
May 16-18
Nanaimo, British Columbia

Click here for more info.

Last month's Mystery Tot was none other than Dr. Mary Lynne Derrington. And wasn't she a little cutie pie!!!

 
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