South: Joe Horner
Rotaract: Victoria Brees, Kerrie Bloss and Erin Evans
06/07/05: Perk Hoecker
Committee members Janice Harder, Darlene Johnson and Phil Steinhaus will have bracelets for you to see, and hopefully purchase, every week. Show them around the office and encourage your friends and co-workers to buy one also. They make great birthday or anniversary gifts, graduation presents, or guys - just a little something to tell your better half how much you love and adore her !!
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Steve Scott reminded everyone about checking the attendance rosters which had been placed one each table. Please inform him of any mistakes.
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HISTORYMOMENT
One current area of special emphasis for Rotary clubs focuses on providing "new opportunities for the aging." In 1990, the RI Board of Directors urged Rotarians to identify new projects serving the elderly that emphasize intergenerational activities and the integration of seniors into society and the workplace. The following year, the board called for an approach that stressed service "with" the elderly as well as "for" them.
With the substantial upswing in the worldwide population of older persons, their needs for special attention have greatly multiplied. As citizens grow older, it becomes increasingly important for them to retain their personal independence and to remain in control of their own lives to the extent this is possible.
Many Rotary clubs are seeking ways to serve the older persons of their community who face problems of deteriorating health, loneliness, poor nutrition, transportation difficulties, inability to do customary chores, loss of family associations, reduced recreational opportunities, inadequate housing and limited information about available social agencies for emergency assistance. Some clubs have initiated a valuable community service to assist older persons in retirement planning and adjustment by organizing and sharing the wealth of information available within the club's membership. Other clubs have developed foster grandparent programs and other intergenerational activities that allow seniors to use their experience and knowledge to help young people. Rotarians often can provide services which seniors can no longer do for themselves.
The greatest need of aging
individuals is frequently a mere expression of real caring and concern
by thoughtful friends. All Rotarians should seriously consider how
they and their clubs may actively participate in programs for the
aging. It is one area of community service in which there is a
growing possibility that each of us may some day be on the
receiving end.
("The ABCs of Rotary" by Cliff Dotchterman - reprinted with
permission).
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NEED A RIDE TO ROTARY?
The Hospitality Committee prepares get-well cards for members who are ill and can set up rides for members who can't otherwise get to meetings. Please notify Gena Scott by email at scottgl@missouri.edu, by phone at 882-6371 (work) or 442-1865 (home).
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Matt's presentation was a comprehensive review of the Rotaract organization, including its goals, objectives, mission and their involvment in the community at large. In many ways, "Rotaract makes better Rotarians". There are only two Rotaract clubs in Missouri - Columbia and Springfield.
Some of Matt's key points included:
What is Rotaract?
Rotary + Action = Rotaract
Chartered by Rotary International
Sponsored by our own Club (The Rotary Club of Columbia)
Mission
Bringing high energy young professionals together in a fun environment to encourage community involvement and professional growth while developing the leadership skills of our membership.
Objectives
- Be an important asset to the community
- Promote professional growth
- Provide educational opportunities
- Provide an understanding of Rotary & Rotaract.
Goals
- Recognize the worth of each individual
- Use occupation as an opportunity to serve
- Reinforce ethical standards in leadership
- Identify needs, problems and opportunities in the community and worldwide.
What Rotaract Does
- Meet twice a month
- Guest speakers
- Tours of local businesses
- Service Projects
- Participate in at least one community activity each month.
Matt is looking to increase membership, which is currently at twenty. By comparison, Springfield has seventy five members. If you know of any bright, young (20-30 yrs) professionals, please have them contact Matt at matthew_melton@boonebank.com, or by phone at (573) 874-8567.
Matt ended his presentation by answering a few questions and leaving us with a quote for reflection:
"Individual committment to a group effort, that is what makes a team work, a society work, a civilization work."
- Vince Lombardi
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VOLUNTEERS
NEEDED: We are still looking for volunteers who would like to
take notes at the meeting for this weekly newsletter publication - no more
than 4-5 times a year (preferably one full month).
If interested, please e-mail Tony St Romaine, or see Kristen
Smarr or Jane Phillips for additional details.
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Web Editor: Tony St Romaine
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