Club Press Release, March 19, 2003.

Press release reporting on March 17 meeting of the Jefferson City Evening Rotary

Tony Hiesberger    THusa@hotmail.com  

                         573-893-8669

                            www.jeffcityrotary.org  

Jefferson City Evening Rotary Club met at Grace Episcopal Church on Monday, March 17th. Featured speaker for the meeting was Linda Mc from United Way of Central Missouri, asking Rotarians' assistance for the 2003 fall campaign.

Linda noted that United Way began in this area in 1922. The purpose of this organization is to raise funds in the community for organizations that give aid to the people in the community. United Way is the only charitable organization that is allowed to campaign for funds inside the workplace. This allows for the organization to reach as many people as possible. United Way uses the contributions to support a network of health and human services through 24 agencies in Central Missouri. In the last year's campaign, administrative costs were only 11.5%. The staff and volunteer committees work hard to keep this cost low so that as much of the community's contributions go directly to local community services. Another benefit that is received because of the efforts of United Way is the networking of the organizations that use its funds. The different organizations get an opportunity to collaborate with each other to provide the best possible services for people of Jefferson City and surrounding area.

Rotarian Frank Pisano reminded all about the Rotary essay contest sponsored by the capital area Rotary Clubs. Students in Jefferson City schools in grades nine through twelve were are invited to enter on one of two topics: 

1)  Rotary's mission of humanitarian, intercultural and educational programs -- are they now more relevant or less relevant after the 9/11 tragedy? Could Rotary's International Youth Exchange Program and more like it affect the relationships between the United States and numerous foreign nations many of whom are at odds with the United States in regard to societal values, economic power, politcal policies, and lifestyles? Can youth exchanges improve the understanding between people of different religious traditions?

2)  Rotary International's motto "Service Above Self". Students are asked what kinds of activities are filling young Americans' days? What compels young peope toward participation in these activities? Does a high level of involvement enhance or compromise education and personal growth? Is the busy lifestyle of our young people a cause for concern? If a portion of our youth's time is consumed by community service, does this foster an early and lasting interest in "service above self?" What if the service is compulsory (as it is in some youth and scholarship programs)? Papers are due in the end of March.

Rotarian Suzanne Richter reported that our club will be working on our Habitat for Humanity home on April 26th.

President Vic Tomlinson reported that the Statewide Rotary Student Government Day is Monday March 24th. Hal Dulle, Tony Hiesberger and Katherine Schedler have volunteered to assist visiting students and Rotarians in this important endeavor. . Tomlinson also reported that a Rotary Group Study Exchange from Japan will be coming to Jefferson City for several days in early May.  Capital area Rotary Clubs are looking for sponsors to open their homes to this group while they are here.

Jefferson City Evening Rotary meets every Monday evening at Grace Episcopal Church except for holidays. Those interested in membership are invited to call Rotarian President Vic Tomlinson at 659-5076.