Newsletter - Archive  Dec 15, 2009

print this page

Ringing Support

Steve Houser, president of the Jefferson City West Rotary Club, takes his turn at ringing bells on behalf of the Salvation Army in the lobby of Hy-Vee. Rotarians volunteer to ring the bells each Christmas season for one day. The JC West club provided 10 such ringers on Dec. 14.

Rotarians celebrate lighting of the Mayor's Christmas tree

On a chilly night, with a near-full orange moon rising above the Missouri River, hardy Rotarians and their families - including kids and Santa himself - helped District Gov. Steve Montgomery light the Mayor's Christmas Tree at Rotary Centennial Park on December 3.

            Jefferson City Mayor John Landwehr gave local Rotarians kudos for having the foresight - and sweat-equity in addition to dollars - to turn what used to be a blighted area into a pleasant park, a scenic venue near the State Capitol over looking the Missouri River. The park has been the site of the mayor's Christmas tree lighting ceremony for the past few years.

            In tribute to Rotary and its many contributions to improving life in Jefferson City, Mayor Landwehr gave the "tree lighting" chore to Rotary's district governor, who came up from Springfield for the honors. Steve Montgomery was joined at the switch box by Santa and Mrs. Claus.

            Montgomery brought some of the Rotarians' children up front to recite a Christmas poem before he turned the tree lights on. The Helias High School Chorale Singers also entertained the crowd.

            See photos of the tree lighting on the Photo Album page.

"Future of Rotary" subject of district governor's visit

Pegging his remarks on Rotary International's theme, "the Future of Rotary is in Your Hands," District 6080 Gov. Steve Montgomery sought to give Rotary an introspective look, asking "What is Rotary to me?" during a visit to the Jefferson City West Rotary on Dec. 4.

            "I look at my time in Rotary to be a true blessing, both to me and my wife," Steve noted. "Had I not been introduced to Rotary way back when, Paula and I would have missed out in meeting Rotarians throughout Missouri and around the world." Paula, a medical nurse, joined the governor in Jefferson City where they helped light the city Christmas tree and participate in the Christmas parade.

            "I invite you to look around your community, your church, your business and look for those who would benefit to be a Rotarian," the governor challenged Rotarians, noting that the goal for every club is to gain at least one more member this year. "One thing that makes Rotary stand out is because of its core values - service and fellowship. If you have a passion for something, Rotary is the place to make it happen."

Good-Bye and Good Luck!

Foreign Exchange Student Raul Gama of Joäo Pessoa, Brazil, had a tearful good-bye to his new host family, Gus and Wendy Gustofson, as he prepared to return to Brazil to enter college and earn a law degree. He will turn 18 on Jan. 2. "We are sad that we only got to know Raul only a few weeks, but we know he is anxious to get on with his law studies," said Wendy, a JC West Rotarian. Paul also presented a flag of his sponsoring Rotary Club in Brazil to Club President Steve Houser at the Dec. 11 Rotary luncheon.

Helping hands at the Samaritan Center

Jefferson City West Rotarians are helping stock food and distribute food bags to needy families served by the Samaritan Center during December. Above, Sherri Wilbers and Linda Nichols get ready to carry bags of food to recipients. At right, Ed Hughes also worked with other volunteers to stock canned goods which are donated to the Samaritan Center.

Easier to be a PH Fellow

Carla McDaniel, pictured left, chair of the club's Foundation Committee, reminded JC West Rotarians that District 6080 will award $200 for every Rotarian who will contribute $800 to the Rotary International Foundation before July 1, 2010. The district contribution will then result in a Paul Harris Fellow award to the Rotarian. Carla also noted that for every dollar we give to the Foundation over a three-year period, those dollars will come back to the district as matching gifts for clubs to draw upon.

New Member: Tony Porter

Tony Porter, right, with American Family Insurance and owner of the Tony Porter Agency, was sworn in as a Rotarian and the newest member of Jefferson City West Rotary Club on Nov. 20. He was sponsored by Larry Neill, at left, who has already sponsored three members since July 1.

Students of the Month (December)

Two football stars - who also excelled in school as honor students - have been named Students of the Month for December by the Jefferson City West Rotary Club. They are (above, left to right) Taylor J. Bax of Helias High School, and Devin J. Whittler of Jefferson City High School. Both wore their letter jackets when they were introduced on Dec. 4. Taylor plays both football and baseball at Helias, and ranks in the top quarter of his class. He volunteers at baseball and football camps as well as at the Samaritan Center. Devin is a three-year letterman in football and track and on the honor roll. Congratulations to Taylor and Devin!

Excelerating Execution

Call him Excelerating Eric! Proposed JC West Rotary member Eric Janeczko gave a presentation Dec. 11 on how to maximize opportunities. The development strategist and owner of Excelerating Execution discussed how to focus on new needs, new action plans and new relationships to achieve success in business and life. "Don't focus on the obstacles - or you'll never see the opportunities that are around you," he said.

Coming Programs

Dec. 18 - Christmas luncheon.

Jan. 8 - Mike Gray, Missouri State Technical Assistant Team, "The Internet and Youth."

Note: No meetings Dec. 25 and Jan. 1. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!