Newsletter - Archive  Oct 16, 2009

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Gov. Montgomery walks the talk

In making his rounds of Rotary clubs within District 6080, District Gov. Steve Montgomery worked up his prepared remarks noting the opportunities that are available for clubs to do their good work.

     When he scheduled the Jefferson City West Rotary Club, little did he know he was going to have to "walk the talk." Among the opportunities he planned to mention: doing a community work project such as beautifying a park.

And so when the Governor showed up in Jefferson City on October 2 to speak to the West club, Club President Steve Hauser and his board had already scheduled "clean up" day at Rotary Centennial Park overlooking the Missouri River and only blocks from the State Capitol.

    Montgomery did make a short talk to some 30 club members, dressed in their work clothes, about "opportunities" - from district matching grants to community service projects - and then he rolled up his sleeves and helped in the raking and weed-pulling chores with his fellow Rotarians. "This is more fun than making speeches," he noted.

    A tent was set up near the Rotary emblem on the stone terrace that overlooked the Missouri River, thanks to Hawthorne Bank, and box lunches were served prior to the planned work activity. A good many Rotarians stayed after the luncheon armed with clippers, rakes and shovels and put in nearly three hours of "sweat equity" into cleaning up the entrance to the park area. Then many gathered at nearby Paddy Malone's and enjoyed a few libations, courtesy of Rotarian Bernie Fechtel.

    Gov. Montgomery was joined by his wife, Paula, who also helped in the clean-up. "I've gone with Steve to many of these club visits," she noted. "This one really showed what Rotary is all about - hard work and fellowship."

    For photos of the work event, go to Photo Albums.

Three cited with Paul Harris Fellows pins

Two Rotarians and a spouse were recognized as Paul Harris Fellows by the JC West Rotary Club on Oct. 9. Winston Rutledge (left photo) received a Paul Harris Fellow pin indicating that he is a multiple PH Fellow winner. Larry Neil (right photo), a multiple Paul Harris Fellow awardee, used his latest credits to award his wife, Katie, with a Paul Harris Award. Former club president Carla McDaniel presented the awards - giving a hug to Neil for including his wife as a recipient. Rotarians who donate $1,000 to the Rotary International Foundation qualify as Paul Harris Fellows.

Rotary's Microcredit Program

Rotary International's Microcredit loan program - helping to improve the life and economic independence for millions of small business people in third-world countries - is designed to help end poverty, "one small loan at a time."

            Eric Park of Washington, Mo., District 6060 governor-candidate and on the board of Rotarian Action Group for Microcredit, spoke to JC Rotary West Rotarians on October 16 and noted that more than $9 million in loans were made to more than 115 million Microcredit borrowers in 2006 and that typically "95 percent of our borrowers pay back their loans within a couple of years."

            He said most loans range from $75 to $100 and go to women who want to improve their financial plight by starting their own business - from making cookies to making jewelry - thus helping their families break the cycle of poverty for the next generation. He cited examples of Microcredit loans in Costa Rica and Honduras sponsored by Rotary clubs in his district.

            "Rotary has just about achieved it goals to eliminate polio around the world," Park said. "What would it mean if we Rotarians could eliminate poverty around the world? It's may be impossible, but it's a worth while goal," he said.

Guess who's 40!

It's heck to pay when you turn 40! JC West Rotary president Steve Houser (left) found that out when members of the club surprised him with a walking cane, a smoker's jacket (often worn by retirees) and a three-tier birthday cake. Club President-elect Linda Nichols (right) laid it on thick about growing old, to the sheepish grin of Houser, at the club's October 9 meeting. Also participating in the "Guess Who's 40" gag party was Janice Houser, Steve's wife (not shown).

Upcoming Programs

Oct. 23 - New member bio sketches.

Oct. 30 - Harry Otto, chairman, Jefferson City Area Chamber of Commerce.

Nov. 6 - Doug Crews, Missouri Press Association.

Nov. 13 - Missouri Coalition for Life-Saving Cures.

Nov. 20 - To be announced.

Nov. 27 - No Rotary meeting (Thanksgiving holiday).