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BITS AND PIECES - 06/22/2008
(by Howard Ball - OpEd Columnist - June 25, 2008)
Rotarians keep on giving
Back in 1905 Paul Harris went to lunch with some of his friends. They were successful Chicago businessmen. As they talked, Paul pointed out that they were all doing very well. He said they should give back to the community what the community was giving them.
At that luncheon the idea of Rotary International was born, and it has grown to millions of members in thousands of clubs in virtually every nation in the world.
Early on Rotarians established four principles to guide their life in business and the world: 1. Is it the truth? 2. Is it fair to all concerned? Will it build good will and better friendships? 4. Will it be beneficial to all concerned?
Basing their clubs on those standards, and adding "service above self," Rotarians have provided care and love for thousands of needy people. Several years ago the clubs launched a campaign called "Polio Plus." The lofty goal was to eradicate infantile paralysis from the world. So far two billion children have been immunized and there are just a few countries to go.
We have many active Rotary Clubs in the area. I belong to the Butler Tri-Boro Club, which meets at Bella Sera every Thursday.
About 30 years ago Rotarian Charles K. Payne fell victim to the problems of aging. He was a genius of a teacher who had served the country and community well. He loved Rotary. A member of the club saw that he got to every meeting even when he showed up in his pajama tops.
Before he died he talked with members about a foundation to give scholarships in the Tri-Boro community. He left $390.000 to the club, which has been dedicated to the Charles K. Payne scholarship fund. Since its inception the Payne Fund has given $750,000 to students from Butler, Bloomingdale and Kinnelon. The fund balance is well above the original.
Back in 1993 when floods ravaged the Heartland, Rotarian Frank Newton went on the road to raise money. He and another grumpy old man got close to $24,000 which was sent directly to Rotarians in Missouri who used it for the personal needs of the victims. When I visited a family who had lost everything. The little daughter proudly displayed her new coat, which she called the Rotary Coat.
With Polio Plus almost finished, Rotarians are taking on the task of providing potable water around the world. Butler Tri-Boro has just pledged $1,000 to the program, The club is also purchasing a new firefighting device for the three fire departments.
The local clubs do more than international projects. The needs of local people are important to Rotary and the clubs do tale care of their own. Butler has funded a scholarship program for vocational students which now gives several stipends a year.
For many years Butler Tri-Boro has maintained a cabin at Camp Merry Heart, which is for children with severe disability. That's where a little kid in a wheelchair said, "Get a move on old man or you will miss the band concert!" At Camp Merry Heart everyone has a smile. I do just thinking of it!
Judy Woop is the new president of Butler Tri-Boro. She has many projects in mind. We will continue with the International water project and whatever God puts in our path. If you would like to help, join us for lunch and learn about "service above self."
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