|
District Governor Dick
Robinson:
As President of the
Pittsfield Rotary Club, I think we have had a very good year. Our total
membership is currently up by 4 members for a total of 53 members which is
just great.
We were able to see the
completion of our Illini Community Hospital serenity area in October.
This is a 30’ foot round area bricked in red with charcoal trim and
depicts the Rotary International wheel with a 3’ blue/gold glassed Rotary
insignia on stone center. We have 3 concrete benches around the area for
quiet sitting. Many Rotarians helped the professional bricklayer by
carrying bricks to expedite the process.
Our Club held a
“Fireside Chat” in September for prospective members. A nice evening to
quietly discuss what Rotary is all about and informing for the prospects
that turned into members!
This year, our family
Christmas Party took a different twist with the children giving their
gifts TO Santa. This project was in conjunction with the Student Council
at Pittsfield High School who were providing gifts to over 80 needy
families. Rotarians who were unable to attend the dinner still brought
their gifts giving everyone a good feeling of helping.
In March, the Rotary
Club and Business and Professional Women held Reality Days for Freshmen
from all schools in Pike County. At this event, the students choose a
profession, are given a salary and then start out on life. They buy cars,
insurance , houses and food which shows them just how expensive things are
in real life. Many students decided they needed that college degree to
receive the higher salaries and that they could not start out with a new
car and large house. Money left over for items of entertainment was also a
huge issue with the students as they found there wasn’t any extra. A very
good eye-opener.
April again brought our
Anti Drinking and Drug Program for Teens held at the Pikeland Middle
School with 7-8th grades attending from all schools in the
county (325 students). Assisting and presenting programs include: Pike
County Health Dept on not smoking, Pike County Sheriff with the DARE car
and the Drug Dog, Illini Community Hospital – Emergency Room Nurse,
Illinois State Police-pictures of wrecks involving drunk drivers,
Counseling Center – Fatal Vision Goggles, Illinois Secretary of State-
Young Driver rules. All of this was followed by a presentation on The
Seven Reasons to Leave the Party by Judge Mark Drummond of Quincy. In this
program , the students are shown why they should get away from the
drinking and drugs usage at a party and how they can leave without losing
face with their peers. In this program, Judge Drummond is assisted by
Judge Roseberry. Together, they make this a powerful presentation for the
students.
For our literacy program
, we received a $500 matching grant which was used to help John Wood
Community College buy a computer and software which will be taken out into
the communities to teach people to read, thus reaching people who could
not come to the college. Another great outreach program.
We will be awarding 5-
$500 scholarships to area students to be presented at our annual meeting,
June 27th.
Ann Revis
2006-2007 Pittsfield Rotary Club President
|
