Our Maine Street's Aroostook Issue 10 : Fall 2011 | Page 78

Rotary International Service Above Self We’ve all seen the signs in our community – “Scoreboard donated by the Rotary Club,” “Playground built by Rotary Club” or heard “Rotary Scholarship presented to,” but do you know what it means to be a member of the Rotary? The official description from the Rotary International Website is: “Rotary is a worldwide organization of more than 1.2 million business, professional, and community leaders. Members of Rotary clubs, known as Rotarians, provide humanitarian service, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations, and help build goodwill and peace in the world. There are 33,000 Rotary clubs in more than 200 countries and geographical areas. Clubs are nonpolitical, nonreligious, and open to all cultures, races, and creeds. As signified by the motto Service Above Self, Rotary’s main objective is service — in the community, in the workplace, and throughout the world.” As a member of the Fort Fairfield Rotary Club what my membership means to me is being a part of an organization whose primary focus is to do good works in our local community as well as being a part of some great international projects. I like having the peace of mind with the knowledge that the money raised actually does get to the people in need and not lining the pockets of some unknown administrator. All Rotarians are held to high ethical standards and utilize the Rotary 4 Way Test in the things we think, say, or do to guide us: First: Is it the truth? Second: Is it fair to all concerned? Third: Will it build goodwill and better friendships? Fourth: Is it beneficial to all concerned? The 4 Way Test is recited at every Rotary Clubs weekly meeting. These are our guiding principles in not only club decisions but how each Rotarian conducts our daily lives. Currently there are 8 Rotary Clubs in Aroostook County: Caribou Doug Hunter, President [email protected] Meet: 12 noon on Wednesdays at the Caribou Inn & Convention Center 78 Service Above Self FALL 2011 Fort Fairfield Incoming President Janet Kelle with Outgoing President Stephanie Beaulieu Fort Fairfield Janet Kelle, President [email protected] Meet: 7 a.m. on Wednesdays at the St. Denis Church Houlton Scott Dionne, President [email protected] Meet: 12 noon on Mondays at the Church of Good Shepherd, Watson Hall Limestone David King, President [email protected] Meet: 7 a.m. Thursdays at the Loring Commerce Center Mars Hill Tomi Henderson, President [email protected] Meet: 6:30 a.m. on Tuesdays at the Aroostook Health Center