Tina McComas and Bob Keely

July 28, 2009

In the third meeting for the new fiscal year, Putnam Rotarians today reviewed service projects for the months ahead. Bob keely talked about activities over the past fourteen years of local club history, and Tina Brumfield McComas suggested directions for the months ahead.

"Be a Rotarian," Chet Marshall, the new club president had told club members. "Don't be just a member of a club.

"'Service Above Self'," a guiding principle of the organization, is necessary, he said, "both in professional and personal lives," said Marshall.

"Most of the funding for service comes from special fund raising efforts such as the Rotary Golf Tournament," now scheduled for Monday, August 10, at Little Creek, said Keely. "We also have an annual raffle. Sometimes members make personal gifts." he said. "And sometimes, club members will challenge other club members to 'match' a gift."

McComas suggested that the best community service may come in the form of personal time and labor, a hallmark of local projects in past years."We need to be more 'hands on'," said McComas. "not just handing out a check."

McComas talked about recycling projects and environmental enhancement efforts through the West Virginia Department of Environmental ProtectionShe asked the club to consider Adopt-A-Highway, a beautification program sponsored by the Department of Transportation. The club would undertake cleanup of a two-mile stretch of road, three times a year. DOT provides supplies and equipment.

"Then there is river cleanup," she said, "the 'Make It Shine' program, for example."

McComas admitted that she did not have a big bank account, but she did have time. "Not only would it be fun and an opportunity for fellowship, but it would make Rotary more visible."

And greater visibility helps membership -- which means more hands for more service.