Board Report: Ramona Penland-Coyle on Community Service

Each month, Dublin A.M. Rotary Board Members are presenting on the actvities of Board Committees, with an emphais on how YOUR contribtions help people and Rotary. This month, 2012 Rotarian "Co-Rookie of the Year" Ramona tells us about the Community Service Committee.

The history behind the Rotary Pin began in 1905, when Montague M. Bear sketched a wagon wheel with 13 spokes. Throughout the early years of Rotary the design continued to change, until the final design in 1924 when the Rotary Wheel was modified to include a keyway. This addition has been attributed to Will R. Forker.  Forker believed the design made no provision for the transfer of power to or from a shaft, which rendered the wheel idle. Forker saw Rotary as a “living force."  With the keyway inserted into the hub of the wheel, the wheel became functional, or as Forker stated, a “real force." Part of that “real force” of Rotary is the movement behind Dublin AM’s ommunity Service Committee. 

Community Service has always been part of the fundamental footprint of Rotary.  Dublin AM has paved its own path and actively serves our community and especially those in need.  Dublin AM serves the hungry through the Salvation Army’s Mobile Canteen.  Honor Flight has been an important part of our efforts to serve our Veterans.  This year we will be adding two new Veteran initiatives: first, in the Wounded Warrior Project, we  to help injured warriors returning home from current conflicts and provide assistance to their families; we are also educating club members by presenting “Military 101” at Friday morning meetings.  

Our Literacy Committee and reading campaigns have provided books, dictionaries, and support to enhance reading opportunities in Central Ohio.
 
Throughout the United States and here in Dublin, Miracle League has provided over 200,000 children and young adults the opportunity to participate in American’s favorite pastime, baseball. We have adopted a team, the Dodgers, and provided hundreds of volunteer hours so that those who would otherwise never have the chance can play baseball.   

We also focus on the environment and participate in cleanup projects.  Annually, we help to restore the beauty of the Scioto River.  Money raised through Rotary initiatives help support community service programs.   Dublin AM Rotary is a powerful force for good, and the Community Services Comittee helps focus us to embody the mantra “Service Above Self."  Through that functional wheel, we will continue to move forward the initiatives Dublin AMers are committed to:  Feeding those in need, including Salvation Army Mobile Canteen, Veterans Affairs, Literacy, and Miracle League. We are always looking for new ideas and energy. If you have a passion to serve, we will welcome your help.