Interpretation and Thumbnail History of Rotary

 1970—1971 

President Eddie Hirsch 1970-1971 

(Pix from circa 2000)

 Rotary International President:  William E. Welk, Jr., Ontario, Cal.

District 603 Governor:  Glenn D. Girard, St. Joseph, Mo., South Side

 Some highlights of Rotary #32’s 1970—71 fiscal year were the programs by Mayors of Missouri’s two largest cities:  Mayor A.J. Cervantes and the St. Louis Ambassadors were the feature of a meeting; and Mayor Charles B. Wheeler of Kansas City, was another outstanding program.  The Club had its second 100% attendance meeting in its sixty-year history.  The 400% plateau was achieved by the Club for Rotary Foundation.  A new worthwhile program was initiated in having the children of the Mary U. Neipp Class as guests of the club for luncheon and a special program for them.  It has been an annual event since that time.  A Group Study Exchange Team from District  #603, led by Club #32 member, Bob Finch, made a successful and enjoyable visit to Chile.  Another new innovation for the club was the practice of meal refunds for members in making up meetings in other clubs and contributed to a better attendance record for Club #32.

 In Rotary, every year is “a very good year” and 1970—71 was no exception; it too was a very good year.  Club 32 was a 300% club in Rotary International at the beginning of the year and moved up to 400% by the end of the year.

 The Club participated in and contributed to at least the usual number of civic causes.  Thirty youngsters were sent to Y.M.C.A. Camp; a councilor’s cabin was given to Boy Scout Camp Geiger.  As always, members worked in the United Fund Drive, the Y.M.C.A. membership drive, and the Salvation Army Bell Ringer Christmas Fund Drive.  The Club also contributed to Junior Achievement.

 For the second time in its history, Club 32 had a 100% attendance day.  With the other two local clubs, the District Conference of District 603 was hosted in St. Joseph.

 It was a good year for mayors’ visits.  Mayor A.J. Cervantes of St. Louis flew to St. Joseph by chartered plane, with the St. Louis Ambassadors and he addressed the Club.  Mayor Charles by Wheeler, Jr., Kansas City, addressed the Club shortly after his first election to the office.  Former Kansas City Mayor, H. Roe Bartle, known as Mr. Kansas City, and a great Rotarian, visited the Club.  Ewing Kaufman, owner of the Kansas City Royals baseball team addressed the Club on future prospects for his favorite ball club.

 For the first time of what is hoped will be an annual event, the Club entertained the pupils of the Mary U. Neipp School, now the Mary U. Neipp Class.  The youngsters have been back for a regular luncheon and special entertainment for six years, and we hope the idea continues for a long time to come.

1971—1972

President Ross Woodbury    1971-1972

 District 603 Governor:  Ralph L. Moore, Chillicothe, Missouri       

 As of July 1 there were over 700,000 Rotarians in 14,900 clubs in 149 countries.  Rotary International is looking forward to the day when there are 1,000,000 Rotarians.

 Our first big event in Club 32 this year was All Rotary Day on August 11^th at the St. Joseph Country Club.  There were 147 Rotarians attending from 20 clubs in the district. 

 Our District 603 Governor Ralph L. Moore of Chillicothe, Missouri made his official visit to our club and was a speaker on October 5^th.

 The week of September 15^th was “World Understanding Week” and District 603 had as a guest Shann Mukherjee and his wife Tuk-Tuk.  Shann was one of the members of the Rotary Foundation’s first Group Study Exchange Team to District 603 in 1966.

 Club 32 celebrated our 60^th anniversary at the St. Joseph Country Club on December 17^th with a fine club turn out with their Rotary Anns.

 On December 17^th, Club 32 participated in the annual Salvation Army Bell Ringers event and took 1^st place with $1,025.25 in contributions from our members.

 The annual Students Christmas Party was held on December 28, with 34 college students in attendance from 20 schools.  This event was started in 1923 by Harry Herschman when Dr. John Whitsell was president, and Harry chaired this event until 1941 when Harold Neidorp became chairman.

 On January 11, 1972, our speaker was Mehdi Sherabat of Tehran, Iran, who attends Missouri Western College on a District 603 scholarship.  Club 32 and 29 other clubs in District 603 pay $2.30 per member to aid foreign students studying in five colleges in the district.

 The District Conference was held in St. Joseph on March 24, 25 and 26.  The theme was  “Good Will Conference.”  Almost 600 Rotarians and their Anns attended with 60 from our club.  District Governor Ralph Moore presided.

 Our new project started this year was Vocational Service Day at Missouri Western College.  Those Rotarians who wanted to participate met with students at the college who wanted to know more about their vocations.  Those Rotarians who participated were:  Jim Bocell, Eddie Hirsch, Errol Taylor, Dr. John Martin, Don Spalding, Dr. Bob Bridwell, Howard Christensen, Dr Howard Fields, Dr. Sam Maddox and Barent Springsted, Jr.  On April 13, there were 100 freshman and sophomore students who heard these Rotarians discuss their respective vocations.  It was a big success.

 Rotary Club 32 sponsored 15 less privileged boys at the Y.M.C.A. Camp this summer—a very worthwhile project.

 The World Series of Bronco Baseball was held in St. Joseph this summer and Rotarians, all three St. Joseph clubs, participated by buying two books of tickets to be donated to needy boys so they could attend the series.

 I think this was a progressive year for Club 32 with many good projects.

1972—1973 

 Rotary International President:  Roy D. Hickman, Birmingham, Alabama          

District 603 Governor:  Russell G. Jones

 The year 1972-73 came in with a new bulletin in four colors, and with a theme, “Let’s Take a new Look” at the four avenues of service:  Club Service, Community Service, Vocational Service and international Service.

 August 18, 1972 was All Rotary Day.  Barent Springsted was chairman of the event that met at the St. Joseph Country Club.  Profits from the social hour went to the Rotary Foundation.  157 members attended.

 The Club assembly met with District Governor Russell Jones, held October 23, at the Hotel Robidoux.

 A Group Study Exchange Team from Australia was here in March, returned in May.  Ray hunt was general chairman for a farewell party given for the Group Study Exchange Team.

 Finley Fisk was nominated for District Governor 1974—1957.

 President Ernie reported 500% contribution to the Rotary Foundation, a total of $7,401.80.

 The Bronco World Series came to St. Joseph August 23^rd.  Rotary as for the last event was very successful in selling tickets and the promotion brought 3,400 people out to the ball game, thanks to Ross Woodbury and Tony Poloski.  The St. Joseph team won 27—11.

 Rotary members helped the crippled children and the handicapped to attend the Bronco games.

 Our club had a lot of manpower and time for one team on the membership drive of the Y.M.C.A.  Rotary members helped 15 worthy boys to go to Y.M.C.A. Camp.

 The Rotary Club celebrated its 61^st birthday November 10, at the St. Joseph country Club.  Errol Taylor was chairman and 99 members were present for the party.

 On February 27, the club celebrated Rotary International’s birthday.  It was 68 years old.  The members had cupcakes with candles.

 In 1972—73, our Rotary club did go down all four avenues of service.  They served the community by giving time, money knowledge and understanding to those in need.

1973—1974 

 Looking back over this 62^nd year of our Club #32, it was quite a year.  Fortunately, we had a fine, competent and devoted officer and director staff that could handle such an unusual set of problems that confronted us. 

Our analysis revealed a gradual down-trend in our membership from 175 to 127 over the past ten years—a decrease of 48 members of which 17 (net) were lost last year.  This immediately became our first priority to reverse this down trend.

 Membership deterioration plus increasing costs were causing monthly financial deficits and attendance was down also.  We went to work on all this, set a goal of 35 new members and 150 total members.  The results soon materialized.  With fine cooperation from the Club, by June we had inducted 38 high caliber new members, and increased our net membership to 153, exceeding both our original goals by three members.  By December, our monthly financial deficits turned from red to black, so we avoided a dues increase that we were nearly forced to assess.  Additionally, weekly attendance also picked up considerably as we planned.  Excellent teamwork produced these fine results and we finished the year with a $900 surplus.

 Early in July we moved the club office back to the hotel.  Gradually we improved office efficiency by improving our office equipment.  Alta and Glenn Gerard, our co-secretaries for the past 8-½ years, retired and we sure missed them.  Our new secretary, Mrs. Warren (Eleanor) Letts was hired and soon became our very important secretary.

 In addition to the foregoing membership rebuilding, attendance improvement and office changes, our district conference was well attended and we took most of the honors awarded.  Our own Finley Fiske will be District Governor next year.

 All District Rotary Day was a great time at Moila with much golf, gossip, greeting and guzzling before steaks and lots of prizes.

Programs were beefed up to provide greater interest and variety.  Considerable effort was put forth to improve the level of just plain fun and fellowship.  Beyond the “fine” fun provided by Sgt at Arms, Tony Poloski,” and assistants, Judge Harry Wilson frequently conducted his “Kangaroo Court” which became great entertainment for all, but expensive for many.  All the foregoing provided record funds for Rotary Education contributions and we gave considerable to deserving local charities.

 Last year Ross Woodbury was Club 32 “Rotarian of the Year”; this year he was awarded the same honor for the entire District 603—a well deserved honor.

 All things considered, this was a year of Progress and Resurgence, purely and simply, a product of the sum total of the effort, sacrifices and teamwork of competent, loyal and devoted officers, directors and members of our Rotary Club 32.

 We sincerely appreciated the assistance and guidance we received from District Governor Carl Cochrane of Milan, Mo.  He helped us make this year truly “A Time for Action” in keeping with the overall Rotary Theme for the year.

 We sincerely appreciated the assistance and guidance we received from District Governor Carl Cochrane of Milan, Mo.  He helped us make this year truly “A Time for Action: in keeping with the overall Rotary Theme for the year.

 From the strong, solid base, we reestablished this year, proven capable leaders such as Howard Christensen and Jerry Troester will no doubt take our club to new record highs in membership involvement and enjoyment.  Your help will make this happen.

 We sincerely thank all who contributed toward making Rotary a better club.

1974—1975

 This was to be a year of significant events, club milestones, sadness and happy times.

 Club No. 32’s own Finley Fiske was elected governor of district 603 to serve during this period.  It was especially nice to have the Governor close at hand for consultation, advice and support. 

 The Club has grown over the years.  Del Sorrells, immediate past president, was personally responsible for a large share of the 38 new members inducted during his year.

 The budget totaling $31,050, largest in club history, was approved by the Board.

 Some 100 plus golfers assaulted the St. Joseph Country Club course on August 9 at the Annual All Rotary Day.

 St. Joseph Rotary Club Foundation was formed.  The purpose of this foundation is to provide funds for worthy local projects, including education.  Emphasis for scholarships will be on vocational training and individual preferences to remain in the St. Joseph area.

 The August Birthday Table started off the contributions to the Foundation in great shape by giving a total of $200, with all participating.  This was followed each month throughout the year by all birthday tables.

 Three awards were presented from the foundation to deserving young people.  One for training as a mechanic, another a beauty operator, and the third as a computer science student.

 A new loose-leaf roster was prepared during the year and distributed to the members.  It is a vast improvement and will be kept current on a more frequent basis.

 The board began its new policy of meeting at 7:00 a.m.  It was tough on those who like to sleep late, but the improved attendance was well worth while.

 Russell Peck, as chairman of the Fellowship and Orientation Committee, put together a softball team.  This team went on to play other organized (some disorganized) teams in the city and its members became known for their keen eyes, swiftness of feet and heavy hitting.  Their record, while somewhat disputed, proved that the “old man’s club” needn’t take a back seat to anyone.  Tony Poloski served the refreshments at these events, and his station wagon became a well-used “watering hole” during and after each game.

 Ross Woodbury prepared a brief brochure, which describes Rotary, its purposes, its goals and objectives and the costs.  While used primarily during the recruiting process, it is also a good reminder to all of us what Rotary is all about.

 The 63^rd Annual Birthday Party of Club 32 was held on November 6.  Dick Dahms chaired the event, which was a smashing success.  It was this night the members were first to hear the delightful music of Ernie Wildhagen’s German Band (a real treat). 

 Under the guidance of Ernie Wadlow and Mel McLean, foreign students from Missouri Western State College were selected to be our guests each month.  At the end of their visit, they brought to us greetings from their country and briefly described themselves and their homelands.

 Rotary International celebrated its 70^th birthday in 1975.  A truly wonderful organization that keeps growing and doing more good deeds each year.

 Monthly Couples Bridge, under the auspices of the Fellowship Committee, was commenced.  This provided for much good fun and the opportunity for Rotarians and their Anns to become better acquainted.

 John Mitchell devoted much hard work and effort to bring the Club’s by-laws into agreement with those suggested by Rotary International.  A good job, well done.

 On March 11, Harold Neidorp was named the Club’s first Paul Harris Sustaining Member; a member of the Club since 1929, its president in 1946—47, he was to have received his 46^th year Perfect Attendance Pin in August.  Harold was a tireless worker for Rotary and each and every day exemplified the real meaning of “Service Above Self.”  On the afternoon of the presentation, Harold passed away, a real loss to our club and the community.  Anna Lee, his Ann, accepted Harold’s Paul Harris Fellow recognition posthumously.

 Nancy Schmidt of St. Joseph was selected as our candidate for a Rotary International undergraduate scholarship.  She was successful and chose to further her career in music by attending an Austrian college.

 The Rotarians and their Anns were treated to a night out by holding their regular meeting at the Waldo Astoria Dinner theatre in Kansas City.  Two buses and several cars were required were required to transport the happy group attending the function.

 In addition to the normal contributions to community activities, the Club pledged $6,000 to the Y.M.C.A. Building Fund Drive.  It will be paid over a three-year period at $2,000 per year.  This money will be used as a “living memorial” by providing the furnishings in the adult lounge.

 Another successful Rotary year is completed.  Each year taken alone does not seem so important, only when it is considered as a part of the foundation for perpetuating the life of this great organization do we find the real significance. 

1975—1976 

 The first main event of the year was the Annual All Rotary Day held at the St. Joseph Country Club on August 1, 1975.  Barent Springsted was chairman of the All Rotary Committee.  There were 138 golfers entered in the tournament and 161 Rotarians and guests at the buffet dinner.  Eighteen clubs were represented with District Governor Marvin Tomme in attendance.

 The Club Assembly was held on August 18, 1975 at the Hoof and Horn Restaurant.  Twenty-nine Rotarians attended and explained their plans and objectives for the year with District Governor Marvin Tomme.

 During the year, Club #32 continued to sponsor worthy civic projects.  Contributions were made to the following: 

Fellowship activities were handled very capably by co-chairmen Tony Poloski and Russ Peck.  Principal activities included bridge fellowship, softball, basketball, bowling, and dinner theater trips to Kansas City and Tarkio, Missouri.  On October 8, 1975, the club recognized its 64^th birthday by holding the Annual Birthday Party at the St. Joseph Country Club.  Members and guests enjoyed a delicious dinner and entertainment arranged by co-chairmen Jim Bocell and Bob Thedinger.

A number of members were recognized for outstanding achievement during the year.  Fin Fiske Day was held on August 12 and arranged by Ernie Wildhagen.  Walter Ladd Day was observed on October 28 and moderated by Howard Fields.  Waldo Burger was the Club’s selection as the Outstanding Rotarian of the year with his entry submitted for District competition.

The Club was especially pleased to select the second and third Paul Harris Fellows.  Frank Gee was honored as a Paul Harris Fellow at the Rotary Foundation Week observance on November 11 at the Country Club.  All St. Joseph clubs were invited with Dan Strickland, Third Vice President of Rotary International, as the principal speaker.  On June 15, 1976, Russell Peck was recognized and honored as the Club’s third Paul Harris Fellow.  Bob Hillyard was presented with a 50-year gold membership pin on June 8.

Several District Rotary meetings were held during the year and were well attended, including the District Institute at Chillicothe on October 19 and the District Rotary Conference at the KCI Marriott Hotel.

The student Christmas Party, December 23, 1975, was another Club success.  The party was chaired by John Mitchell, with 91 students attending from 29 different colleges and universities. 

The biggest club change during the year was moving from the Hotel Robidoux to the American Legion Building at 120-½ South 7^th Street.  Club #32 had met at the Robidoux since 1912.  The Rotary Office was moved to the Kirkpatrick Building, Room 329.

Club membership stood at 149 at the beginning and end of the Rotary year.  Thirteen members were lost through resignation, moving or death.  Two members were lost through death, Bert Neely on March 5, 1976, and Elliott C. Spratt on April 23, 1976.  Thirteen members were inducted and oriented during the year.

A final highlight for the year was reaching the 800% plateau in club contributions to the Rotary International Foundation.  $1,005.11 was contributed to the Rotary International Foundation with a cumulative total for the Club of $12,266.00.

Sincere thanks is extended to Executive Secretary, Mrs. Eleanor Letts, for providing the information for this history and for serving the Club very ably and efficiently in 1975—76.  Another example of true Rotary spirit of “Service Above Self.”

1976—1977 

 Rotary International President:  Robert A. Manchester II, Youngstown, Ohio                

District 603 Governor:  Marvin Tomme, North Kansas City, Missouri          

 Rotary year 1976 began June 29 with the installation of the above Rotarians by Dr. John Marin, a Past President and District Governor Elect.

 The Bulletin was renamed “Pony Express” after the name had been dropped some years back.

 July 15, the Club Assembly met with District Governor Howard Judah to coordinate plans for club activities for the year.  As usual, the Club sponsored and/ or contributed to many civic activities such as: 

 The birthday table contributions amounted to $2,005 for the year.

 This year really went off with a “Bang”, when the Robidoux Hotel was imploded, including President Howard’s building next to it.

 Forty-seven from fifteen colleges attended our annual Christmas Party on December 21, 1976.

 $7,000 from the capital fund was authorized to be spent on the YMCA Building, a highly successful All Rotary Day was due to the efforts of Roger Adler, Jim Counts, Clay Buntrock, Bob Finch, Barent Springsted, Errol Taylor, Clarence Balwanz, Tom Porter, Pat Crosby, John Mullinax and last, but not least, our Master of Ceremonies, Jim Bocell.

1977—1978 

 Rotary International President:  W. Jack Davis       

District 603 Governor:  John Martin, St. Joseph, Missouri

  One of the earlier main events of this Rotary year was our 23^rd  Annual All Rotary Day at St. Joseph Country Club.  It was the first time in 22 years for a rain out on the original date planned, August 5, at which there were 150 reservations.  The date was changed to August 12.  Eleven clubs were represented by 63 golfers, 80 reservations for dinner.  Chillicothe received the traveling trophy; St. Joseph, second; and Tarkio, third.  Anyone who didn’t have a good time just wasn’t there.

 Our 66^th Annual Birthday Party for Club #32 was held on November 11, at the St. Joseph Country Club.  Frank Gee chaired the planning committee.  Good cheer, good times and good food prevailed as 115 Rotarians, their Anns, and guests celebrated the event.  Entertainment was by Missouri Western State College Band and Swing Choir.  The Club donated $200 to MWSC Music Department in appreciation of the performance.

 Unveiling of a “new Look” welcome sign, greeting motorists traveling north on I-29 to our great city, occurred on July 7.  All three Rotary Clubs of the city sponsored the painting of the sign.

 St. Joseph Rotary Club participation as Salvation Army ell Ringers on December 16 produced a collection of $2,120.04.  Clay Buntrock chaired the committee responsible for this activity.

 On April 18, students of Mary U. Neipp class of Truman Middle School were guest at our regular noon luncheon meeting.  This was the eighth consecutive year for the class to be our guests.  Eddie Hirsch provided the leadership for our club to share with others in a meaningful way.

 January 24 was Junior Achievement Day at our noon luncheon.  Seventeen JA achievers spent the morning with a Rotarian in his business and came to Rotary as his guests.

 College students home for the holidays were invited to be guests of our Rotary Club at the Annual Student Christmas Party on December 27.  Thirty-five students from 14 colleges and universities were in attendance.  “The runabouts”, a very lovely quartet presented an enjoyable program.

 St. Joseph rotary Club Foundation awarded four scholarships totaling $1,250 for the 1978-79 academic year.  Funds for these scholarships come from Rotarian’s birthday table donations.

 Other fellowship activities included a slow-pitch softball game with St. Joseph East Rotary Club followed by a catered buffet.  Our club supported two bowling teams.  Rotary Gears concluded the season in a tie for the 4^th place and Rotary No. 1 team came in 5^th.  Thirteen Rotarians were team participants.

 Several district-wide Rotary events were held in St. Joseph.  Among them was the conference at Ramada Inn in March.  Our own District Governor, John Martin, and his conference committee chairmen, provided outstanding speakers for the session. Twenty clubs were represented by 174 Rotarians.  MWSC was the site for the District Institute in November, held for club presidents, presidents-elect, and committee chairmen; also the Assembly in may for incoming president and secretaries.

 Club #32 inducted seven new members and lost 10 members by resignation, transfer, or death this year.  Past president Ross Woodbury was honored by being recognized as a Paul Harris Fellow.  Our luncheon programs were educational and entertaining, thanks to general program chairman, Andy Ziph.  Eighteen of our members were recognized for a total of 262 years of perfect attendance varying from one year to 39 years.  Eight of those members each had 15 or more years’ perfect attendance.

 Appreciation is expressed to Lily Porter, Executive Secretary, for serving the Club effectively. 

1978—1979 

 Rotary International President:  Clem Renouf, Queensland, Australia

District 603 Governor:  G.B. (Jim) Whitsitt, Jr.

 The Annual All Rotary Day was held at the St. Joseph Country Club on August 5, 1978.  Gary Peters was chairman of the committee to plan the golfing activities.  Thirteen clubs had representatives at the event.  Past district Governors Frank Gee, Robert Rankin, Marve Tomme, and John Martin were present.

 The program committee selected the theme for the year’s programs to be “St. Joe”.  The purpose was to build pride in our community by emphasizing what St. Joe had to offer.  Many of the programs featured significant people and activities of St. Joseph.

 Farel Tibbitts advised the Club he was being transferred and would have to resign as President Elect.  The board decided to move Marvin Looney to President Elect and Denton Matteson to Vice President.  A committee of Past Presidents recommended Walt Vandelicht to be selected to fill the Secretary vacancy.  This recommendation was approved.

 Traditionally, Club #32 supports worthwhile projects for the community.  This year the following contributions were made: 

 On November 28, 1978, the Club celebrated its 67^th birthday by holding a party at the St. Joseph Country Club.  Ninety members and guests enjoyed food and fellowship plus entertainment provided by Missouri Western State College percussion ensemble.  Martyn Howgill was Master of Ceremonies.  District Governor Whitsitt and his new (married one week) Rotary Ann, Charline, were in attendance. 

Other fellowship activities during the year included a trip to the Mule Barn by 19 couples to attend a presentation of Music Man.  There was a Rotary Fellowship at the new YMCA with 60 members and guests attending.  Another 22 attended an outing at the American Royal arranged by Bob Thedinger and Gerald Sprong.  Our softball team defeated East Side Club 18 to 13.

 The Club Assembly was held October 23, 1978, with a visit by Governor Whitsitt.  The plans and objectives for the year were presented and explained.  The membership goal of 135 by year-end was accomplished.

 In November we had a devotional in memory of Rotarian Glenn Gerard, who many considered to be Mr. Rotary of district 603.

 Dr. John Martin was presented the district 603 Rotarian of the Year award.

 The Annual Christmas Party had 37 students from 15 different schools in attendance.  The program was presented by Roger Jones, who was our recipient of a Rotary Foundation Graduate Fellowship.  Melvin McLean was chairman of this event.

The Valentine program in February for members and Rotary Anns received a special treat by being entertained by our own banjo player, Parvin Bishop.

Probably the most significant event of the year was the move from the American Legion Building to the YMCA for our regular meeting place.  The first meeting in the YMCA was May 1, 1979 with 111 Rotarians and guests in attendance.

Reaching the 1000% plateau for contributions to Rotary International Foundation was an accomplishment the Club was proud to have achieved.

Our executive secretary, Lilly Porter served the Club very faithfully during 1978-79.  Thanks to Lilly for this service during the year, which included the move in meeting location and other activities, summarized above. 

1979—1980 

 Rotary International President:  James L. Bomar, Jr.       

District 603 Governor:  Lambert Meidinger        

 Past President and Past District Governor Frank Gee set the theme for Club 32 for the 1979-80 year as the new officers and directors were inducted at the year’s first meeting by noting that Rotary International’s theme was “Let Service Light the Way.”  And at a very early meeting following, our speaker was mayor Gordon Wiser, who encouraged all members to join one of four committees the City was setting up to boost St. Joseph.  The City’s committees were education, labor, culture and trade.  And thus set the tone for a very active and successful Rotary year.

 The twenty-fifth Annual Rotary Day, the most active and warmest event of the year, was held August 3, and chaired by Martyn Howgill.  One hundred sixteen from District 603 found their way to the St. Joseph Country Club.

 At the September 18 Club meeting, President Marvin Looney reported the district Governor’s goals for District 603 and threw down the challenge “Let’s Get Going.”  There were six goals:

1)      100% 3H participation (Health, Hunger and Humanity).

2)      Increase donations to Rotary Foundation.

3)      Establish two new clubs.

4)      Club growth in all avenues of service.

5)      More interclub meetings  

6)      To make the 1980 75^th anniversary district conference the biggest yet.

The club’s annual birthday party was Thursday, October 18.  Eighty-three Rotarians, Rotary Anns and guests were entertained at the St. Joseph Country Club.  This event was also attended by District Governor-Elect Chuck Shepard and his wife, Ann Marge, from Tarkio, Mo.  It was at this event that the president’s “soft shoe award” was awarded to John Martin for being the Club’s “best dancer.”

The Student Christmas Party was headed by Mel McLean with 32 students, representing 18 different universities and colleges attending.

 Steve Feran was tapped for the Bell Ringers for the Salvation Army kettles with $2,358.35 being raised.

 At the February 19 meeting, Steve Johnston reported that Club 32 had raised $1,200 toward its $1,500 goal for Rotary International’s 3H program.  By the end of the meeting we had reached $1,390, and on March 4 it was reported that the entire goal had been reached.

 Our Rotary district’s 75yh birthday celebration was held at the Ramada Inn on March 12.  Three Hundred Four Rotarians and guests were present for the inspiring talk by R.I. President Jim Bomar.

 A team of six members of the Group Study Exchange Team, District 306, Gujarat, India visited St. Joseph Rotary Clubs.  They were greeted with a welcoming dinner at the Pony Express Motel.

 Eight students who had received scholarship awards for 1980-81 from Rotary were guests at the weekly meeting luncheon on May 27.

 A final highlight in the Rotary year was the attendance of four of Club 32’s members at the 75^th anniversary Convention of Rotary that was held in Chicago.  They were Denton Matteson, Walt Vanderlicht, the Sam Maddox’s and the Tom Porter’s.

 The membership committee worked hard during this year and membership faired very well.  During this year, 21 new members were inducted and oriented.  However, two were lost through resignation, one by transfer to another Rotary Club and five through death.

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