Byesville Rotary learns how Chamber of Commerce nurtures youth leadership

Pictured: John Janczarek, Interact member and Youth Leadership participant; Jo Sexton, President Cambridge Chamber of Commerce; Taylour Kidd, Youth Leadership participant; Dalton Singleton, Interact member and Youth Leadership participant; Rachael Jirles, Interact member and Youth Leadership participant; and Tori Sullivan, Youth Leadership Participant.

Jo Sexton, President of the Chamber of Commerce in the Cambridge area, described the Leadership Guernsey program to club members. The goal of the 10 month program is to improve leadership skills in local community members. One of the unique features of this program is that both adults and students are invited to participate. Several of the training sessions are held jointly allowing adults and students to learn from each other.

Training programs begin in September with a retreat which serves as an orientation to the program. Programs are developed by a 15 member Steering Committee. Members of this committee are drawn from graduates of the Leadership Guernsey training program.

Ten programs—one a month--are held. Topics covered by the training sessions include economic development, government and connections with the outside world, business and innovation and technical expertise, law enforcement and problem solving, communication and media, health care and championing change, educations and establishing “stretch” goals, and community service and relationships. The final session combines project presentations with graduation.

At the end of each session, participants are asked to write down answers to three questions: “What three things did you learn today?”, “Which of the three things do you consider the most important?”, and “What would you like to learn more about?”

Rachael Jirles, Dalton Singleton, John Janczarek, all members of the Meadowbrook High School Interact Club and Leadership Guernsey participants, plus Taylour Kidd and Tori Sullivan, Leadership Guernsey participants spoke to club members about what they enjoyed most about program. Rachael stated that she “…liked to be surrounded by people who really cared about what they are doing.” Tori liked working with adults, and John enjoyed planning for the capstone project. Taylour stated that she was impressed by “…learning about what goes on behind the scenes,” while Dalton liked seeing how all the different organizations came together.

Due to the holidays, the club board meeting will be held December 15. Nominating committee members are to attend. Club members will be bell ringing during the week in Byesville. Donations collected will be used to support the Byesville Rotary Christmas Food Basket Program. The club is responsible for providing food for about 200 families.

The club meets 7:30 am every Tuesday at the Stop Nine Senior Center at 60313 (GPS use 60299) Southgate Road, Byesville. Anyone interested in learning more about the Byesville Rotary can call Membership Chairs Marty Patchen, 740-685-3828, or Randy Launder, 740-801-0017.

Byesville Rotarians updated on their Foundation

Pictured: Jan Wilson, Byesville Rotary Foundation Chair; Tracy Mann, Outreach and Donor Service Assistant, the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio; and Tanya Hitchens, Byesville Rotary President.

In 2005, the Byesville Rotary established a Foundation with a gift of $6800. Today, the Foundation balance is almost $20,000. Byesville Rotary intends their Foundation to be an investment in the future of students enrolled at Meadowbrook High School. To insure that future, the Byesville Rotary Foundation was established as an endowed designated fund which means that the principal is never spent. Only interest and earnings are used for providing scholarships.

Byesville Rotary uses Foundation funds to provide a minimum of $2000 a year in scholarships to Meadowbrook students who plan to continue their education after high school graduation. The fund is supported in part by an annual golf tournament sponsored by the Byesville Rotary. Funds raised by the golf tournament are contributed to the Foundation. In this way, Byesville Rotary hopes to insure a better future for the students in their service area.

Tracy Mann, Outreach and Donor Services Assistant from The Foundation of Appalachian Ohio (FAO), explained to club members how partnering with the FAO benefits small organizations such as the Byesville Rotary. The FAO provides expertise and administrative support that many organizations do not have easily available

Ms. Mann pointed out that some of the benefits of partnering with FAO include investment oversight and expertise as well as administrative support for accounting, deposits, check writing and technical assistance with planned giving or other special gifts. These services allow the Byesville Club to focus on its service projects rather than on the administration of the fund.

The Foundation for Appalachian Ohio was created in 1998 with a $1 million state challenge grant. Its mission was “to enrich the current and future quality of life in the 32 counties of Appalachian Ohio.” To date the Foundation has awarded more than $2 million in grants to community initiatives. In addition, FAO partners with local communities and organizations, like the Byesville Rotary, to support philanthropic efforts. More information about FAO activities can be found at www.appalachianohio.org.

Madison Butcher and Andrea Broom represented the Meadowbrook Interact Club at the meeting. Bob Long reminded club members to show up for their red bucket and bell ringing shifts which begin next week. He still has open slots and is looking for additional volunteers.

Byesville Rotary meets every Tuesday, 7:30 am, at the Stop Nine Senior Center at 60313 (GPS use 60299) Southgate Road, Byesville. Anyone interested in learning more about the Byesville Rotary can call Membership Chairs Marty Patchen, 740-685-3828, or Randy Launder, 740-685-8294

Past district governor advises Rotarians to invest in the future

Pictured: Tom Kokensparger,Past District Governor, and Marty Patchen, Membership Co-Chair, greet newest Byesville member, Rich Goodwin.

“Rotarians can invest in the future,” Tom Kokensparger said, “by contributing to the Rotary International (RI) Foundation.” He explained that Rotary encourages giving in three areas. Donations can be made 1) to the annual fund, 2) to special efforts such as the Polio Plus program, and 3) finally to the permanent fund which functions like an endowment.

The RI Foundation, established in 1982, provides long-term stability for Rotary service projects and can be used to supplement Rotary programs through lean fund raising years. Donations can be made in a wide variety of ways. Cash from the RI Foundation is used to support local and international humanitarian projects.

Projects supported include the establishment of a heart clinic in Lima, Peru. The clinic is now self-supporting and providing training to doctors. Locally, funds are used to support Rotary Simplified Grants such as the $2000 grant used by the West Laffette Rotary to provide a catalyst to raise funds used to construct 3 ball diamonds for local kids.

Kokensparger pointed out that donating to the RI Foundation meets his “4 wins” test: Rotarians can win by making a major gift to Rotary service projects, by receiving an immediate tax benefit for their gifts, by reducing their capital gains through the donation of appreciated property, and by receiving a lifetime income via a Life Income Agreement based on the size of their gift.

Meadowbrook Interact members Rachel Jirles and Andrew Nameth attended the Rotary meeting and reported that the Interact Club is working on a canned food drive. Food collected through their drive will be used to support the Byesville Christmas Food Basket Program.

Byesville Rotary meets every Tuesday, 7:30 am, at the Stop Nine Senior Center at 60313 (GPS use 60299) Southgate Road, Byesville. Anyone interested in learning more about the Byesville Rotary can call Membership Chairs Marty Patchen, 740-685-3828, or Randy Launder, 740-685-8294.

Byesville Rotary welcomes new member

Pictured: Rich Goodwin, new Byesville Rotary member, and Shana Fair, sponsor.

Club members were updated about the progress of current club projects at the monthly business meeting. During the meeting, Rich Goodwin was inducted as the club’s newest member. Goodwin is the Director of the Guernsey County Public Library.

Bob Long, chair of the Christmas Food Basket Program, asked club members to volunteer for bell ringing in Byesville. Bell ringing begins the third week in November. He thanked Meadowbrook Interact Club members and their advisor, Sharon Miller, for their support of the bell ringing effort.

Long pointed out that over 200 families have already registered for the food basket program. He will not know the final total until after the last two registrations sessions are held. Fund raising is crucial for the club to provide for all who have registered for food baskets. Anyone wishing to donate can call Bob Long at 685-3620.

Two more registration sessions are scheduled on Thursday and Friday, November 3 and 4, from 4:00pm-6:00pm at the Main Avenue Methodist Church Activity Center located behind the church in Byesville. Call 685-3620 or 638-2290 for more information about the food basket registration.

Jim Vaughan, co-chair of the Breakfast with Santa committee, asked club members to reserve Saturday, December 10, for the club’s annual Breakfast with Santa fundraiser. Breakfast will be served 8:30-11:00am at the Stop Nine Senior Center. Santa will be attending the breakfast. Pictures with Santa are free with purchase of breakfast. Tickets will be $5.00. Menu will be pancakes, eggs, bacon, juice, and coffee.

Joe Waske reported that plans to celebrate the club’s 25th anniversary are being finalized. He asked club members to help him identify past presidents and charter members. The anniversary celebration will be held in conjunction with the club’s changing of the Guard dinner in June.

Club members will celebrate Christmas at their December 6th meeting. Members are asked to bring toys to be donated to the Secret Santa program. Breakfast will be provided during the regular meeting time.

Byesville Rotary meets every Tuesday, 7:30 am, at the Stop Nine Senior Center at 60313 (GPS use 60299) Southgate Road, Byesville. Anyone interested in learning more about the Byesville Rotary can call Membership Chairs Marty Patchen, 740-685-3828, or Randy Launder, 740-685-8294.

Byesville Rotary announces Christmas Food Basket registration dates

Pictured: Jim Vaughan, Speaker Chair; Charles Campanizzi, Historian; and Tanya Hitchens, Byesville Rotary President.

Byesville Rotarians are focused on their big holiday service project—their 16th annual Christmas Food Basket drive. Members will begin red-kettle bell ringing in November. Volunteers are needed for bell ringing shifts. Joe Waske thanked the members of the Meadowbrook Interact Club who have signed up for multiple shifts. He challenged Rotary members to match or beat the number of hours the Interact club is scheduled to bell ring. Anyone wishing to volunteer for bell-ringing can call Waske at 740-685-6675.

Registration for food baskets will be held Thursday and Friday, November 3 and 4, from 4:00pm-6:00pm at the Main Avenue United Methodist Activity Center located behind the church, 223 E. Main Street, Byesville. No registrations by phone will be accepted. Families living in Rolling Hills School District are eligible to register for this program.

People interested in registering should bring SSN for all family members, proof of income and proof of current address to the registration. For more information about the Byesville Rotary program call Byesville Rotarians Bob Long, 740-685-3620, or Oziel Jeffries, 740-638-2290.

Phyllis Jeffries, chair of the Breakfast with Santa committee, announced that the date for the club’s annual pancake breakfast with Santa will be Saturday, December 10.

Sharon Miller reported that the Interact club raised $220 dollars at their “Purple Pinkie” fundraiser which was held during lunch hour at Meadowbrook High School on October 14. The funds raised will be donated to Rotary International’s Polio Plus campaign to wipe out polio. This project will help the Interact Club qualify for a R otary Presidential Citation.

Byesville Rotary welcomed a new member--Rich Goodwin, Director of the Guernsey County Public Library.

Guest Speaker, Charles Campanizzi a retired educator shared his perspective on the Kennedy assignation in Dallas with members of the club. Campanizzi has spent 43 years studying the assassination and feels there is still more to discover.

The club meets 7:30 am every Tuesday at the Stop Nine Senior Center at 60313 (GPS use 60299) Southgate Road, Byesville. Anyone interested in learning more about the Byesville Rotary can call Membership Chairs Marty Patchen, 740-685-3828, or Randy Launder, 740-801-0017.

Barnett reports radio is poised to adapt new technology to news reporting

Pictured: Jim Vaughan, Speaker Chair, Daniel Barnett, News Director, AVC Communications. And Tanya Hitchens, Byesville Rotary President.

Meeting change: Board meeting will be 12N Wednesday, October 16, at Plus 1 Pizza in Byesville.

Guest speaker, Daniel Barnett is employed as the news director of AVC Communications. He is responsible for overseeing the news content of 6 local radio stations.

Mr. Barnett stated he decided to become a journalist because writing is a personal passion. He chose radio journalism because of the intimacy radio can create between the listener and the radio.

He explained a second reasonfor choosing journalism was his admiration for journalists like Edward R. Murrow and Walter Cronkite. These men helped shape journalism in the 20th Century and worked to establish journalism as “just the facts.” This approach differed from that of earlier reporters who focused on politics and sensationalism.

However, in the latter part of the 20th century, news reporting began a return to the type of journalism practiced during the early years of the US. News again became combined with politics and sensationalism. Currently, the internet allows people access to all kinds of news sources. Many of these sources can be careless of the facts, and others present only facts supporting a specific point of view.

AVC Communications depends on other news sources for much of the news reported by the station. Most of the reports come from Associated Press Services. Barnett bases his choice on what news to broadcast by determining whether a news item has any local interest. He has a small staff and uses them to cover local news such as local government meetings and checking local police reports.

He stated that all types of journalism—TV, radio, and print--are about to enter a new era and that the American public is ready to support a return to “just the facts” reporting. He explained that radio is better prepared than print to take advantage of current trends in technology such as Twitter or FaceBook. These trends allow for faster reporting and updating and allow interaction with the listener. Radio is already employing technology such as pod casting and streaming.

During a short business meeting, Meadowbrook Interact Club members Erin Smith and Jaclyn Beskid were introduced. Bob Long encouraged members to sign up for red kettle bell ringing. Money raised from the bell ringing is important for club support of their Christmas Food Basket program.

Byesville Rotary meets every Tuesday, 7:30 am, at the Stop Nine Senior Center at 60313 (GPS use 60299) Southgate Road, Byesville. Anyone interested in learning more about the Byesville Rotary can call Membership Chairs Marty Patchen, 740-685-3828, or Randy Launder, 740-685-8294.

Byesville Rotary learns about motivating students to learn

Pictured: Jim Vaughan, Speaker Host; Rusty Roberts, teacher--Rolling Hills School District; and Tanya Hitchens, Byesville Rotary President.

Sharon Miller introduced visiting Meadowbrook Interact Club students Annie Kackley and Rylie Janczarek. They invited club members to the Interact Club’s “Purple Pinkies” fundraiser being held on Friday, October 14, 11:00am-12:30pm in the Meadowbrook High School cafeteria. The Interact Club will donate funds raised to the Rotary International Polio Plus Program. This program aims to end polio worldwide.

Rusty Roberts spoke to the club about efforts to improve the quality of education in Rolling Hills. He has taught for over 36 years in Rolling Hills School district and has been nominated twice for “Ohio Teacher of the Year.” Currently, he is serving on a state advisory council to improve quality of Health Education in Ohio.

Mr. Roberts developed a classroom program which uses community-based agencies to expand learning opportunities in the classroom. This classroom program has been nominated twice for the Magna Award which is a national award recognizing outstanding educational practices.

Mr. Roberts stated that bringing real-life experiences into the classroom motivates students and inspires them to learn. Classes are designed to get kids involved in the planning and learning process in the classroom. He has successfully applied this method in his middle school classes which are student driven. For example, recently his class researched bath salts, a topic suggested by a student. Students researched the project and presented the results of their research in the classroom.

The benefits of a classroom program which involves local community-based agencies include introducing students to services they may eventually need to use as they graduate and move into the world of work. Students are also are motivated to learn by being introduced to real life experiences. They begin to see there is a connection between what they are learning in school and the life skills they will need to be successful once they graduate.

For example, in one class presentation a speaker presented a program on current tax law. Following the presentation, the students filled out state, and federal tax forms.

Byesville Rotary will begin registration for their Christmas Food Basket program on Wednesday, October 19, and Thursday, October 20. Registration will be 9:00AM-12N at the Main Avenue Methodist Church Activity Center located behind the church at 223 E. Main, Byesville. No registrations by phone will be accepted. For more information call Bob Long 740-685-3620, or Oziel Jeffries, 740-638-2290.
Members were asked to help raise funds for the food basket program by signing up for red bucket bell ringing shifts. Anyone wishing to make a donation to the food basket program can call Bob Long or contact any Byesville Rotary member.

Byesville Rotary meets every Tuesday, 7:30 am, at the Stop Nine Senior Center at 60313 (GPS use 60299) Southgate Road, Byesville. Anyone interested in learning more about the Byesville Rotary can call Membership Chairs Marty Patchen, 740-685-3828, or Randy Launder, 740-685-8294