Welcome to the Oil City, PA Rotary Club
It's at this time of year that the ANNUAL THEME is introduced by the incoming President Elect of Rotary International at the International Assembly.
It will be announced virtually by RIPE Jennifer Jones on January 20.
Here is a brief history of the annual themes.
In 1955, RI President A.Z. Baker announced a theme, "Develop Our Resources," to serve as Rotary's program of emphasis. Since that time, each president has issued a theme for his Rotary year. The shortest theme was in 1961-62 when Joseph Abey selected "Act." Other one-word themes were chosen in 1958-1959 by Charles Tennent ("Serve") and 1968 - 1969 by Kiyoshi Togasaki ("Participate").
Carl Miller, in 1963 - 1964, had a theme for the times when he proposed "Guidelines for Rotary in the Space Age." Other "timely" themes were in 1980-81 when Rolf Klärich created "Take Time to Serve"
William Carter in 1973 - 1974 used "Time for Action." Two themes have a similarity to commercial advertising: "A Better World Through Rotary" (Richard Evans, 1966 - 67) and "Reach Out" (Clem Renouf, 1978 - 1979). Bridges have been a striking metaphor. Harold Thomas, 1959 - 60, urged Rotarians to "Build Bridges of Friendship"; William Walk, 1970 - 71, created "Bridge the Gap"; and Hiroji Mukasa, 1982 - 1983, declared "Mankind is One-Build Bridges of Friendship Throughout the World."
A worldwide focus was given by Stan McCaffrey in 1981 - 1982 with the message, "World Understanding and Peace Through Rotary," and again in 1984-85 by Carlos Canseco who urged Rotarians to "Discover a New World of Service." In other years, the individual was emphasized, as "You Are Rotary" (Edd McLaughlin, 1960 - 61), "Goodwill Begins With You" (Ernst Breitholtz, 1971 - 1972) and "You Are the Key" (Ed Cadman, 1985 - 1986).
Frequently the theme urges Rotarians to become more involved in their club, such as "Share Rotary-Serve People" (Bill Skelton, 1983 - 84) or "Make Your Rotary Membership Effective" (Luther Hodges, 1967 - 1968). But whether you "Review and Renew," "Take a New Look," "Let Service Light the Way" or "Dignify the Human Being," it is clear that the RI president provides Rotarians with an important annual program of emphasis.
In 1986-87, President M.A.T. Caparas selected the inspiring message that "Rotary Brings Hope."
Charles Keller in 1987 - 1988 saw "Rotarians-United in Service, Dedicated to Peace," while Royce Abbey asked his fellow members in 1988 - 1989 to "Put Life into Rotary-Your Life." Hugh Archer (1989 - 1990) urged us to "Enjoy Rotary!" and Paulo Costa (1990 - 1991) asked that we "Honor Rotary with Faith and Enthusiasm." My predecessor Raja Saboo (1991 - 1992) exhorted every Rotarian to "Look Beyond Yourself." In 1992 - 1993, I reminded Rotarians, "Real Happiness Is Helping Others," and in 1993 - 1994, Bob Barth counseled Rotarians, "Believe In What You Do and Do What You Believe In." In 1994 - 1995, Bill Huntley encouraged Rotarians to "Be A Friend" to their communities.
With great interest, I look forward to seeing the new theme announced.
This past Thursday, our special guest was Candace Advent from Hope 21.
Hope 21, located at in the Transit Building, 206 Seneca St., Suite 31, in Oil City is a subdivision of The Crossing Free Methodist Church. Free clothing is offered in a setting of dignity and love.
Want to learn more?
Visit Hope 21 Ministry on Facebook!
The Venango Area Chamber of Commerce is proud to recognize Dr. David Wagner as the 2021 Citizen of the Year.
In his nomination, David is noted for his active civic leadership roles, volunteerism, and service across the world. As a role model and mentor, he has influenced others, helping them grow professionally and civically.
Learn more at venangochamber.org/chamber-honors-citizen-of-the-year-dr-david-wagner/
You and your family make this world better. Thank you.
You know I'm not going to pull any punches here. I've noticed for a long time that in certain geographic areas Rotary is in a membership crisis! For a long long time I've seen Rotarians focus so much energy trying to recruit new people to join Rotary who really have no idea about Rotary or what we stand for or our culture, our creed or our ethos or who really just aren't interested. But we spend so little time recruiting those Rotary Alumni from the likes of Rotaract, Interact, Group Study Exchange, Youth Exchange et ell, who do know about Rotary, care about Rotary and are passionate about Rotary. Instead of looking afar for new members perhaps look towards who have gone through our own alumni programs. You might just be surprised on how successful you may be.
#rotaryinternational #BeTheInspiration #peopleofaction #rotaryclub #rotaryalumni #rotarianevanburrell
Oil City Rotary Meeting Schedule
First, second, third and fifth (when applicable) Thursday of every month at 12PM:
Oil City YWCA
109 Central Ave.
Oil City, PA, 16301
Fourth Thursday of every month at 6PM:
Log Cabin Restaurant
106 E State Rd
Seneca, PA 16346
Community Projects
