For the first time in history, the three Rotary clubs of Jefferson County celebrated together as one body. The joint installation of 2003/04 officers for the Rotary Club of East Jefferson County, Port Townsend Rotary Club and Port Townsend Sunrise Rotary Club filled the Port Townsend Elks' (BPOE #317) hall.

In office himself for a whole 16 hours, District 5020 Governor Bill McCarthy officiated. He echoed the words of Rotary International President Jonathan Majiyagbe,"A world half sick is not a world of peace. A world half illiterate is not a world of peace."

McCarthy noted that more than half of the people in the room were Paul Harris Fellows. New donations were acknowledged, including $10,000 from Eric and Marnie Frederickson. An anonymous donation created a new Paul Harris Fellow, James "Bonzo" DeLeo. The humanitarian was credited with decades of community service, especially to that of his beloved Elks' lodge.

Newly installed as 2003/04 presidents were: RCEJC's John Rodrigues, PTRC's Scott Wilson, and PTSRC's Joanie Williams. The trio have already met and plan to work together.

"We all want to step over some low walls, if they exist," Wilson said. "The impact (in this county) of all three clubs is enormous."

Outgoing RCEJC President Milt Morris said, "I have never belonged

to an organization where you could just say you needed something done and someone would step up and say, 'I'll do it.'"

Rodrigues recalled his duty as president-elect — to put on the Ritz. (Puttin' on the Ritz is the club's big fundraiser, a gala event, and tons of work.) "I thought, 'Oh no, I'm doomed.' But, I wasn't alone in this deal. The support I got was pretty overwhelming. I couldn't fail." A former military man, he created a great word picture, "I may be on the point. There may be a lot of obstacles in the way. Then, over the hill comes the battalion of Rotarians. They'll blast away any obstacles."

Rodrigues' inner guard include: President-elect Don Young, Treasurer Bud Babcock, and Secretary Vince Verneuil. Board members are: Kevin Ryan, Mel Gates, Linda Germeau and Frank Trafton.

Other committee heads: John Barrett, Wayne Kier, Diane Johnson, Milt Morris, Sandy Hershelman, Chuck Boggs, Adrian Dronkert and Linda Kostenbader.

Road crew keeps it clean

Dick Curtis, Linda Kostenbader and Bud Babcock all know the importance of our club's litter pick up efforts. Not only do our volunteers earn the satisfaction of a job well done, they enjoy lunch, on Chuck Russell, at the Valley Tavern, as well.

A blast from the past. . .

In the 1960s and '70s, the unisex look was in. Men and women both wore their hair down past their shoulders. Jeans and jean jackets were part of every young person's wardrobe.

This Rotarian spent the summer working at a dance club in Las Vegas. While in Los Angeles, our party animal met Hugh Hefner and the gang, while at the Playboy Mansion.

This Rotarian is, today, one of the rocks of our club. . .always strong and always there.

So. . . .guess who???

The Rotary Club of East Jefferson County takes great pleasure in giving special acknowledgment to Chimacum High School students who do well.

CHS teacher Jeff Benedict explained the process, "Teachers nominate a student by any criteria they formulate: class accomplishments, improvement, attitude, whatever. The nominating teacher writes a paragraph or two supporting their candidate and the nomination is submitted to the principal, Rex Whipple. He chooses from the nominated students."

Rotary Students of the Month, and friends, from front left: Amanda Snow, Eryn Shultz, Savannah Hensel and club President Milt Morris. Back, teacher Jeff Benedict, Willy Ingersoll and Rotary foreign exchange student Martin Timr.

The choices for the final ceremony of the 2002/03 school year were excellent, as always.

Savannah Hensel, 18, is the daughter of Port Ludlow's Chris and Anne Hensel. Jeff Benedict wrote, "I nominate Savannah for Student of the Month because of her positive attitude towards the class content and the friendly attitude she shows to other members of the class. She seems to be enjoying the class and, to my eyes, has been a real asset to Chimacum in the (short) time she has been here."

Willy Ingersoll, 17, is the son of Chimacum's Gary Ingersoll. Mary Novak wrote, "I have watched Willy grow into a very competent and sincere young man. Willy (a gifted musician) has a 3.8 gpa, is a member of the National Honor Society and has been a CHS tennis player and member of the track team. Willy is a fine young man, who will go far."

BreAnna Waliser, 18, is the daughter of Port Hadlock's R. Darlene Coker. Brian Glaspell wrote, "Always positive and considerate of others, respectful."

Eryn Shultz, 18, is the daughter of Chimacum's Debora Sperry. Jacquolyn Ploof wrote, "Very hard worker, enthusiastic, works well with others. Great sense of humor."

Amanda Snow, 17, is the daughter of Chimacum's Raymond and Patti Snow. "A wonderful girl, excellent student, helps out with Little League," wrote Ellen Thomas.

Our Rotary foreign exchange, Martin Timr, 17, from the Czech Republic, spent his last quarter staying with Chimacum's Joe and Carol Shaw. Of him, Luke Snyder wrote, "Martin has taken my Autocad class all year long. Every day I look forward to having him there. He comes in with a want and desire to learn. Sometimes Martin has to overcome language difficulties, but does whatever is necessary so he can be successful. He is a true leader, helping out other students whenever he can. Martin is constantly respectful, courteous and always gives 100 percent in learning. He is a pleasure to have in my class."

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A Bit of Fun!