Let’s get one thing straight right now.  Today’s Rotarians don’t have to attend meetings every week, or face fines or makeups.  No.  That is not today’s Rotary, although members are encouraged to attend as often as possible.  Years ago Rotary International recognized that changing times, different work patterns, and new family dynamics required changes in the way membership is engaged.  Now members have options.  They can belong to a club that is considered the “Main” club.  Here in Kingston that club meets  for lunch Wednesdays at Village Green Community Center.  Or they may belong to the “Satellite” club.  Kingston’s meets monthly at 6:30 p.m. at White Horse Golf Club.  Kingston North Kitsap Rotary’s Satellite Club was launched last February.  It is being led by local Rotarian Michelle Fujii.  We asked three of the new Satellite Club members about their experience.  Richard Henert, Kingston High School’s Athletic Director, says he “appreciates the ability to connect and learn more about local service and the ability to fit Satellite Club into my schedule and budget.  I chose Rotary based on its presence and involvement in the community.”  Local attorney Jessica Jetter “was motivated to join Rotary because of the service element and the accessibility of evening satellite meeting times.  The meeting times work much better for my schedule.”  Jessica has been inspired by the dedication and welcoming attitude of other members.  She looks forward to being more involved in her community.  Kingston’s Satellite Club attracted four-year Rotarian Caleb Summerfelt from another Rotary club because of the flexibility it offers.  “As a Rotarian I can say first Rotarians are an amazing group of people, and if you work long hours and want to help your community, a Rotary Satellite Club is truly the way to go,” said Summerfelt.  He is currently the CIO for a manufacturing facility in Skagit County and is involved in starting a new design and cutting firm in Kitsap County.  The flexibility of the Satellite Club allows Summerfelt to work during the day and still be a Rotarian.  What inspired him to join Rotary in the first place? “Rotary has an amazing reputation for helping, not only local but global communities.  I wanted to join Rotary after I read an article, when I was young, about a water and sanitation project.  I was hooked, wanted to learn more, and join.” If you are interested in more information, or to join the Kingston North Kitsap Rotary Satellite Club contact Michelle Fujii:  fujii.michelle@gmail.com.

Blood Drive Coming

          Every eight weeks you have the opportunity to give the gift of life.  Bloodworks Northwest brings its mobile operation to Village Green Community Center.  Kingston North Kitsap Rotarians publicize the drive and host the canteen with snacks and drinks for “after-giving.”  The next blood drive is set for Wednesday, October 9, noon to 6 p.m.

Value of Rotary Volunteering

          That Rotary members log a lot of volunteer hours should come as no surprise to anyone familiar with the organization.  But a recent report released by Johns Hopkins University provides a powerful look at the impact of all those volunteer hours.  The special report found that Rotary members around the world had volunteered a total of 5.8 million hours within a four-week survey period.  Extrapolating those results over an entire year, the report gave a conservative estimate of nearly 47 million hours of volunteer effort generated by Rotary members in a typical year.  A study of Kingston North Kitsap Rotarians in 2017 found they contribute nearly five-thousand hours to our community each year.  If that were wages alone, the impact would be significant.  But it is not.  The impact is also the outcomes of those hours, outcomes that generate goodness in Kingston North Kitsap.  And in communities like ours around the world.

            Kingston North Kitsap Rotarians are people of action.  We take the lead on programs, activities, and initiatives that make this a better place to live.  We would be pleased to invite you into our Club.  We have fun and fellowship on the way to making this a better community.  Main Club weekly meetings 11:45 a.m., Wednesdays, Village Green Community Center.  Satellite Club meetings monthly, 6:30 p.m., White Horse Golf Club.