Ellen Ryder is once again organizing a Blair Rotary team to participate in the Enlighten Nebraska activity.  Groups of 2 to 10 must be formed and track their physical activity and weight loss.  If you are interested in being part of the Blair Rotary team please contact Ellen.

Club members are asked to arrange their programs in advance so we can publish them in the newsletter and via e-mail to the club membership.

Club members are reminded they can do make-ups on the web at  http://www.rotaryeclubone.org.

Club Officers for 2005-2006

The following is the slate of officers for the 2005-2006 Rotary Year: President - Jim Nelson; President Elect - Lana Pleak; Past President - Dan Veskrna; Treasurer - Mary Jean Rahlfs; Secretary - Karen Zelensky; Sergeant at Arms - Ellen Ryder; Board Members - Chris Boswell and Shawn Petersen.  The official election of these candidates will take place at the regularly scheduled club meeting on Tuesday, January 11th.  Nominations will be accepted from the general membership at that time.

Notes from the January 4th Meeting - Program Chair - Blake Dillon

Blake's guest for the day was Mark Duey, a 1995 graduate of Blair High School, who is currently in the Peace Corps working in Guatemala.  Mark was a Blair Rotary Student of the Month in 1995.  Upon graduation from Blair, Mark attended UNL where he earned his degree in civil engineering.  He worked for HDR in the Omaha office for a period of time (he was part of the crew that worked on the Dodge Street project) but had an interest in the environment.  He transferred to a HDR office in Florida and worked on evergreen restoration projects.  

Mark's interest was to help developing countries in their water projects rather than contractors in their housing and development projects.  His desire to help others was the motivation for him to join the Peace Corps.  Working in Santa Rita, a small community in Guatemala, is exactly what Mark was looking for when he joined the Peace Corps.  He is currently designing and constructing a water supply and distribution system for the community.  The project agreement requires at least one person from each family to provide labor in the construction of the system.  Most of the work is done by hand (picks, shovels, etc.) as the availability of mechanical equipment is very limited in the country.  

Mark reports that he has noticed the presence of Rotary in communities around Santa Rita.  He has noticed both ambulances and garbage trucks that have been provided by Rotary Clubs.  Upon completion of his tour with the Peace Corps (one more year of a two year enlistment), Mark intends to earn an advanced degree (either an MBA or MPA).  He is very interested in pursuing a Rotary Ambassadorial Scholarship with the Blair Rotary Club being his sponsor.

Rotary Question of the Week

What is the Rotary Ambassadorial Scholarship program?  What are some of the traits of an ideal candidate?

Rotary Fact of the Week (from  the RI or District Website)

The purpose of the Ambassadorial Scholarships program is to further international understanding and friendly relations among people of different countries. Today, the program sponsors several types of scholarships for undergraduate and graduate students as well as qualified professionals pursuing vocational studies. While abroad, scholars serve as ambassadors of goodwill to the people of the host country and give presentations about their homelands to Rotary clubs and other groups. Upon returning home, scholars share with local Rotarians and others the experiences that led to greater understanding of their host countries.

The ideal Ambassadorial Scholarship candidate:

• Possesses excellent leadership skills and potential;
• Understands his/her award obligations, especially speeches to Rotary and non-Rotary audiences;
• Has a proven record of success in his/her academics and/or vocation;
• Is articulate and possesses good proficiency in the study country language;
• Is well-groomed and has a professional appearance;
• Has demonstrated a personal commitment to community service;
• Is willing to participate in an outbound orientation seminar provided by the club or district;
• Is interested in participating in and possibly identifying Rotary service projects while abroad;
• Has well-defined and realistic goals;
• Possesses maturity and seriousness of purpose;
• Is an excellent public speaker, skilled with presentations to both small and large audiences;
• Knows the history, culture, and politics of both his/her home community and study country;
• Is diplomatic and articulate when discussing world affairs and sensitive topics;
• Has concrete ideas as to how he/she will improve international understanding and world peace;
• Has thoroughly researched his/her preferred study institution, including alternative locations;
• Is willing to study in a country that typically does not host Ambassadorial Scholars;
• Is interested in a study field that has a direct impact on the humanitarian needs of the world;
• Intends to dedicate part or all of their personal or professional life to the ideals of Rotary;
• Is flexible and possesses a good sense of humor;
• Is sincere about maintaining a lifelong relationship with Rotary after his/her scholarship period.

 Thought of the Week

"He has the right to criticize who has the heart to help."  Abraham Lincoln