I look forward to leading the Port Washington/Saukville Rotary Club this 2011/2012 Rotary year. To ensure that we have a successful year, I think it is appropriate to go back and review what Rotary’s objective is. According to Rotary International, the object of Rotary is to encourage and foster the ideal of service as a basis of worthy enterprise and, in particular, to encourage and foster:

FIRST: The development of acquaintances an opportunity for service;

SECOND: High ethical standards in business and professions, the recognition of the worthiness of all useful occupations, and the dignifying of each Rotarian’s occupations an opportunity to serve society;

THIRD: The application of the ideal of service in each Rotarian’s personal, business and community life;

FOURTH: The advancement of international understanding, goodwill and peace through a world fellowship of business and professional persons united in the ideal service.

Each Rotarian should keep these objectives in mind when at work, at home or out and about in the community. These ideals are what make Rotarians special and make our communities a special place to live and work in. That is why we must continue to sponsor the various programs and activities that benefit the people that live in Port Washington, Saukville and the surrounding area. Our scholarships to graduating high school seniors, scholarships for summer youth programs, sponsorship to the World Affairs Seminar, the ice cream social for seniors, summer concert series contributions and our numerous donations to service groups that help persons in need. These are just some of the ways that our Rotary Club can continue to meet the objectives of Rotary International.

The Rotary International theme for 2011/2012 is “Reach Within To Embrace Humanity”. There is no better way to achieve this than to look within ourselves to make life better for people in need not only within our community but in other places in the world. Our Club should continue to work with other Rotary Clubs in donating either our time or make concerted efforts to further fundraise to help people receive the basic necessities to survive in life. I would like to make this our Rotary’s Club main goal over the next year to continue our efforts in raising the standards for how people live throughout the world. Developing ideas and working with Rotary International and local clubs throughout the State are the means to accomplish this goal. Anyone with ideas can contact me or any Board member and we will listen to your thoughts. This is how Rotary Clubs become stronger.

Mark Grams

President, Port Washington/Saukville Rotary Club