Rotarians live by the motto “service above self”; living for others, serving others, improving the lives of people in their community and globally is at the foundation of who Rotarians are. There is a certain “magic” of the Rotary, where one truly feels connected to humanity in the deepest and most profound way. The personal benefits to an individual are immense; global connections, lifelong friendships, lasting changes, empowerment of self and others, and so much more. The benefits to the community and globally are world changing; clean water for communities, sanitation, eradication of polo, international youth exchanges, reading literacy, scholarships, food security, just to name a few.
One individual sharing thoughts on their experience can only touch the smallest portion of what the Rotary is and who we are, like adding a raindrop to the ocean. Everyone's journey in the Rotary is different and unique. I would like to share with you my journey in the Rotary to give perspective on the life changing benefits of being a member.
Rotary has guided me through life since High School. Everywhere I go I make a friend with a fellow Rotarian. May it be in Scotland by asking to attend a local meeting when on vacation, or meeting a fellow Rotarian on a boat ride in Boston simply because he was wearing his Rotary shirt.
I was fortunate enough to be engaged in my local Interact Club in High School, becoming an active member of my community. By attending Rotary Youth Leadership Awards Camp, I was inspired by what my life could be, thanks to Rotary. My local Rotary Club even blessed me with a scholarship for college! It was in college when I joined Rotaract and I got my feet wet with leading, fundraising, and serving. I was sponsored to go to Guatemala for a “Grant Checkup” where I still have strong friendships, and made a lasting impact on households by helping to provide clean and sanitary living conditions. My experience with the Rotary led me to join the Rotary Club of White River Junction as soon as I was working in my profession after college. I have the White River Junction Rotary Club to thank for meeting my better half as well. Rotary has allowed me to create and thrive in the community I want to live in.
Now, I get the honor of being President for the White River Junction Rotary Club. This year’s Rotary theme is “Serve to Change Lives” and that could not be truer for the club, and for myself.
To me, the White River Junction Rotary Club harvests good will and better friendships throughout the community and the world. We are a passionate group dedicated to serving others for peace. Though it is hard to explain the “magic” of Rotary, here is a little information of our mighty club and what we do to improve the community we live in.
The club supports numerous local, state, national, and international projects. Some examples of our work include: each year providing scholarships to students graduating from Hartford High School and the Hartford Area Career & Technology Center as well as Rotary Student of the Month. Giving multiple community grants to local charities and community organizations. This past year included: Good Neighbor Health Clinic, Wilder School, Sharon PTO Summer Reading Program, Wilder Club & Library, Quechee Library, and Handbags for Hope. White River Junction Rotary has also hosted International Youth Exchange Students. We provide disaster relief funds to those in need, that in the past have included: Clean Water for The World, Hurricane Relief, Wildfire Disaster Recovery, End Polio Now, Shelter Box Program, Operation Christmas Child Gift Boxes, Books in Homes, and many more.
To provide funds for our efforts we also host the Hartford Polar Express Train Ride, 10/100 Charity Auction, and Hartland ~5K Cross Country Ski & Snowshoe Race.
In addition to our work, we meet biweekly for comradery to touch base on our efforts of serving and learn from programs. The programs include new things happening in the community, District Rotary updates, International Rotary Projects, and more. Upcoming programs are listed on the calendar of events page. Our mighty club consists of ~30 members and are welcoming those who wish to join.
My hope for this year is that we continue to provide for our community and so much more by continuing leading service projects.
WE WELCOME you to come join and see what Rotary is all about! We are currently meeting the 1st & 3rd Tuesday of the month. We are having hybrid meetings, so please come in person or virtually by contacting us at whiteriverrotaryusa@gmail.com for meeting time/location/link details.
Yours in Rotary Service, Carson Wenz, Pharm.D. White River Junction Rotary Club President 2021-2022
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