Sept. 16, 2007 — Rotary has been a resource for people on St. Croix for nearly 50 years.
Liz Goggins, president of Rotary of St. Croix said, "We serve others, but we have fun doing it." The motto of Rotarians is "service above self" and the four clubs on St. Croix are examples of that motto.
The mission of Rotary International, a worldwide association of Rotary clubs, is to provide service to others, to promote high ethical standards, and to advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through its fellowship of business, professional, and community leaders.
Rotary Clubs worldwide practice what is called the "Four-Way Test," asking the questions: Is it the truth? Is it fair to all concerned? Will it build good will and better friendships? Will it be beneficial to all concerned?
One St. Croix club is located in Frederiksted, one in Christiansted and two in between. The clubs divide their projects into three areas — community service, vocational service and club service.
More than 125 members take part in providing those services.
Cruzan children and children worldwide are among those reaping the good will of Rotary. "We do back-to-school projects buying backpacks and supplies to give to children at Queen Louise Home and Marley Housing," said Carlyle Branker, president of Rotary West.
"Being part of an international group increases effectiveness overall," said Goggins.
The clubs are chartered under Rotary International and are governed locally by Rupert Ross, District 7020 governor. Like most Rotarians, Ross has played a vital part in the local community life.
As superintendent and assistant commissioner of education, one of his responsibilities was overseeing the planning and the construction of the St. Croix Educational Complex. Ross's community involvement spans more than three decades. He was a member of the Frederiksted Jaycees and served as its president in 1976; he was one of the organizers and officials of the St. Croix Sports Foundation, an after-school athletic program for boys and girls.
The Rotary clubs make things happen for deserving students with scholarships to just about anywhere.
"The scholarships available are amazing," said Goggins. Emory University in Georgia offers Rotary scholarships to 12 students from St. Croix. All of the local clubs have scholarship funds awarded to good students; some clubs award two $1,000 scholarships each year.
Recently at the Mid Isle meeting, Sara Molyneaux, a student from Educational Complex, spoke eloquently and with poise about a June seminar on world health she attended at the University of Wisconsin with the help of Rotary.
"It was very memorable and informative," said Molyneaux.
Senior citizens also benefit in numerous ways, including bingo nights held as a fundraiser every Monday and Thursday at 7 p.m. at the Rotary West Community Center. The hall may also be rented out for different functions, and Rotary gives the funds raised from rent back in community projects.
"The Christmas party for seniors at the Whim Home for the aged is very special, and a fun community service project," said Branker. Rotary West also helps out at My Brothers Table, a food kitchen for the homeless in Frederiksted. And if anyone is wondering who planted and maintains the traffic island at Golden Rock, that's Rotary Mid Isle.
The clubs are always looking for new members and they invite the general public to come to meetings and hear the wide assortment of public speakers. Recently Lynn Spampinato, acting V.I. education commissioner, spoke at the Harborside Club at the Brew Pub in Christiansted.
For dates, times and location of the St. Croix Rotary club meetings see The Source Organizations.
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