One of the characteristics of Jefferson County that most strikes newcomers is the constellation of civic groups and organizations at work trying to get good things done. They tend to operate quietly at the street level of local life, working on their hands and knees or on ladders, raising funds dollar by dollar. They can often get overlooked.
One such group to which I have belonged for years, and have been deeply involved with this last year as president, is the Port Townsend Rotary Club. By the time you read this, that year is over. The gavel of this 75-year-old club of civic volunteers was passed to Reto Filli of Circle and Square on Tuesday, June 29. But I wanted to offer insights into what organizations such as these do both for the broader community and for the people involved. A similar story can be told about each of the dozens of civic organizations alive in Jefferson County.
Rotary’s motto is “Service above self,” a sentiment that describes not just the three Rotary clubs active in this county but most other organizations. It’s not just a slogan. It creates a kind of a civic commons, a metaphorical town square, in which citizens of every political bent, every religious denomination, every walk of life can be welcomed. There they are engaged on the basis of one standard only: a willingness to pitch in with time, sweat, influence and dollars to get something good done.
This is one of the few settings in which civic leaders of wildly differing political views come together for common work. It offers a needed respite, and antidote, to the divisive, demonizing tactics too often embraced by political leadership in our county and the nation.
Rotary, in particular, is devoted to “The Four Way Test,” asking that members judge what they do and say by whether:
1) It’s the truth.
2) It’s fair to all concerned.
3) It will build good will and friendships.
4) It will benefit all concerned.
Not every action by every member meets all four standards. But they are constant reminders that integrity in personal relationships is the ultimate foundation of a community that values decency and respect.
My experience is that in the cause of hard civic work, neither Right or Left stakes a superior claim. In the context of something such as Rotary, it’s irrelevant. Instead they work side by side, picking up roadside garbage, planning fundraisers, helping kids.
A perfect example is member Lowell Bogart, who single-handedly launched our involvement in “Operation Iraqi Children.” It had the club and individual members purchasing single packets of school supplies – pencils, paper, glue, rulers – for $15 each and getting them shipped to struggling schools in Iraq. More than 130 packets were purchased at a discount from Swain's; postcards of Port Townsend for each one were donated by Don’s Pharmacy. Steve Rafoth, another member, volunteered that his Enclume Design Products would cover much of the cost of shipping. In the next few days the packets will be in boxes en route to Iraq.
No politics. Just help.
Led by Marnie Frederickson, another Rotary group saw to it that almost $10,000 was donated to various community needs. These included the purchase of portable defibrillators for the schools, the purchase of medical supplies for JC MASH, and support of an educational program offered by the Jefferson County Historical Society Museum.
Led by Bill Howard, another group traveled to Guatemala to put families into houses and to help women build solar ovens to replace their smoke-belching stoves.
Led by Robin Comforto, the club helps local students spend a year in a foreign country and puts visiting students up for home stays with local families. Led by Rachel Powers, club members helped PTHS students entertain kids and raise funds with a carnival. Led by Michael Legarsky, another group purchased $2,000 worth of wheelchairs that ECHHO (Ecumenical Christian Helping Hands Organization) will loan, for free, to seniors who need them. Led by Kees Kolff, a park near the ferry dock welcomes visitors and locals. Led by Bob Sokol and Tim Caldwell, Rotary helped put the under-employed together with employers at a big job fair. Led by Reto Filli, Steve Rafoth and Michelle Sandoval, Rotary conducted its most successful fundraiser in history in April, earmarking almost $20,000 to Children’s Hospital and another $40,000 for local causes in the coming 12 months.
Led by Lloyd Cahoon, Rotary has become a primary supporter of the unique effort to help troubled children that is called the Jumping Mouse Children’s Center. Led by John Clise, another group is planning to help build a beachwalk around Point Hudson in partnership with the Port of Port Townsend.
The list is endless, not just for this club but for every organization.
There is a lesson in all this. So much more can be accomplished by working together and not caring who gets the credit – or the blame – than through the finger-pointing that passes for political discussion in this county. We should draw upon that truth as we head into another electoral season.
For the “service above self” doers of any stripe, any town, any organization: Our endless thanks for what you do and the spirit with which it’s done.
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