The Downtown Rotary Club Foundation Established

1974-1975

 This was to be a year of significant events, club milestones, sadness and happy times.

 Club No. 32's own Finley Fiske was elected governor of district 603 to serve during this period.  It was especially nice to have the Governor close at hand for consultation, advice and support. 

 The Club has grown over the years.  Del Sorrells, immediate past president, was personally responsible for a large share of the 38 new members inducted during his year.

 The budget totaling $31,050, largest in club history, was approved by the Board.

 Some 100 plus golfers assaulted the St. Joseph Country Club course on August 9 at the Annual All Rotary Day.

 St. Joseph Rotary Club Foundation was formed.  The purpose of this foundation is to provide funds for worthy local projects, including education.  Emphasis for scholarships will be on vocational training and individual preferences to remain in the St. Joseph area.

 The August Birthday Table started off the contributions to the Foundation in great shape by giving a total of $200, with all participating.  This was followed each month throughout the year by all birthday tables.

 Three awards were presented from the foundation to deserving young people.  One for training as a mechanic, another a beauty operator, and the third as a computer science student.

 A new loose-leaf roster was prepared during the year and distributed to the members.  It is a vast improvement and will be kept current on a more frequent basis.

 The board began its new policy of meeting at 7:00 a.m.  It was tough on those who like to sleep late, but the improved attendance was well worth while.

 Russell Peck, as chairman of the Fellowship and Orientation Committee, put together a softball team.  This team went on to play other organized (some disorganized) teams in the city and its members became known for their keen eyes, swiftness of feet and heavy hitting.  Their record, while somewhat disputed, proved that the "old man's club" needn't take a back seat to anyone.  Tony Poloski served the refreshments at these events, and his station wagon became a well-used "watering hole" during and after each game.

 Ross Woodbury prepared a brief brochure, which describes Rotary, its purposes, its goals and objectives and the costs.  While used primarily during the recruiting process, it is also a good reminder to all of us what Rotary is all about.

 The 63^rd Annual Birthday Party of Club 32 was held on November 6.  Dick Dahms chaired the event, which was a smashing success.  It was this night the members were first to hear the delightful music of Ernie Wildhagen's German Band (a real treat). 

 Under the guidance of Ernie Wadlow and Mel McLean, foreign students from Missouri Western State College were selected to be our guests each month.  At the end of their visit, they brought to us greetings from their country and briefly described themselves and their homelands.

 Rotary International celebrated its 70^th birthday in 1975.  A truly wonderful organization that keeps growing and doing more good deeds each year.

 Monthly Couples Bridge, under the auspices of the Fellowship Committee, was commenced.  This provided for much good fun and the opportunity for Rotarians and their Anns to become better acquainted.

 John Mitchell devoted much hard work and effort to bring the Club's by-laws into agreement with those suggested by Rotary International.  A good job, well done.

 On March 11, Harold Neidorp was named the Club's first Paul Harris Sustaining Member; a member of the Club since 1929, its president in 1946-47, he was to have received his 46^th year Perfect Attendance Pin in August.  Harold was a tireless worker for Rotary and each and every day exemplified the real meaning of "Service Above Self."  On the afternoon of the presentation, Harold passed away, a real loss to our club and the community.  Anna Lee, his Ann, accepted Harold's Paul Harris Fellow recognition posthumously.

 Nancy Schmidt of St. Joseph was selected as our candidate for a Rotary International undergraduate scholarship.  She was successful and chose to further her career in music by attending an Austrian college.

 The Rotarians and their Anns were treated to a night out by holding their regular meeting at the Waldo Astoria Dinner theatre in Kansas City.  Two buses and several cars were required were required to transport the happy group attending the function.

 In addition to the normal contributions to community activities, the Club pledged $6,000 to the Y.M.C.A. Building Fund Drive.  It will be paid over a three-year period at $2,000 per year.  This money will be used as a "living memorial" by providing the furnishings in the adult lounge.

 Another successful Rotary year is completed.  Each year taken alone does not seem so important, only when it is considered as a part of the foundation for perpetuating the life of this great organization do we find the real significance.