This month’s Member Highlight features Jim Zeitz.
When did you join Rotary?
I joined Rotary in January 2003. My sponsor was Jim Kisicki. He had been asking me for some time to join, but I told him I did not want to sell Christmas trees during the holiday season. Once he assured me it was that other organization, I relented.
Why did you join Rotary?
I moved to Chesterland in 1977 and really enjoyed the community. So I thought being involved in a civic organization like Rotary would be a good way to give back to the community.
What offices have you held while in Rotary and what years if you know?
My first duty in Rotary was being a member of the membership committee. Next I became the secretary for 2 years, then vice president, president-elect and then president for the 2009 – 2010 term. I was then on the Foundation Board for 3 years, program chairman and now I am secretary again.
What committees are you currently involved in and what is your role?
I am not currently involved in any committees but volunteer for Santa’s Breakfast and Shining Stars.
What do you enjoy most about being a Rotarian?
I enjoy the comradery with the other Rotarians at meetings and our events. Paula has gotten to know many of the Rotarians and their spouses and it is something we can enjoy doing together. Also, I did not realize at the time how we as Rotarians get involved not only in our local community but also the broader community through the Rotary cluster in Geauga County, and in national and international programs. When I was president, as a cluster project, we helped Habitat for Humanity’s ReStore get off the ground. The bookmobile project and houses for Katrina victims were two other great projects we did with a national theme. Our Rotary club has been involved in some international projects as well.
Tell us about your career/occupation.
I was employed for 37 years at the Lubrizol Corporation in Wickliffe as a chemist. I have been retired now going on 8 years. I find myself as busy now as when I was working, with the biggest difference is not getting paid for it!
Any personal interesting facts you would like to share?
Maybe not everyone knows that I have a twin brother John who lives in Georgia. He has been down south for more than 25 years. When we get together now, Paula and John’s wife Patty laugh when they see us because our mannerisms are so alike. Once when we were in Georgia, swimming at their community pool, John and I showed up with the exact same bathing suits, even though we bought them in different stores in different states.
What other community/volunteer activities are you involved in?
Besides Rotary, I am a Master Gardener in Geauga County. After a 13 week training program and a year of volunteering, I was promoted from “sprout” to Master Gardener Volunteer. The organization is similar to Rotary in that our mission is service to the community. We help homeowners in Geauga County by running a telephone helpline where we answer their gardening questions. We also educate by holding classes and we raise funds for scholarships for Geauga students. I also minister at my church Saint Anselm’s in Chesterland and volunteer twice a month at a Hot Meals site in my old neighborhood in Cleveland.
