Mike Coffman addressed the Buckhannon Rotary Club as its new president on Tuesday, outlining, some of the goals he would like to see the group accomplish in the coming year, and focusing on the as well the theme "Peace Through Service" set by International President Sakuji Tanaka.
"Peace through service means different things to different people," Coffman said. "It can be accomplished in the simplest of ways."
Coffman said sometimes you can help a person and not really even know it, but the difference can be substantial.
"You may not even think about it, but it makes a great difference," Coffman said.
Coffman said he wants to keep club members informed with activities and would like input over the course of his year as president to increase participation of all members.
With 70-plus club members, Coffman said it is important to keep talking, pointing out that members are great and willing to commit to club projects such as the annual blood screening.
The club did meet its membership goal for the past year and is looking to build on that momentum in the coming year.
"We need to look for good Rotarians who want to be involved and participate," Coffman said.
He pointed out the club members dedication to contributing to the Rotary Foundation which shows in the Buckhannon club having 32 Paul Harris Fellows with many being multiple Fellows. A Rotarian reaches a Paul Harris Fellow status after contributing $1,000 to the foundation. Each additional $1,000 contribution results in another Fellow recognition.
Coffman also wants the club to put a special effort this year on two projects to help the needy and underprivileged. The shoebox and backpack projects collect back-to-school supplies for children and Christmas gifts and other novelties to be sent to underprivileged children.
In November, the club will assemble the shoe boxes to be sent to children in need.
He also said establishing a committee and a response plan to be ready for disasters such as the recent power outage is a priority and a great avenue for Rotarians to be ready to give back to the community.
"We need to keep goals in mind," Coffman said. "Club members need to be involved in projects."
Contact John Clise by email at jclise@theintermountain.com.
