VOCATIONAL SERVICE

Activity that encourages Rotarians to model high ethical standards and apply their business knowledge and skills to benefit others

Director – Tom Janson

FIRESIDE CHATS

To introduce our new members to all the many facets of Rotary, Robin Erskine will periodically hold fireside chats (near the fireplace in the Springfield Golf and Country Club) where he reviews all that Rotary stands for, our history and current information.  In addition to new members of our club, members of the Springfield community who may be interested in learning more about Rotary are welcome to attend. POC - Robin Erskine

 OUTSTANDING TEACHER AWARD

For more than a decade, the West Springfield Rotary Club has recognized outstanding educators from high schools, middle schools and elementary schools in our area.  Principals from selected schools are asked to submit recommendations regarding outstanding teachers in their schools.  Nominations are made, based on the principals’ knowledge of such qualities as the teachers’ innovative teaching techniques, superior subject knowledge, dedication to the students in their classrooms, ability to motivate and inspire, and the provision of effective support to the school system.  Each teacher selected receives a plaque and a check for $500 for further development of an instructional program or related program on which the teacher is working.  Since the beginning of the Teacher Awards program, the Club has awarded well over $25,000 to 50+ teachers. POC - Tom Janson

NETWORKING WITH CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 

Chambers of Commerce recognize that their members (business, professional and non-profit community organizations and individuals), are all an integral part of making the community attractive to residents, as well as maintaining and increasing vibrancy in the local economy.  Our Rotary Club of West Springfield has been and continues to be an active member of the Mount Vernon Springfield Chamber of Commerce in order to get Rotary’s message out to the local business community. POC - Ray Wolff

POLICE OFFICER OF THE YEAR AWARD 

Each year since 2007, the West Springfield District Police Station selects an outstanding Police Officer who is honored at a Club meeting in November.  The Station commander, introduces the Police Officer of the Year, and tells the Club about the work of the Officer selected.  He also gives the Club an update on the state of the community regarding the incidence of any troublesome areas, gangs, drugs, crimes against residents, problems that have increased or been reduced.  The West Springfield community is very fortunate to have a well-trained, vigilant and dedicated Police Force. POC – Tom Janson