Model Program By VA N ESSA SA LV I A
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ROTARY CLUB OF EUGENE SPARKLES IN THE COMMUNITY T MIGHT BE SURPRISING TO DISCOVER THAT Eugene, for its size, has six Rotary Clubs.
Then again, Eugene is comprised of residents who like to feel they are doing something good. Joining in a focused effort allows even small groups to accomplish great things. Jennifer Geller is president of the Rotary Club of Eugene, Lane County’s oldest Rotary Club and one of the oldest in Oregon. Eugene also has the Airport, Delta, Southtowne, Metropolitan and Emerald Valley Rotary clubs, with two in Springfield. Clubs range in size from 26 to 160 members, meeting at various times and days, but there’s a common theme to support local and international projects. The Rotary Club of Eugene has several projects, including April’s gala dinner event and auction called ArtSpark, which funds artists-in-residence at area schools. The program has been so successful that the club can now fund artists at all of Eugene’s elementary schools. “About four years ago some of our members picked up on the need for art education in schools,” Geller says. “It tapped a nerve and, and very quickly they were able to provide for schools beyond just the schools which had less resources.”
Below, Rotary members excited about a skate project. Above, remembering the Great Duck Race.
Another April event is a Model United Nations program for high school students. Last year the club hosted its first Model UN event, which is a two-day seminar for high school students to experience problem-solving and a greater understanding of the complexities around international problems or issues. “A lot of the Rotarians served as coaches for the team last year and will do that again,” she says. Other activities include making over the River Play playground in Skinner Butte Park, a robust high school exchange program, packaging food at FOOD for Lane County one night each month, sponsoring the SMART Reading program
