There are many service organizations in the world today, but none so old or so successful as Rotary. There are many reasons for that, and Vocational Service is one of them. This year, I wish you to place a special emphasis on Vocational Service, which is sometimes the forgotten Avenue of Service in Rotary. High ethical standards in business and personal life are still as important today as they were in 1905. Indeed, many of the problems our world is facing today have been caused by the failure to observe such standards in business affairs. Vocational Service, in Rotary, means that we are committed to honest business and unassailable ethics, and that we are equally committed to using our vocational skills and advantages to help others. The idea is simple enough but it is unique to Rotary. Many service organizations are open to anyone who wishes to join. That has never been the case in Rotary. Rotarians only seek out as members those who are qualified—those who have the character, the ability, and the resolve to make a real contribution to their club. I have long believed that the bedrock of Rotary is our commitment to ethical behavior. It has been putting whatís right above whatís convenient—and Service Above Self—that has made Rotary different from the rest. That is why we must always remember that whatever we do, we are each the public face of Rotary. We are each the standard-bearers of our organization. What one member does, for good or for ill, reflects on all of us. So much of what weíve achieved as an organization has come about because of the trust the world has in Rotary and in Rotarians. That trust has been a major part of our success in polio eradication—the fact that we are known in every community, and known to be people of goodwill and good hearts. If we wish to see our organization grow and prosper, we must keep Vocational Service front and center in our minds and actions. We must seek out skilled and determined men and women of character. We must do what is right, even when it is inconvenient. And we must always, always, put Service Above Self. --John Kenny, 2009-10 RI President/The Rotarian, Oct., 2009

Dennis Jones is a native of Mayes County, moving to Pryor as a toddler and attending school there until his graduation from Pryor High School in 1965. Dennis was awarded a band scholarship to Oklahoma State University, but his college education was interrupted two years later when he joined the United States Navy. His stint in the Navy included duty on the aircraft carrier, the USS Constellation, and two tours in the Republic of Vietnam from 1968 to 1970. Upon his return to civilian life, Dennis finished his education at OSU, completing his Bachelor of Science degree in 1973.

Dennis began his business career with IBM Corporation and later worked for Lincoln National Insurance Company. In 1975, Dennis and his partner, Tom Wilcox formed Wilcox & Jones Insurance, eventually opening a second office in Vinita. The company was later sold to BancFirst Corporation, where Dennis served as Chairman for Wilcox, Jones & McGrath, Inc. Dennis and his wife are the current owners of the Hotel Vinita building, which accommodates several businesses and provides event space.

Dennis married Cheryl Randall of Miami, Oklahoma in 1972, and they recently celebrated their 37^th anniversary. He has three grown children who reside in Tulsa: Alana Kennon, Cory Jones and Julie Jones. He is also the proud grandpa of three (beautiful!) grandchildren: Lucy Kennon, Holden Kennon and Corae Jones. Dennis enjoys spending time with his family, traveling, OSU sports and golf.

Angelique Peetoom with the Salvation Army will be at our meeting for the presentation of our food items from this monthís Food Drive. Be sure and bring your canned and/or non-perishable items to our meeting TODAY to benefit the Salvation Army Food Pantry!

Have you seen the latest???

Our Vinita Rotary Club has a FANTASTIC website. Check it out at www.VinitaRotary.org. David Elliott does an AMAZING job in maintaining the site!! And, thanks to Angela Martin and other members for the awesome club pictures!

Our Club Calendar is on the website. You can find upcoming Rotary events, special meeting dates, birthdays & the Rotarian of the Day schedule.

The website is very easy to navigate and contains excellent, useful informationÖwhether youíre brand new to Rotary or a 50-year club member!

Please send Website questions/comments to David at webmaster@vinitarotary.org.