Eddy became a member of Vinita's Rotary Club in 1989, transferring his membership from the Tahlequah club. During this time, he has served in many different capacities, including president, board member, program chairman, and other duties. Eddy writes that he is proud to be a part of an organization that has provided so many scholarships through Rotary Radio Night and that internationally, we have helped to conquer (almost) polio.

Eddy graduated from Vinita High School and the University of Oklahoma. He earned his graduate banking degree from Louisiana State University. Eddy is the very proud father of three wonderful children: Elizabeth (a graduate student at OU), Cash (a sophomore at OU), and Drew (a junior at VHS). Eddy was married to Shelly last July and couldn' be happier!

"Empowering People Through Literacy"

In Rotary, we recognize March as Literacy Month. This is when we focus on the importance of literacy and education in our humanitarian service. In my decades as a Rotarian, both home in Alabama, USA, and abroad, I have seen again and again what a critical role literacy plays in a healthy and productive life. Being literate does not just mean having the ability to read a book or a newspaper. Being literate means being able to comprehend the instructions on a medicine bottle, a set of directions, or a job posting. It means understanding the note written by a child's teacher. It means being able to use a computer, follow a recipe, or apply for a mortgage. Literacy means being part of the larger society. It means inclusion, and it means empowerment.

Those who cannot read or write, whether they are children or adults, are cut off from important information in ways too numerous to count. They are less likely to be healthy and more likely to be poor. And perhaps most critical of all, parents who cannot read are more likely to raise children who cannot read - perpetuating the cycle of illiteracy and poverty.

As a Rotarian and in my profession, I have seen so many simple and creative ways to break this cycle. Whether it is by volunteering in schools, by bringing education and training to adults, or simply by ensuring that all children have the books and supplies they need, we in Rotary can do so much. We can help others learn to read and - learn to help themselves.

--The Rotarian/March/2010 Glenn E. Estess, Sr., Rotary Foundation Trustee Chair

March is Rotary Literacy Month. Did you know that nearly 800 million people worldwide are unable to read or write? Without these skills, they are especially vulnerable to poverty, hunger & disease.

Literacy Month is an opportunity for Rotarians to share their talents, energy and resources to promote reading and writing.

Are you willing to volunteer just one hour (or more) per week to listen to our local elementary age children read? Are you willing to read to them? If so, contact Bob Green to sign up for the Rotary Reading Program! KIDS WHO READ - SUCCEED!!

We are collecting new or gently used books, appropriate for children ages birth to 12 years, as part of a county-wide Book Drive. These books will be distributed to 30 local daycares. This is all part of the Read Across America campaign, which is a reading motivation and awareness program that encourages all children to celebrate reading. Bring those books TODAY!