Hamilton County Commission President David Pepper will give the State of the County Address at our meeting on Thursday, February 18 in the Pavilion at the Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza.  Lunch will be served at noon, with the program starting at 12:30.

This meeting is open to the public. The cost for lunch for all guests is $35 and advance paid reservations should be made using the Pay Pal Button below.  The deadline for reservations is Monday, February 15. Those who wish to attend but not eat lunch may do so, however, a reservation should be made with the Rotary Office by February 15.  Please email us at office@cincinnatirotary.org.

Beginning in 2006, the Rotary Club of Cincinnati joined with the American Institute of Public Service as a local sponsor of the Jefferson Award to help find and honor individuals in our community that go above and beyond the call of duty when it comes to their volunteer efforts in Greater Cincinnati. 

We are once again looking to recognize ordinary people who do extraordinary things without the expectation of recognition or reward.  The Jefferson Award, which is recognized as the Nobel Prize for public service, was created in 1972 by Cincinnati's own U.S. Senator Robert Taft and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, and is presented annually to recipients in over 90 cities in the United States.  The AIPS's mission is to encourage and honor individuals for their achievements and contributions through public and community service. 

On March 18, 2010, the Rotary Club of Cincinnati will host the annual Jefferson Award presentation luncheon during our meeting and announce this year's winner. That person will then go to the national award ceremony in Washington D.C. in June.

If you know of a person that is worthy of this recognition, consider nominating them for the Jefferson Award.  The application is available online by clicking on the link on the right side of our homepage.  Please note:  the deadline for nominations is 3 p.m. on Monday, March 1. 

The Rotary Club of Cincinnati is collecting funds for ShelterBox, an organization founded by Rotarians, that provides relief to those affected by disasaters around the world.  ShelterBox is responding to the earthquake in Haiti by providing emergency shelter to the thousands who have been left homeless.

This organization has made such an impact around the world, that Rotary International designated it as a Global Rotary Club Project in 2009. Since its inception in 2000, ShelterBox has established itself at the forefront of international disaster relief, providing emergency shelter for people who need it most on every continent.

ShelterBox has representatives in Haiti and thousands of boxes have been dispatched.  Many are being used by the hopitals that were damaged or destroyed to house patients.

Applications are currently being accepted for the Rotary Ambassadorial Scholarship program for the 2011-12 Academic year. These scholarships are valued at approximately $26,000 US dollar equivilent and offer students an outstanding opportunity to study abroad. While pursuing their studies students have the opportunity to represent Rotary International as an ambassador and interact with many Rotarians in the country where they are located. This offers a tremendous growth and leadership opportunity for students. One of our recent winners, Jennifer Splinter, recent completed her program of studies in London, England and offers this comment. "I am so appreciative to Rotary for making this dream a reality and supporting me in my post graduate pursuits. I have learned so much this year and hope I have contributed to the community as well."

Applications are due not later than March 1, 2010 and should be sent to the offices of The Rotary Club of Cincinnati, 441 Vine Street, Suite 2112, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202, Attn: Diane Brasie, Executive Director. The application with instructions may be found at Rotary International's website, www.rotary.org under students and youth and educational programs.

For specific questions please contact Rich Dineen, Chairman of the Rotary Ambassadorial Scholarship Committee for the Cincinnati Rotary Club at 513-636-1295, rich.dineen@cchmc.org. 

The Rotary Office has a new email address:  office@cincinnatirotary.org.  You may use this address for general communication with the office.  While we assess our future staffing needs, Barbara Hunt, formerly with Stepping Stones Center, will be assisting in the Rotary Office from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. each day.

Emails for Executive Director Diane Brasie may still be sent to diane@cincinnatirotary.org.