Lou Radja at the PPRC helm encourages fun and service

Lou Radja at the PPRC helm encourages fun and service

by Donald Q. Smith

Lou Radja's 2011-12 term as president of Portland Pearl Rotary is well underway, after a planning meeting in June with club leaders and his induction meeting July 5. Radja succeeded Phil Rothrock on July 1.

To both his new board members and to the entire club (on July 5), Radja introduced his ten goals for Pearl Rotary...while Rotarians provide service under the international theme, "Reach Within to Embrace Humanity."

First, he vowed, the Pearl club will continue to "make a difference while having fun." Radja reinforced the addition by Rothrock of a fifth statement in the traditional Four-Way test: "Will it be fun?"

Expanding connections in the Pearl District is his second goal. Focusing on members, both existing and new, was listed next. Successful fundraising events was stressed (next big event is the annual casino night at Wilfs Oct. 22). Radja followed that goal with expanding public relations and communications (part of which has occurred with a new Facebook site).

His sixth area of focus was termed a "stretch" goal: Radja has encouraged each committee chair "to come up with a signature goal for the year to make a lasting impact."

A leadership plan, more involvement with the Rotary world beyond our club (District 5100, Rotary International), and smooth operations within the club structure were listed as his Goals 7-9.

And he concluded with No. 10: "Significance: Connecting with the people we serve and creating long-lasting relationships!"

The PPRC board for the new Rotary year, in addition to Radja and Past President Rothrock, includes: Dave Haack, president elect; Michael Steen, treasurer; Jordan Weisman, international service; Yelena Girich, vocational service; Marc Hillman, community service; Don Smith, club service; Genevieve Beatty-Tinsay, new generations service; Tracy Vicario, membership; Greg Mottau, fundraising; Jerry Baysinger, Pearl Fund.

The 55-member club meets Tuesdays at 7:15 a.m. at the Eco-Trust building in the Pearl District.