Norm Noble

What does “Service Above Self” mean? It means helping somebody else before you help yourself. It is the motto of Rotary. It is a pledge spoken aloud at every Rotary meeting.

In 1989, Rotary International established Service Above Self as its principal motto, because it best conveys the philosophy of unselfish, volunteer service. The main objective of Rotary is service — in the community, in the workplace and throughout the world. Rotarians develop community service projects that address many of today’s most critical issues, such as children at risk, poverty and hunger, the environment, illiteracy and violence.

Annually, the Sun Lakes Rotary Club names the member who best exhibits “Service Above Self” throughout the year. But the task of naming just one this year was too great, so President Ed Anderson named two: Jon Lyons who developed the club’s new membership program which gained 19 new members… a record for the club, and Mark Stapels for his fantastic effort over six weeks running where he spent every weekend selling golf cart raffle tickets — over 500 tickets.

Jon Lyons joined Sun Lakes Rotary Club in 2017 and quickly made his mark, working on several committees including the golf tournament and membership. This past year, he assumed the mantle of membership chair.

Mark Stapels also joined Sun Lakes Rotary Club in 2017. Right from the beginning, he accepted the appointment of club secretary. He worked with Don Robins on the AWIM program for CUSD first and fifth graders, finding this program to be very rewarding. He also worked with the golf tournament committee and delivered the Splash. And, of course, he sold over 500 raffle tickets for the Rotary Golf Tournament in March.

Service Above Self exemplified! Twice!