Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org
Surnames: Wojcik, Seitz, Kobs
----Source: Tribune Record Gleaner (Loyal, Clark Co., WI) 1/23/1975
Spencer – Jaycees (Wojcik, Leo J. President – 1975)
Mingling with Mary (By Mary Woods)
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Spencer Jaycees President, Leo J. Wojcik
In the spring of 1965, an organization known as the Spencer Jaycees was formed, with the first president of the organization being Allan Seitz. Now, then years later, that post is served by Leo J. Wojcik, and throughout the past week several gatherings were held to celebrate the 65th anniversary of the founding of the United States Jaycees with an interview with Spencer Jaycees’ President explaining the purpose and goals of the local organization.
Beginning his term as president last June, Wojcik states that he joined the service organization in 1971, with hopes of helping the community grow, along with growing as an individual.
“Each man may have a different reason for joining,” states Wojcik, “but as a group, service to our community is the most important reason for the existence of Jaycees in Spencer. Much of our time and effort is spent trying to improve our community, to work to help our youth, and to provide entertainment for all. We try to tackle many different projects, many are successful, and some fail, but we never fail to try to serve our community to the best our ability.”
Asked about the programs offered to a Jaycees member, Wojcik explains that individual development is stressed in many ways. He notes that for communication, which we all have trouble with now and then talking to a group, asking a person to talk in front of the group has proven to be beneficial and “breaks the ice,” when a new member joins the group.
Talking about the past year’s projects, it becomes aware that the Spencer Jaycees are very much a part of the Spencer Community. They serve as the sponsoring organization for the scouts, and provide a representative for district meetings, conduct a paper drive, of which 50 percent of the profit goes toward the scout fund, co-sponsor the Spencerama with the Spencer Lions Club, sell Christmas trees, enjoy a trip to Perkinstown, sell Christmas coloring books, sponsor the Outstanding Citizen of the Year Award, provide the Rockets’ schedule of games, and many other projects which are too numerous to mention.
On the national and state level, the Jaycees work with an awareness program on Venereal Disease, Project Mainstream which deals with helping the poor people help themselves, areas such as child abuse, economic development, and Operation Threshold, which deals with reducing the rate of problem drinking.
The group is also working on starting a Jaycees organization in Greenwood.
It should also be noted that one of the past Jaycees’ President, Jerry Kobs, now serves as state vice president for region 6.
Wojcik points out that the biggest project of the Jaycees deals working toward contributions for the Wisconsin Cystic Fibrosis Fund. He notes that the state chapter is working towards a fund of $75,000 which goes towards medical education and cure of the disease.
As for an individual basis, Wojcik states that being in the community, working at Jensen Motors, he wanted to be a part of the community, and so he was asked to join the service organization. “The feeling of self-improvement, career advancement, community recognition, service, and friendship has been a great part of being a member, and when your organization completes a project, pride is something that we all have,” states Wojcik.
Wojcik adds with emphasis that many of the projects done by the Jaycees have been assisted by the Jaycettes, an auxiliary organization for a member’s wife. “The women have helped in so many projects and deserve a lot of credit and praise.” remarks Wojcik.
When one takes a look at the Jaycee Creed, and the meaning of the 65 words, it becomes evident that all 32 members of the Spencer Jaycees live by, work by, and believe in the Creed. When one takes a look at the community service that the group provides, there is no doubt that the entire group, and their president should be saluted.
