Marilu Franks, of Dowagiac, is a retired social worker and member of the Dowagiac Rotary Club. Franks currently serves as the sergeant at arms with the club.

When did you join the club?

I think it was in 1995.

Why did you join?

I was a supervisor at the department of social services. Mark Herman [another Rotarian] told me about it and what good things they do. I was always interested in helping other people and helping my community, so I went to see what it was all about and I loved it.

What are some the things you have gotten involved with since joining?

I was secretary. I am now the protection officer for the [Rotary] district. I have done that for four or five years. That is if they have any neglect or sexual abuse in [foreign exchange] homes. Luckily I haven’t had to do anything.

I have gone to a couple of international Rotary conventions. I have been involved with most of the activities we have done in Rotary. I have volunteered for most of the things.

What all goes into being sergeant at arms of the club?

I show up before the meeting and help set up everything. I get the flags out and the nametags and the big Rotary banner. Then I have to put it away afterwards. I do the “happy dollars,” which is either a happy dollar or a fine. I don’t like fines, though. I find that more people give when I ask for happy dollars than if I had a fine for them. We try to make it upbeat and keep Rotary happy, about why they are happy to be there. That’s about all we do. I suppose if there was problem I would have to handle it — but we don’t have problems, so I don’t have to worry about that.

We also do a 50/50 [raffle]. I got them to change it, where instead of drawing every week we draw cards. As long it doesn’t go over $100 we are OK. It has gotten up as high as $78. We have five cards. [The winner] has to draw an ace or a king of hearts to win the pot. That has been exciting. They seem to like that real well.

What is the thing you like most about Rotary?

Our exchange program. We have exchange students, and it was wonderful. We have had them from Brazil, Australia and Finland. Out of that we have made some good friends. Our first student lived with us in 1998, and we still hear from her today. Meeting other people from around the world is absolutely fascinating.

Is there anything you want to say to encourage more people to become interested in Rotary?

It used to be that you had to attend every week, and if you missed four weeks you were dropped. But because of everyone’s busy lives that has changed. If you can’t come every week that should not be a deterrent to join. It is not just for very rich people or high professionals. It is for anybody who cares about humanity and helping. That is what Rotary is all about. Anybody should feel confident to join or check us out.