Why is there an old ambulance parked up at the local supermarket? Where do we get all of the beautiful flower baskets that adorn our town’s lampposts, and who waters them?

How is a local team of clowns enriching lives locally and across the globe? Why has a woman dedicated more than 25 years of her life to stopping to domestic violence? How does a local service club successfully raise more than $5 million for the community by selling “another man’s junk”? And why were 22,000 rubber ducks recently dropped in the Puget Sound?

These questions and more are being answered on the Kingston- North Kitsap Rotary Club’s Internet radio program, Service Above Self Radio. Hosted by me — a Rotarian and owner of Anchor Chiropractic — the show looks to not only highlight what Rotary is doing to make a difference in the community, but how other local organizations, groups, clubs, and individuals are rolling up their sleeves to do the same.

“Service Above Self” has been a long-standing motto of Rotary. It really encompasses the essence of what Rotary is all about. In many ways, it beautifully illustrates what we are setting out to accomplish with our radio show. I think it’s the perfect name for it.

People wanting to tune into Rotary’s “On Air” selections can do so by visiting the show’s website at ServiceAboveSelfRadio.org or by finding it on iTunes.

Because it’s a podcast, there’s no need to worry about missing an episode. All 30 (and counting) episodes are available to listen to right off your computer anytime or download for later. That’s when podcasting gets exciting. I love the idea of people being able to listen to what they want, when they want, and where they want.  Podcasts allow them to do that.  And hopefully Service Above Self Radio is on their list of favorites.

This innovative medium is not new to me. In addition to hosting the Rotary’s podcast, I am involved in four others. My flagship program, Spinal Column Radio, is dedicated to the chiropractic professional and enthusiast. I also produce shows for the Chamber of Commerce, my church, and one with my wife.

The ultimate goal with the Rotary podcast, which has been in production since early 2011, is to bring about a greater sense of community-mindedness. We want to bring about awareness and encourage involvement when it come to the community and its needs.

What’s great about the show is that it’s not just limited to impacting listeners locally — our “radio waves” traverse the planet!  Just the other day a fellow Rotarian in Sweden was inspired to email us after listening. It’s pretty remarkable when you think about it.

If someone comes away after listening to one of our programs inspired to volunteer, help out, or contribute in something that is greater than themselves, I feel we’ve done our job.

To find out more about your local Kingston North Kitsap Rotary Club, www.Kingston-NKRotary.org. To listen to the radio show, visit www.ServiceAboveSelfRadio.org.

— Dr. Thomas Lamar wrote this column for the Rotary Club. He usually writes The Spinal Column for the Community News.