Our first meeting of the new Rotary year got off to a rousing start, thanks to Harry Tomlinson and Vivian Childs. Rotarian Harry Tomlinson loosened up the audience with some witty “Sunshine.” It was a great way to transition into our program which was Vivian Childs. Vivian received a standing ovation after her inspiring speech which ended with her poem, “I Am An American.” Her speech and poem offered hope and possibilities for facing the future and its challenges. As Vivian pointed out, we can overcome our challenges best when we work together as a team. Thank you Harry and Vivian.
As we begin this new year of service to the local community and the world, let’s not forget why we are Rotarians. We joined Rotary to serve and make a difference. But the difference we make through or service, will be because we “Serve To Change Lives.” Ours is a life of service. Marian Wright Edelman reminded us that, “Service is the rent we pay for being. It is the very purpose of life, and not something you do in your spare time.”
We were reminded once again just how fragile life is with the passing of Rotarian John Glenn. Let us keep his family in our thoughts and prayers.