Many of you know about my “storied” past, but for newer members, some things, and an abbreviation I will use herein: LSSAM, which means, “Long Story Short; Ask Me Later if you are interested.”
I’m a Catholic priest; Tuesday was my 48th anniversary of ordination. I have been high school teacher, and trained as a lithographic photographer, printer, and proofreader (LSSAM); had 10 years’ full-service hand bookkeeping experience; and attended college in Manitowoc as the only male student for four years. (LSSAM).
After Theology in Washington DC and ordination, wherever I have lived and ministered, I have been president of ministers’ alliances; was a civilian chaplain at the Redstone Arsenal (AL); and have been board member or president of organizations dealing with teen suicide, mental health, domestic violence, and hospice. I and one other professional brought the Elko County (NV) youth suicide rate from the highest in the country to zero in nine months (LSSAM).
As hobbies, I have enjoyed photography, electronics, and computers, and have assembled my own stereo system, digital grandfather clock, and my first radio transceiver as ham radio operator WA9FOE. For eight years I taught and called square dance for three clubs in two states (LSSAM). One of my mom’s recipes I made won the blue ribbon at the Elko County Fair -- the same county in which I was named Citizen of the Year in 1986.
I joined Rotary in October 2000 and have been a member of Rotary clubs in three states as committees’ chair, President, Assistant District Governor and Foundation coordinator. As a member of this club since 2016 I have been Secretary; and am starting my third year as Treasurer. It pleases me greatly to be part of Rotary, and associate with so many -- as I call you -- “first class human beings.”