Well, here it is. A new Rotary year is before us. Last week was a lot of fun. I hope I did not go too far with anyone in my jesting. I wanted to share with everyone a little of my journey and make the point what a great group we have here. If we all get aboard to accomplish a single goal, nothing will stop us. We are blessed with such an array of talent and skill sets.

 

I want to briefly repeat our goals for the year.

 

First, our District has set a goal of four new net members for the year. Brian Garrett, our membership chair, has said we are much better than the average club. Our goal is to have a net gain of at least ten!

 

Second, we do have a great Shrimp Boil Chair this year. Scott Ferry has set a goal of an increase of 10% over last year. Let’s make this happen. My thoughts are we can do better in sponsorships and we need to get Lisa better auction items.

 

Next, David Nicks has agreed to chair a committee to explore a large, local, multi-year project. Lisa, Rod, Scott, and I are all aboard with this. There will be room on this committee for anyone who wants to be a part of this. It is essential that we get input throughout the club and buy-in with all our members.

 

Also Diane Hill has agreed to chair a committee to implement Dolly Parton’s book charity. This is a program that gives books to children every month till they are five. Our new Governor, Lisa Faith Massey, has asked that we look into literacy projects. This of course, fits the bill. It is important for children to own books. Learning to read well and early will help students do well and stay in school.

 

We have also implemented an Ethics committee. The reason for this is two fold. First, it gives our club people that we can bounce issues off of if someone has an ethically quandary. Secondly, it is to used for conflict resolution. The committee can be used to facilitate these type of issues. I have posted in club runner the actual tasks this committee is to perform. Doug Raymer has agreed to chair this committee. Peter Cammarano and Mike Stobel have agreed to serve as members. Doug will determine if more are needed.

 

Lastly, we instituted a new award. The Good Samaritan Award. Again, I have posted what this award is about on Club Runner. The first GS Award went to Lucy Pendon.

 

I want to thank everyone for their support and kind words. Many people have told me they are willing to help me in any way they can. That means a lot.

 

We have a great club.

 

This week we have an IT program with Raymond Moore out of Houston. Come on out and enjoy the fellowship.

 

Be Happy, Do Good!

 

Kenny