We had 7 guests at Rotary today and there was an excellent reason...Nicole Swenson. Nicole was born borderline Down's Syndrome, which included an extensive list of physical and developmental challenges. She overcame all of them and is, in fact, gifted. She graduated from Basehor/Linwood High School in 2004 and despite the edict that she would never succeed in college, she graduated with a Liberal Arts degree from St. Mary's with a 2.8 GPA and honors in community service. She has since earned certification in American Sign Language from Johnson County Community College and earned a full-time job in the Leavenworth school district as a para. It's the job she's always wanted, working with youth just like her who can overcome adversity.

"Having a disability gives us challenges, but we all have gifts. Writing is mine," she said. And it is absolutely true. Even the people closest to her were skeptical when she was adamant that she would write her own book. She spent four months writing one for children. Mime for Michael is a nonfiction book about Nicole's great uncle who was deaf and succeeded beyond his limitation. "Every child can succeed past his disability." That's how she created the I Can series of books. Her great uncle grew through his disability, Nicole continues to grow through hers and she wants to empower others to do the same. "It's about real kids with real disabilities and how they can achieve their dreams," she said.

She thanked her mom and dad for their belief in and support of her. She also credits the paras who worked with her through school. Nicole praised their influence on her life, helping with her study habits and her organizational skills.

There will be up to 12 books in the I Can series, each one modeled after someone who has impacted her life, whether it's her uncle who inspired her or a person she has helped in her work. Tate Publishing will publish Nicole's second book in the series in the spring of 2014. Her books will be available through book stores on July 30.

Thank you, Donna for introducing us to Nicole. She's truly an inspiration and we will see her again soon. Contact her at http://ican.tateauthor.com

Rotary Business:

  • Don's hardhat came in handy...he got the last laugh as a shot was tangled in a tree and landed on his head at this year's Rotary Golf Tournament.
  • If one of your golfers has not paid for their time on the green, please encourage them to do so...
  • The annual dues are...due...if you did not receive the invoice, please let us know so we can get it to you.
  • Next week we will have our meeting at Collyn's place from 5-8pm. There will be smoked pork sandwiches, drinks and all the lawn and garden advice you can handle...bring a friend.
  • The Royal Barkis baby was born yesterday. Will's wife Priya gave birth to Vhausaheb William Barkis. Kay will be on nanny duty for the better part of a year, so Marvin is accepting meals.
  • Collyn contributed a Happy Dollar (he wasn't specific), which prompted several more Rotarians to pass down their dollars. Looks like Craig works his magic even when he can't make the meeting.

Guest List:

  • Nicole Swenson (Donna)
  • Stephanie Swenson (Donna)
  • Cindy Apple (Collyn)
  • Tara Allen
  • Rebecca Burton
  • Connie Nickel
  • Kaden Allen (Kiersten)
  • Patrick Harris (Sandy)
  • Phyllis Peterson (Collyn)

Next Week:

  • No noon meeting (some of us will be @ TimberCreek for lunch anyway)
  • Meet at Collyn's between 5-8