From the Governor's Desk - November 18, 2013

As we progress toward the Holidays, we should take the time to look at the things we are thankful for.  We belong to a world wide organization that specializes in putting service first.  As Rotarians we have the unique opportunity to help, not only our local communities, but also to be a force for peace in the world.  I recently read an article that stated:  How can we expect peace to come when there is hunger, sickness and unsanitary living conditions in a large part of our world.  I think that the author of that article got it right.  But all is not lost, in Rotary we CAN make a difference.  We can work to help those who need clean water, food and health care.  We CAN be a force for change AND peace.  How?  We can take the time to read about what is being done for others in our Rotarian magazine and look for ways to join the fight for peace.  We can help fight Polio through donations.  We can fight for clean water and better living conditions through the use of our District and Global Grants AND we can donate whenever and whatever we are able to the Rotary Foundation to help other Rotarians join our fight.

So as we are sitting at our tables with our Thanksgiving meal spread before us, let's take a minute to be truly thankful that we have the advantages we do and let's take another minute to really think about how we can help those that don't.

I wish all of you a healthy and happy Thanksgiving and, whatever Holiday you celebrate, I wish you joy and PEACE.