Dear Rotarians,

A huge thank you to those that organized and hosted our Christmas party last week! I believe there is such a value in meeting up with each other in a different, social setting where we can get to know each other at a deeper level. When our friendships become substantial, it locks us in together with more desire and purpose for us to fulfil our mission of doing good in our community and in the world. Thank you to Roseanne and Betsy in organizing the party and to Helen and Brad for hosting us. We as a club really appreciate your efforts to make it a special evening.

Last Wednesday we had Beth Stubbs speak to us in her role as the District 6780 Foundation Chair. I thought she did an outstanding job of helping us see where our foundation money is at work and how we can leverage small amounts or our money with other clubs and the foundation to tackle projects large and small around the world. I also enjoyed seeing how other clubs in our district are doing with their grants and projects as well as their fundraising!

This week our speaker will be Bill Robinson who is a personal friend of Phil Smartt. Mr. Robinson's story is that of his personal experience as a POW survivor of the Vietnam War. I'm sure it will be a riveting account that you will not want to miss.

Lastly, I will not be present for the next two meetings. Vice President Gale Williams is fighting the flu so I have asked President-Elect Chris Neighbors to fill in for me. I know that both meetings will go off without a hitch and you are in the best of hands with Chris and the leaders of the board.