Harvey, Mexico City, Irma, Marie, Las Vegas. The last few months have been filled with disastrous and catastrophic weather events and now senseless violence that leave 59 dead. It's easy to be discouraged in light of these events and find yourself shaking your head as to why would this happen. While the answer to that is above my pay grade, I don't know that there could ever be a better time for Rotary to shine in its mission of serving others above ourselves and doing good in the world. My encouragement to you (and myself) is to reach out beyond your comfort zone to see how we can be instruments of service and good. If our small band of 75 can do this, we will lead by example to those that are watching and in need of someone to take the lead. Let's be leaders in our community of serving and doing good and encourage others do the same.

I want to say thanks to Chris Neighbors and the team for taking care of the meeting last week when we hosted PRIP John Germ. I regret I was not at the meeting but I knew everything was in great hands. Chris told me that PRIP Germ told several stories about places he has been with Rotary and the impact that Rotary has had. He stated in regards to  things he saw that although we weren't physically there, we were there in spirit because our club gives to the Rotary Foundation. He said he has been blessed to be part of an organization that has had such a powerful impact on people around the world and that there is still much to be done.

This week we have the pleasure of hosting Dr. Bryan Johnson, the new Superintendent of the Hamilton County Department of Education. I look forward to hearing from Dr. Johnson and what his vision and plans are for the county school system. He's inherited quite a challenge and I'm hopeful he's the man for the job to turn things around for the children of our great community. I know this will be a very informative meeting and I look forward to seeing you there.

President Todd

Announcements:

• First Thursday social is this Thursday at Big River Grille, Hamilton Place - 5:30-7:00pm. The weather looks to be very nice for Thursday, come out and join the crew!
• Hurricane Harvey help - http://rotarydistrict6780.com/hurricane-harvey-donation-information.php 
• Notes on Hurricane Irma - https://blog.rotary.org/2017/09/21/how-rotarians-are-providing-disaster-relief/#more-8126
• We have the opportunity to volunteer with the Chattanooga Foodbank.  Below a link to a doodle poll to ensure we pick the date that will provide the most opportunity for our volunteers.
  • https://doodle.com/poll/g7gfb9t5q759v6m7 
• Pictures for Directory - We are very appreciative that Rotarian Earl Story will have one of his Lifetouch photographers at our club meetings on October 25 and November 15 for our directory. We are wanting the directory to have a professional look to it so take advantage of one of these two days to have your photo taken by these skilled photographers.
• World Polio Day – October 24
• PETS and TRECS - October 14 in Crossville, TN