Hope that everyone was able to get out and enjoy that little taste of Spring that Mother Nature gave us yesterday! That’s typically what the month of March gives us though…little snippets of what’s to come, and that’s what keeps us going, right? Another motive to get the month of March going, was today’s wonderful meeting, and I’ll tell you all about it!
We all stood as President Bruce invited us to join him in saying The Pledge. The cozy side room at Brew and Brats was filled with harmony and fervor, as we sang America, The Beautiful, led by Jack. Sue gave a fervent Blessing, as she prayed that The Lord would help us to remember the Four-Way Test, as we endeavor to serve others. She prayed, too, that we be given that commitment to always follow The Golden Rule. We were pleasantly greeted by Jo, as we arrived at Brew and Brats this noon. Our guest was Coach Jim Johnson, who gave us today’s Program, via Zoom. The Rotary Moment was given by Robin. There were 22 Members attending today’s Meeting, both on-line and in person.
Here are the updates and announcements that were shared this noon.
*Sherry said that many donations are coming in for the Trout Derby. Micah added that the Sign-Up Sheet will put out the day of the Derby. We were shown an example of a trophy.
*Sherry noted that a tentative schedule for the Walk of Life has been formed. July 10, July 16, July 23, and July 30 are the dates being considered for WOL Events. The WOL Committee needs to get together. (The Committee met today after the regular meeting).
*Rose stated that the Town wishes for us to remove the remainder of the items (from LUN) from the Memorial Town Hall. Kristin, Ben, and Pat will do this tomorrow afternoon.
*John pointed out that “Membership Monday”, a District Event, will take place this evening, via Zoom.
*Jack reminded us that the District Training Assembly will be April 9th at Honeoye Central School. The Club is assessed for six people at a cost of $15 each.
* Skip asked that the date for the Spring Dinner be added. That will be April 25th at the VFW.
* “We enjoy much fellowship, and there are many projects coming up,” said Pres. Bruce. He added that we could be very impactful, (to our community), and it enhances our relationship with other Rotarians when we become involved.
“Dreams really do come true!” That was the theme of today’s excellent Program provided by Coach Jim Johnson, High School Basketball Coach at Greece Athena. Being that he is also a Motivational Speaker. This thread naturally created a commonality between him and our own Pres. Bruce. Coach Johnson’s story unfolded, as we learned today, how he encouraged a unique student, known as “J. Mac”. “What we all want to do in life is shine,” began Coach. His story told of how he helped J. Mac reach his potential through encouragement and perseverance. You see, J. Mac is on the Autism Spectrum, and his smaller stature didn’t qualify him to play on his school’s basketball team. Coach, however, made him the Team Manager, and this was the start of a dream that would come true for this young man! Before Coach Jim gave his presentation, we saw footage of a wild and wonderful moment for Greece Athena, when a certain team member scored winning points to help his team win a tight game, with only moments left in the game. That team member was J. Mac, and then Coach began to tell his story…
As Team Manager, J was very supportive of his team and displayed a great deal of school spirit. He always looked for ways to help his team, though it was his goal to one day be able to play with them. Though he didn’t make Varsity as a Junior, Coach promised him that he would try to get him in, at some point. Ideas were shared by the team as to how they could unite, and how they could play a great game. This past February, J received his first jersey! As the game became more and more intense, with just about 4 minutes left, the words echoed throughout, “We want J. Mac!” And with that, Coach brought him in! J thought about his idol, Kobe Bryant, and he became motivated! Launching the ball into the basket during those last critical moments not only helped his team to win the game, but his dream of playing one day with the team became a reality! They became the Section Five Champs! “The next day, there was not much teaching!” recalled Coach. “We just kept watching the replay of the game!”
For J (Jason), his best memory was encapsulated within those last exhilarating few moments of that exciting game. Media coverage for him didn’t matter. As for his future, J hopes to continue to be involved with coaching. “What you did goes far beyond basketball!” said Jack in referring to Coach Jim’s support and encouragement of this young man. Coach added that winning the Section 5 Championship was, indeed, memorable, but nothing compared to the perseverance and enthusiasm of J, who “profoundly touched his heart and soul”! As Coach Jim’s talk came to a close, President Bruce challenged each of us to shine our light on someone too!
Lots of Happy Bills were given in appreciation of today’s Program! We are inspired by educators like Coach Johnson, who see the potential in every student, and who work to bring out the best in each one of them! We are grateful for Our Club, as well!
Robin brought us today’s Rotary Moment from her new location in Owego. During her recent move, she had been cleaning house, and she came across a Rotary Magazine from December 2019. Contained in it was an article about Ghana, where her granddaughter worked. She also talked about the recent article in the March 2022 Issue about Girls Empowered. Robin is pleased to know that Rotary is in partnership with USAID!
In closing today’s Meeting, Pres. Bruce asked, “What does shine your light look like?” Perhaps it is in being able to see the good, and the potential in every person that we meet, and from that platform, working to help others, whenever we can. Have a great week, all! See you next Monday, March 14th, for our Evening Meeting.
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