Beasley's Bits

Outgoing President Brad Beasley "Bonaparte" (ing)

"This is the end

Beautiful friend

This is the end

My only friend, the end

Of our elaborate plans, the end

Of everything that stands, the end

No safety or surprise, the end

I'll never look into your eyes...again" - The Doors

While it is not as loathsome as Jim Morrison put it, it is sad that I will not represent you as your president anymore. I am honored to have served as your president. It has been an interesting and fun year. We had several goals as a board for this year, and I am happy to report that we have met all of our goals and objectives. We implemented a new procedure related to the high school students. We changed our focus to Junior level students and started offering 3 scholarships to the students. It was amazing to hear the essays they wrote. I was most impressed that one of the speeches inspired next year's board to adopt the slogan of "I will do it." The changes to the students and their amazing attendance really changed the dynamic of our meetings. I saw much more interaction with the students, and we got them involved in several of our projects. Next year I hope to see this continue, and with little tweaks, be even better.

Our club met our Rotary goals by receiving the Presidential Citation with distinction, and we were recognized as the non-profit of the month by the Chamber of Commerce. Ok, the last one may have been an inside job, as the current chamber president and the Chamber CEO are both members, but I will take it anyway!! Our Dress the Child events, Hospice Yard Sale, and dictionaries were massive successes, proving that our club can really come together and make these events special. Speaking of special events, we are having our first Rotary Awards DInner on the 21st. We have several awards to give out, and we have a few surprises, also.

I am not very good at writing these columns. It is hard for me to express in words the joy that being president has brought. I hope that, through our fun at meetings and the events, you feel we had a successful year. The new board has some fantastic ideas, and I am sure will exceed the goals that they have set.

It has been a pleasure.

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