New Year of Hope!
Posted by Chris Carlson
As we begin a new year, allow us to be genuinely thankful for who we are, what we do, and what we aspire to be.
I am not the sort who readily makes New Years resolutions. A cursory glance at me is adequate in appreciating my fidelity to resolutions, so why bother? But I do resolve every year to try mightily to be my "best true self". It is fitting for us as an organization to reflect and resolve to be our best true selves as well.
Frankly, I couldn't begin to undertake the responsibility of being President of FM-PM Rotary without the burden being shared by all of those around me, whether members, board members, or my support structure at home and beyond. I am blessed to have good people who do great things, and I am aware that some must shoulder more burden than others as you make up for my short-comings and ignorance. Thank you, and bless you one and all!
We have a noteworthy club. We do things! I am proud of our growing bond with Charism. This partnership allows us to have a real and valuable impact on the community, and I know Charism and their client community appreciate it mightily! We also help kids across the whole community with the dictionary program, and people suffering near and far with our support of HERO. Hurrah for such efforts, my friends! Hurrah for FM-PM!
I am humbled by the active participation of members who serve beyond the confines of our club! Rotary Ride, the FM Rotary Foundation, RYLA, District 5580, Zone and International participation - Holy Cow! The desire to BE THE CHANGE IN THE WORLD starts with each of you, and what a wonderful difference you all make!
I challenge everyone to give that little bit to the Rotary Foundation - Kriss Burns is able to guide you if you need help (and her recent email on making an end-of-year donation to the Foundation shows just how easy it is to give!) Matching, as DG Herb Schmidt suggests, the initial gift of Archie Klumph to create the Rotary Foundation by giving $27. (I rounded up - his initial gift was $26 plus change). I ask you this as a Foundation Alumnus. My life was changed by the generous gift of participation in a Foundation program, Group Study Exchange. Because of that experience, I can only imagine how life-changing other programs which provide education, clean water, peace and conflict resolution efforts, polio eradication, and so much more.
The year is just starting, but my year as President is half over. Prior to handing the reigns of this club over to Deb, we will have a Bowling Tournament, perhaps another rummage sale, the district conference, and many delightful meetings. We have a chance to host a Foundation Dinner to recognize donors while raising money for our club and the programs/charities we support. I hope we take on that task! We are strongly suggesting we again try the one-meeting a month of doing a hand's on service project, wherein we work directly with Charism community members at the Great Plains Food Bank. It brings us back to our roots, but also elevates our connection to Charism.
The year is just starting, but my year as President is half over. Prior to handing the reigns of this club over to Deb, we will have a Bowling Tournament, perhaps another rummage sale, the district conference, and many delightful meetings. We have a chance to host a Foundation Dinner to recognize donors while raising money for our club and the programs/charities we support. I hope we take on that task! We are strongly suggesting we again try the one-meeting a month of doing a hand's on service project, wherein we work directly with Charism community members at the Great Plains Food Bank. It brings us back to our roots, but also elevates our connection to Charism.
We are a great club on course to be even greater. I am proud of who we are, what we do, for whom we toil, and the boundless enthusiasm expressed in the process. Thank you for the honor of serving with you in this club. Together, we do indeed do great things.