Rotary Reflections 2022

We are all people of many interests. How many “titles” could each of us have? We may have to admit that some of the titles are ones we don’t want to claim! I’m not excited about “cleaning lady”, “weed puller”, and “chief cook” to name a few. However, you can call me quilter, reader, or volunteer and I’ll be right there!

While I worked in the computer lab at Atlanta High School, I was often found with a book in my hand. I didn’t read every book in the school library, but I did go down the alphabet to find my next “read.” And then those years at the Atlanta Public Library when I put the books back in order, and so many came home with me.

I’ve been struggling to read Coming Out of the Ice by Victor Herman, his autobiography about his time in Russia. I won’t try to condense what it’s about other than to say his story illustrates the worst of times and the best of times (surviving). I’m amazed at his survival during some tough prison time.

Then I picked up “Rotary” and what articles do I see but stories about Rotary in the Ukraine, clubs there, and its members. Talk about resilience as they reflected on serving the needs of their people during tough times. And we think Covid was a tough time for us when we didn’t have to wonder if there were land mines underfoot, food to go around, medicines to meet the needs, etc.

We have been so blessed to grow up in the great USA where we can continue to clean, weed and cook because we have a place to live with those needs! Rotary reminds us that we are about making a difference and service above self. Please let me know about needs in our community. It’s not about doing for others as much as doing WITH others to make a difference.

Yes, trash remains and we’ll continue to work our two miles to make a real difference in that arena. Come join us at Atlanta High School on the 30th to effect change there…and help me celebrate my birthday!

As always, call me if you have any questions about Rotary here. We meet the third Thursday evening (6:00) at Luigi’s to learn, grow, motivate, and help our county see the difference Rotary can make! (903) 691-9717)