Reflections
Why do we feel like things are “getting back to normal” when the school bells ring? I’ve been out of school more years than I was ever in, and yet that seems the case for me. And I’m old enough to realize that “normal” doesn’t exist! Oh, how easily we are deluded!
One thing that has happened the last two years is the Atlanta Area Rotary Club’s RUN. Because of the celebration our city is having that just “happens” to coincide with the “2nd Saturday in September” RUN date, it’s called Run for 150. All are invited to run, wearing beards or not! And no extra points if you are!
In an attempt to beat the heat, the real RUN starts at 7 a.m. at Price‘s Hardware Store. (Some of us are doing the FUN RUN (walk 1 mi) at 8:30. Come join me.) I guess the starting point doesn’t really matter (since Woods Park will be filling with vendors) since 5K is 5K regardless. I trust Curt Bates has that figured out. The RUN this year will benefit various youth programs of the Atlanta Area Rotary Club. We’ve given over $200,000 to various area seniors to help with college dreams, excited Juniors with a “life-changing” weekend leadership experience (RYLA is Rotary Youth Leadership Award), and have helped with Queen City High School’s Interact Club (truth is, they help us pick up trash 5 times a year) plus any other ways that we hear about and can help. Many of our area businesses have helped with this endeavor and we’re always happy to accept more money. Just ask Curt at Price’s. Go to Runsignup.com to register or stop by Price’s to sign up to run or donate.
Rotary is more than just local. Each Rotary club puts it’s own stamp on who they are, but we all unite under the International banner and reach out in so many ways into the world. One unique thing about Rotary is its Foundation. The ROI is fantastic: For every dollar I donate to them, it ALL comes back internationally, district-wide or locally to benefit programs be it water wells, sanitation,hygiene, education, fighting disease (polio, also), promoting peace, supporting local economies, saving mothers and children and protecting the environment. Whew, that’s an impressive list.
Speaking of polio, did you know that polio was detected in New York this month? We’ve always said “it’s a plane ride away” and that’s too close. In fact, according to Bloomberg, the NY 20-year old had been to Europe. I sure do hope Cass Countians are protected. Normally children receive the 4 vaccinations between 2 months to 6 years old. Wars tend to make it difficult for polio workers to get into all parts of the world (think Afghanistan, Pakistan and now Ukraine).Rotary has made a promise to eradicate the world of polio, and it has faced many challenges, but we’re aren’t quitting! What started in 1979 in the Philippines is still going strong.
If you want to be a part of our club, come join us at Luigi’s the 3rd Thursday of the month at 6 p.m. Give me a call if you want more info. (903) 691-9717 Or just come walk with me and I’ll tell you all about Rotary!