My wish for you is that you and your family and friends have a Happy and Healthy New Year, full of service to others!

 

It is hard to believe that this Rotary year is at the halfway point. As I reflect on the first six months, i am grateful for all we have accomplished and it has been heart warming to be with so many of you during the official visits.

 

January is Vocational Service Month, and it makes me think about the skills that we possess and how they can help us serve our clubs and our communities. Last spring, we held the Homelessness and Hunger Showcase where we asked the non-profits in attendance how Rotary could help them with their mission. This was meant to be at a professional skill level such as accounting, carpentry, marketing, social media, technology and so many other areas. Maybe it is time to revisit this concept again. If you are interested in volunteering and utilizing your vocational skills, please reach out to a non-profit that would benefit from your knowledge and experience. Think about the shelters and food pantries that serve our homeless and hungry or with your favorite non-profit and Make a Difference!

 

Between the holidays, my wife Joni and I dropped off a load of sweatshirts, sweaters, pants and coats to St. Francis House and it reminded me of how we can help others with just a little extra effort. The young men who helped us unload were thrilled and hopeful that there was something that would help them stay warm during this prolonged cold spell. The next day, when I was meeting with a young man helping me plan the World Peace and Understanding Dinner, I showed him the video that was created during Dave Manzi's year about the Homelessness and Hunger Initiative. As usual, it brought tears of both sadness and joy to my eyes. There is so much to do but I believe that Rotary has and will continue to make the extra effort. Even if you have seen the video before, I encourage you to view it again, and be motivated to serve those who need so much as part of your New Year's resolutions.  Click here to watch the HHI Video!

 

Thank you again for the great work you do every day. It matters and is Making a Difference!