Dear Rotarians:

Welcome to Rotary year 2016-17 and our second Fireside Chat.

I hope you noticed that my dog Buddy has joined me at the fire.  He didn’t catch any rabbits or lizards and is pretty tuckered out.

Have you ever asked yourself: Why am I a Rotarian?

I have and here is what I discovered.
 
I was raised in the rural Midwest where people really care about their neighbors.  Where we depend on each other to get things done. Where you help your neighbor when times are tough – without thought of gain.
 
 
After I joined Rotary, I soon came to understand I knew very little about Rotary but the standards upon which Rotary was built and functions – are those same basic values I grew up with in rural Illinois.
 
It did not take long for me to realize that Rotary is so much more than a club. It is an entity the takes its roots seriously and works every day to make a difference in the lives of others who need either a little or a lot of help. It is an entity of hope to millions of people in the world, yet works at it – one person at a time.
 
Why am I a Rotarian? – Because I choose to be! – I want to be a part of this wonderful, fun-loving and giving “Family.” I want to care about others. I want to help my neighbors when they need it whether it is across the street or around the world. I want to be true to my roots and I truly believe in the life changing
“power of one.”
 
That said, one might ask, Are you a Rotarian yet? –  I would answer, I hope so.
I work at it every day – I make every effort to have my actions reflect the high standards of Rotary and to be a integral part of my life. I’m trying to be a productive member in this group we call the “Family of Rotary.”