Last week certainly was another busy but substantive meeting! I thoroughly enjoyed spending time with our District Governor - Sean Gibson, and a few of our board members Tuesday evening at my farm. We spent good quality time eating, and drinking and eating some more but what I enjoyed most was the fellowship in the conversations we all had. We talked about silly Rotary “war” stories and our “Why Rotary”. We also had serious conversation about the state of Rotary, its future as a service organization, the mental health crisis in our nation, and the lack of civility in today’s culture. I assure you - Rotary is not going anywhere. It is dedicated to continuously working for all areas of focus. It will continue to be a beacon of hope when it seems that all hope is lost.
Our meeting August 9th was in a sense a call to action - I have great hope and the evidence that it is not lost I am able to see each time I walk into our meetings. We are an energetic, almost cosmic, force when we do things together. Cohesiveness and a feeling of belonging are what can create hope when it seems all is lost. “Fitting in” is a deep need in our souls. We have an obligation as Rotarians to be pillars of strength supporting one another and our community. The passion and dedication I see from all of you are an inspiration and for that I amincredibly grateful. I get to be included in the presence of great people doing good things. Even the smallest gesture of a hug or a fist bump boosts my spirits. Imagine what hope we can create in the world if we just take the time to check on one another and be kind!?! The results can have a snowball effect and be contagious. So continue to get out there doing great things and perhaps try a few new things that will leave the spirits of others lifted and provide you with a feeling of pride and accomplishment. We are HOPE!
Andie
District 7670 Governor Sean Gibson Speaks at Denver/Lake Norman Rotary
At the August 9th meeting Sean shared Rotary International President Gordon R. McInally's 2023-2024 theme "Create Hope in the World" and suggested that Denver/Lake Norman Rotary members add mental health awareness to its areas of focus during this Rotary year.
Sean with Assistant District Governor Tracey Petroski and Denver/Lake Norman Rotary President Andie Taylor
Attention, Rotarians! You can support Asbury Academy’s students and staff by donating school supplies. Asbury is a public alternative school in Lincolnton that serves kids in grades 7 through 12.
Please bring supplies to Denver/Lake Norman Rotary's 8/16 and 8/23 meetings so that they can be delivered to Asbury Academy. Click on "Read more..." below for a list of items needed for each student.
This is Denver/Lake Norman Rotary's fifth year working with Operation Warm to provide a new winter coat for every child in foster care in Lincoln County. The club purchases coats that keep infants, children, teens and young adults (birth to 21 years) warm all winter. The recipients get to pick the color of the coat that they desire and their Social Worker provides the size for ordering and then, delivers the coat to the child. For 2023 older children will receive hoodies since they much prefer them to actual coats.
This year the committee is headed up by Cathy Smiley with assistance from Charlie Bohlen, Norma Bohlen, and Sherry Reinhardt. The committee will raise money for approximately one month with this year's deadline in early September so that orders can be placed with our various suppliers.
Please make checks out to the Denver/Lake Norman Rotary Club Foundation with "Operation Warm" on the memo line, so that your contribution can be tax deductible. Businesses, neighbors and friends are also welcomed and encouraged to donate.
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