I hope everyone had a fun and relaxing weekend. May is Youth Service Month. It is a time where we, as Rotarians, celebrate accomplishments and encourage a service mind-set to young people in our communities. The Denver/Lake Norman Rotary does this almost every month, in my opinion, but May is filled with a few more evident events. For example, did you know that we award three $1000 scholarships to three high school seniors at North Lincoln, East Lincoln and Lincoln Charter Schools? The students must submit an essay on what service means to them. Then we get to present the scholarships at various ceremonies. It seems like so little but that money can be just what is needed to take some financial burden off of the student and/or their families by being enough to cover books or help to secure housing. (Have you seen how much housing costs have risen on college campuses and in their supported towns recently?)
We also will be supporting students with our 2nd of two school beautification projects coming up this weekend at Catawba Springs Elementary School. Think of the mindset that can be created when young people enter a lovely learning environment versus one covered in red clay and weeds. It seems somewhat trivial but I know how I feel when looking at a well tended garden versus one that is overgrown and unkempt. There is less anxiety AND it teaches the students to take pride in their schools, their work and in their communities. Children look to adults for guidance and direction. So, thank you to everyone that will come out this weekend to hopefully brighten their days and their spirits!
These are just two examples of all of the good we have been doing. One area of opportunity I see where we can do even more is to get into the schools early to assist educators in creating service minded people. Be it with an Early-Act program in elementary schools or an Interact Club in a middle school. We can also participate more in the RYLA program (Rotary Youth Leadership Awards) and Interact clubs in High Schools. If we want to help guide future leaders with a focus on Peace Building and Conflict Resolution we have to be willing to put in the energy now. We are and can continue to be beacons and help Create Hope in the World and show everyone the Magic of Rotary!
See you on Wednesday!
Andie
Trudie Crawford, Denver/Lake Norman Rotary International Chair Talks about ShelterBox
Trudie, pictured with President Andie Taylor, spoke at the May 1st meeting.
Charlie led the way celebrating his trip to Columbus, OH in honor of his grandson’s graduation.
Rich spoke favorably of his wife’s speaking today and their Hawaii trip. He also applauded Vickie’s dog sitting services.
Joanie put in some for honoring her late husband Richard and to celebrate ShelterBox.
Jim Perry thanked everyone for their participation in the school beautification project and recognized his wife Debbie for all her help in organizing the projects.
Mike celebrated his granddaughter’s graduation and his upcoming trip to Gainesville, he also plugged a softball tournament.
Craig spoke about his guest last week and the highlight of taking her to Rescue Squad Park to show her our Rotary clock and the photo she took of it to take back to Connecticut.
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