My favorite movie is Secondhand Lions. I claim it because, when I tell certain stories from my life, I can see people deciding whether they believe me.
For a time, I worked under contract with the U.S. State Department’s Bureau of Diplomatic Security. I instructed surveillance detection teams whose job was to watch for suspicious activity around American embassies, consulates, missions, and personnel. Those teams had to notice what most people would walk past and know when to report it or respond.
When I say “State Department,” it probably brings to mind something more glamorous than hours spent teaching people to pay attention. But that was the point. The work mattered most when a team recognized a threat early enough to help keep people safe.
My life has taken me from that work to Rotary meetings on Wednesday mornings, with quite a few unexpected stops in between. It may sound like an odd route. To me, the connection is clear: wherever we find ourselves, we can pay attention to the people around us and do something useful with what we notice.
Next week, I’ll tell you about another part of that work that has stayed with me.
Until next Wednesday, I hope something good happens because you were there.
Ross
Denver/Lake Norman Rotary Welcomes its Newest Member, Beth Branham
An induction ceremony for Beth (pictured here with Sponsor Craig Buhrendorf and Membership Chair and Mentor, Cindy Guldy) was held at the September 23rd meeting.
Final Opportunity to Contribute to Operation Warm 2026 - Coats and Hoodies for Foster Kids
At the September 23rd meeting, Denver/Lake Norman Rotarians wrote personal notes to the foster kids that will be receiving coats and hoodies this year, hopefully making a difference in their lives and showing that someone really cares about them.
This is Denver/Lake Norman Rotary's eighth year working 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. Older children will receive hoodies since they much prefer them to actual coats.
The committee is headed up by Cathy Smiley and will raise money until the end of 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.
Happy Bucks 9/23/2026
Courtesy of Alacia Tarplay
Ross gave for a great beach trip, his 20th year and Naples Four season resort room was top five of his life, didn’t get to the beach, but he had a lot of fun with some “Garden and Gun” Bourbon aficiondos and friends.
Joanie had an outstanding trip to Switzerland, great weather, people were great and even saw the famous cow parade.
Matt gave for his son Tyler, a junior this year at East Lincoln High School, who was given the Bronze Congressional Award for 100 hours of volunteer service much through our Rotary group, 50 personal development hours and 50 organizing a trip. Thanks to Rotary for helping out.
Cathy gave for her family is going to Disney after this meeting, to celebrate her daughter’s 27th Birthday will be heading to Epcot center and wine festival…but Kathy is more excited to see the family’s reaction to specialized tee shirts she had made.
Craig gave for the summer long re-piping project as the final vendor had completed its work and he also gave for the ladies at his table that allowed him to sit with them.
Jim gave for a $300,000 Global Grant project which will finally be submitted and the proceeds will help western NC farmers still affected by Hurricane Helene. Then he and Debbie will be heading to Virginia for a wine tasting vacation.
Andie and Jason's Home
