A Message from the Club President

The Rotary International (RI) theme for 2007-2008 is “Rotary Shares.” This simple, yet powerful,statement captures so much of what Rotary is all about: unselfish giving of our time, talent and resources toward common goals governed by our commitment to “Service Above Self” and adherence to the Four Way Test:

• Is it the truth?
• Is it fair to all concerned?
• Will it build good will and better friendships?
• Will it be beneficial to all concerned?

If you pause long enough to think about these concepts together you will see how powerful they can be: sharing, service, truth, fairness, good will, and common benefit. However, the real power comes from individuals like you and me who decide to act on these principles. To act means making it a priority to step up and give of ourselves to the programs of our club, and those of RI, to transform the potential good works into reality. Nothing good will happen until each of us takes action!

          I think one other aspect of the RI theme is sharing the success story of Rotary within our community. We don’t get the recognition we deserve – the recognition we need to survive. We must strive to tell the Rotary story often and in as many venues as we can manage. We are members of a unique community service organization with a huge international impact, yet the image we have frequently does not reflect this reality. If you are proud of what our club and RI accomplish, tell someone!

          Lastly, sharing with each other, and enjoying each other’s company, is a very healthy aspect of our Rotary club. Ranging from our weekly luncheon meetings to informal gatherings to more formal parties, the celebrations we share are an important part of our collective Rotary experience. I hope you will join me and your fellow Rotarians at every opportunity to participate in hearty fellowship. If we’re not having fun, then we’re not doing it right!

          I look forward to this upcoming year, working shoulder to shoulder with you in strong fellowship and dedication to making our community and the world a better place.

Steve Slaton

President 2007-2008