What a wonderful month to be a part of the Rotary Club of Carlisle!  The 'Bring a Guest to Rotary' day brought the largest crowd for a meeting that I have seen since being a member! We had 30 guests and all had a great time.  Senator Pat Vance came to visit, and her thoughts about the current state of politics, as well as ideas to help improve PA, were honest and practical.  She will be missed as our Senator. Last but by no means the least, we recognized Alden Cunningham as this year's Four Way Test nominee for all the great things he has done for the community and Rotary.  Thanks to Alden and all past nominees!

 

Continuing the month was the Career Fair at the Carlisle High School. Bill Blankmeyer has led this march for a while, and really does an amazing job bringing out the volunteers to help guide our young students to learn more about the variety of career opportunities available to them. Thanks Bill! I do hope Carlisle High School steps up to the plate next year to bring the students en masse to this event considering the quantity of professionals and quality of intellect that is gathered in one room.  The old saying, 'You can bring a horse to water, but can't make it drink' (with the horse as the High school) may be a proper phrase to depict my alma mater's participation this year, but I'm confident the Herd will be back in full force next fall.

 

The Rotary Club of Carlisle's Community Service day was held at the Stuart Community Center on the 23rd.  We put on our painter's hats for the morning and added a much needed fresh coat of paint for the Borough.  We worked hard and enjoyed a few good laughs while getting the job done.  Thanks to all who participated!

 

On May 1st, the Rotary Club of Carlisle turns 95!  Our very own, Mike Cross, will be presenting on what it was like back in 1921 when he first joined the Club...(just kidding Mike - I have no desire to have a Marine angry at me).  This month brings us classification talks to get to know our new members better, as well as the District Conference, and the beginning of the flower season in downtown Carlisle!  Those flowers really do add a beautiful touch.  Thanks to Cindy Gleim-Pool and all who will be helping to put up and water the flowers!

 

As the Rotary year is winding down, with only two more months left, I would be remiss to remind all members that have not yet contributed to the Rotary Foundation to consider doing so.  One of our Club's goals is that all members contribute something to the Foundation.  We call this 'Every Rotarian, Every Year', or EREY. 

 

I know many of you plan to give during May or June each year, but also for those newer members that may not be aware, I ask you to consider the Rotary Foundation as part of your annual charitable giving.  Charity Navigator, America's largest independent charity evaluator, gives The Rotary Foundation 4 stars(out of 4) and a 96.31 out of 100 rating, being recognized in the Top 10 of 'The Best Charities Everyone's Heard Of'. 

 

Please note that contributions to the Rotary Foundation helps the 34,000 clubs across the globe develop and carry out sustainable humanitarian projects and provide scholarships and professional training opportunities that promote peace, fight disease, provide clean water, sustain mothers and children, improve education, and strengthen local economies. The Foundation is a worldwide leader in the efforts to eradicate polio, and we are almost there.  Your generosity is greatly appreciated and makes a difference.

 

 

 

As always, I thank all of you for what you do.