As I'm writing this, I see mounds of snow lying patiently on my driveway, just waiting to be violently thrown from it's peace by my new, very masculine, heavy duty snow blower (insert Tim 'The Toolman' Taylor's grunt here), onto a new location a mere few feet away.  I actually was on top of the snow removal all day so that I may be able to exit our residence should my wife decide to conveniently go into labor during the Blizzard of 2016.  Since I didn't stay at a Holiday Inn last night, I am not comfortable in my ability to deliver a baby and am quite happy that I did not have to do my best Doogie Howser impersonation (some of you will not get that one).  In fact, I enjoyed the weekend of the never-ending beauty that only snow can provide, watching my 2 year old daughter play with absolute joy in the white stuff.  It is these moments that we live for and that we remember forever.

 

Unfortunately, my experience was certainly not shared by all.  In fact, many went without power while others were stuck on an Interstate all weekend.  Roofs caved and houses were flooded.  Memories of the Blizzard of 2016 for these families, as well as those already less fortunate living on the fringe of society will be far different than mine. 

 

This is why we are called to serve as Rotarians above self.  This is why we support our local community, and donate to organizations that provide vital support to the cause of helping a hand to those in need.  This month brings another set of great speakers from Mike Cross to go with the always delicious Annual Valentine's Day lunch, and we end the month by inviting those community organizations that we support to join us in a meeting.  We will be providing our charitable donations to them at that time, and it is with your dedicated effort that this occurs.  Thank you.

 

The Club assembly held in January hopefully provided the transparency of operations to all members. The poll conducted was well received, and the results suggest that while there is always room for improvement, general consensus is that we are on track.  I value the wonderful ideas shared during the process and the Board will be discussing them as we move forward.  Special congratulations to Mary Brunski and Ken Giffhorn, who were nominated and approved to be our next VP and Board Director for the 2016-17 year.  Your service is welcomed.

 

The Buck-a-Book kickoff was a success, and special thanks to Rick Coplen for his continued efforts with this campaign.  An educated society starts with the kids and encouraging the habit of reading.  If the prison population estimate for the future is determined by calculating how many 3rd graders are illiterate, then we need to do our best to ensure these kids can read.  The Buck-a-Book campaign is a wonderful program that helps this initiative. 

 

Also, don't forget to read the District Newsletter.  District Governor John Kramb does a great job of keeping us informed on Rotary activities so please check it out.