Last month was a five-hitter, with that many meetings due to the equal number of Thursdays during March.  We had speakers representing Dickinson College, the US Army War College, the Central PA Youth Ballet, Carlisle High School, and the Cumberland County Historical Society.  After reflecting upon this great group of speakers, there are two words that come to my mind:  Unique and Special.  It is the first word that bestows upon the latter but they are inseparable when in the context of our community. 

 

It is very easy to get used to our surroundings, and the normalcy of things becomes relative.  When I have the opportunity to speak with others that visit Carlisle, they use words like charming, beautiful, and say that it would be a wonderful place to live.  A website, Strongtown.com, is currently hosting a 'tournament of towns' across the US in conjunction with the NCAA basketball tourney that will ultimately come up with a winner for the 'Best small town in the USA'.  As of this writing, Carlisle has made the Final Four!  It was only a few weeks ago that the Carlisle High School basketball team was making their run in the PIAA state playoffs.  Their team motto was "All In".

 

It is unique to have a Dickinson College in a community.  It is unique to have an Army War College.  It is unique to have the CPYB.  These institutions of learning and prestige all in one small town community is uncommon.  You would be hard-pressed to find a corvette owner that does not know where Carlisle is due to the Carlisle Events and car shows, or an Army historian unfamiliar with the Army Heritage Education Center.  The wonderful Historical Society documents our unique history and it's impact on our Country.  The Carlisle downtown is, to steal an adjective from those that visit, charming, with many shops and restaurants, churches, and courthouse. All of these are unique on their own, but taken 'All In', is what makes this community special.

 

Sure, like any community or family unit, we have our issues to improve upon, but we do so together.  The Rotary Club of Carlisle is just one organization in this thriving community that helps improve upon where we are now and where we are going.  In fact, most of us are members of other organizations sharing in the pursuit of changing the community landscape that is better for all.  What better way to get to know leaders in this unique community than to become a Rotarian.  We are veterans, business owners, executive directors, board members, professionals, and engaged 'All In' the community.

 

The month of April begins with our 'Bring a Guest' to Rotary meeting on the 7th.  We will be have having Louie Sheetz, co-Founder of Sheetz, come to speak, and later in the month Senator Pat Vance will be with us. Last fall I encouraged all of you to 'Pay it Forward' and bring a guest.  We had 12 guests that learned about our unique Club in this unique town, and many actually became members. 

 

I write to you today as a member of our Club since 2007.  I am a better member of our community as a result of being involved in Rotary.  I know more people and have a greater network of those who believe in the Four Way Test and make a difference.  I enjoy it.  Thursday meetings are educational and fun.  I like seeing familiar faces each week to break bread with, enjoy a few laughs, some good conversation, and be a part of something that is bigger than me.  It's why I'm a Rotarian.  It's why I am 'All In'.  What about you?

 

 

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