Compassion and Service to Others

Posted by DANIEL O'CONNELL

Thanks to all those who stepped up to help out during my two week absence, especially Janet Williams, our Treasurer and President-elect. During that period, we had a very well attended after hours meeting, as well as an initiative started on shelter boxes for Haiti, and yeoman's work done on raising funds for the Chili Open . At the last couple of meetings, members bought camperships, either by themselves or chipped in with other Rotarians to purchase one. Thanks for doing that, and if you missed out and want to participate, call the Camp.

At January's trustee meeting, it was decided on your behalf to start an experimental breakfast meeting! We already have an after hours meeting, so this experiment should make our Club more attractive to quality new members. These measures are all geared toward making our Club an easy club in which to join and participate, even if a member has trouble making weekly lunch meetings. Thanks to Janet for looking into the morning meeting idea. Also at that meeting Patty Schwalbach volunteered along with Tim Gill to help out with social events. St Patrick 's Day party or parade activities are a possibility. I would be remiss to not mention Susan Collville-Hall who has brought many quality speakers to our Club. Since many are from other countries, it really helps keep the international perspective of Rotary in focus.

This brings me to the purpose of Rotary-"Service above Self". Why the Chili Open? None of us put this event on because we like to work hard on events. We do it because it is THE major fundraiser for our Camp for kids. The Poker Run is another example of this special caring for others of the Akron Club. We are working on shelter boxes to house the homeless, and a project in Vietnam to build a school, as well as teaming up with a club in Costa Rica for a project. This is one reason why we join Rotary. The other easily identifiable one is meeting and working with and socializing with like minded individuals. They may not be the same age, religion, or background as ourselves, but they are generally nice people to be around. That's why I've stayed with Rotary thirty years. I guess what I'm getting at is thanks for doing all you do. The financial demands can be confusing but all we ask is do what you can. Volunteering is a way to help if money is tight. You know best what you can do, and nobody will judge you either way. Thanks.

Yours in Rotary,

Dan O'Connell