NILES STRONG – where does it come from and what does it mean?

As you might suspect, it has itsroots in the city of myroots – Boston, Massachusetts. Following the bombing of innocent men, women and children spectators at the finish line of the 2013 Boston Marathon, which killed three people and injured hundreds of others, the entire Boston city and region banded together to bring the cowardly perpetrators of the crime to justice. Go back and look at the pictures – aerial photos of Boston roads and freeways empty like a ghost town, leaving law enforcement free to do its job. Countless law enforcement agencies working together to hunt down and finally capture the SOBs who thought they could terrorize people who had other ideas about freedom and how to preserve it. Those same citizens working together to make sure any and all information was made available to authorities. Five police officers injured or killed taking down the wrongdoers – in a mere six days.  It all gave way to the slogan, “Boston Strong”, epitomized by Big Papi – David Ortiz – standing with a microphone before the home crowd at Fenway Park and reminding them, “This is our city, and nobody’s gonna [bleeping] take it away from us!”

Okay…I get it. We at Niles Rotary have not been confronted on our home turf by terrorists. But the message rings clear. There is strength in numbers, and power in commitment. When together we paint a map of the United States that will be seen on a playground by generations of children, we are Niles Strong. When we work together year in and year out to throw a crazy fun dinner, reverse raffle, and auction, raising close to $80,000 yearly to fund charitable projects throughout the Fremont area, we are Niles Strong. When we send a full container of wheelchairs for delivery to war torn former Yugoslavia, or bring wheelchairs to Mexico City we are Niles Strong. When two people in our club endure the tragedy of a son badly injured in a car crash, and we raise $2500 in five minutes to help defray the cost of them going to Los Angeles to be with him, we are Niles Strong. When Niles Rotarians travel to Chile to help build a much needed orphanage, we are Niles Strong. When we pray for and give solace to fellow Niles Rotarians in their time of trouble, we are Niles Strong. When we show up in force at the Rotary International Convention, or share time together at Fellowship Fridays, or just shout it out at our weekly meetings, we are Niles Strong. I could go on and on.

Take pride in what we do. And remember we do it together. Because each of us can make an impact; each of us can make a difference. But, together, we are more than that — we are NILES STRONG!

Thanks for listening.

So…July is upon us and who woulda thunk it – the Warriors’ lost in the finals to Toronto (of all teams) and their future is a big question mark, the RedSox (the WORLD CHAMPION Red Sox!) are languishing in third place, eleven games behind the despised Yankees and not even in the running for a wild card berth at this point, neither Iran nor North Korea has dropped a nuclear bomb on anybody, and I’m writing the President’s Message for the Pinion. I need to say that again – I’m writing the President’s Message for the Niles Rotary Pinion. Pinch me, I must be dreaming!

I’ve been a proud Niles Rotarian since 1995, so I’ve had the honor of watching and admiring twenty-four Presidents before me. The first was Nancy Farber; the last, of course, was Brian Hughes. In between we’ve had Charlie, Steve B., Dick C., Harvey, David, Rick, Peter, Tony, Daren, Jim, Bob M., Jack, Arkady, Gary, Rakesh, Kimberly, Sandra, Chuck, Steve L., Lisa, Angus, and Rose. I remember each for his or her special characteristics – some were funny, some genuinely sincere, some well-organized, some kinda shoot-from-the-hip. Some were rambunctious and others more serious. Some emphasized fellowship, some club administration, some service. Some have sadly passed on but are remembered fondly (RIP Steve B., Harvey, Dick, Peter, and Bob). Together, an impressive group. And definitely a hard act to follow.

So, now it’s my turn. How will it turn out? Who knows. But I promise to do my best, out of respect for that great group that went before and genuine love for all the fantastic members who make up this club. I’ll try to keep things fresh, and hopefully we’ll have some fun along the way. I ask for your help and support, because I’m definitely gonna need it.

Together, let’s remain NILES STRONG!

Hello fellow Rotarians,

WOW!! I cannot believe this Rotary year is almost over.  It has been an amazing journey.  I cannot thank you all enough for the support I have received during the year.

A month ago, I asked everyone to acknowledge and share a story about someone who has inspired you.    Sandi and I are working on gathering those stories to publish in next month’s Pinion. Thank you to everyone who has shared their story.  This is still time for more.  Recognizing someone for being an inspiration continues on.  I would like to take some time now to share my “Be the Inspiration” story.  Being the President, I will cheat a little.

I actually have two “inspirations.” The first will be my parents, Dennis and Hattie Hughes.  Both have taught me so many things that I’m just now starting to see.  Dad taught me how to be a “Family Man” -one who looks over and takes care of the family – to be hard working, yet enjoy the special time with the family. Mom taught me compassion and being yourself.  She always encouraged us to do our best, give it your all, yet don’t be tied to the outcome as some things are just out of your control.  She also taught me the power of philanthropy and love for a community. Giving back has been an important role in my family.  We have been blessed in being able to support the hungry getting fed, the cold being warmed, a child getting an education, children with special needs getting a place to be, and supporting thousands of people walking for a cure.  It has been amazing to see and to be a part of.  Thank you Mom and Dad!!  Love you both so much.

My next inspiration is YOU, Niles Rotarians.  OH MY GOD!! Y’all are amazing.  The lesson I have learned is that 100 strangers can get together, support, and love one and another, just as family.  I have seen it firsthand this year alone.  We have faced tragedy and sorrow, and every time there has been a Niles Rotarian right there to lend a comforting hug.  We have helped and supported each other during these dark times because we are compassionate, caring, and most of all, because we are a Rotarian family. I have seen Niles Rotarians feeding the hungry, ringing bells for a cause, paint a map for education, and wishing strangers a warm Hello and Welcome.  We have been reaching out to a new generation of Rotarians with our Social Change. I have seen the joy and laughter as we “break bread” and share a bottle of our favorite libation.  You, a Niles Rotarian, are someone who inspires me and the world.  Thank you so much for your support and teaching me how “Mankind is our Business” and how to “Be the Inspiration.”  It has been an honor and privilege to be your President this past year.

HA!  And here you thought Walt Disney was going to be one of inspirations! Ok…. he is next on the list!  Haha.

Thank you all again, it has been a fun and magical year.  I will leave you with two though to end my year.

• If you see a turtle on top of a fence post, you know he didn’t get there all by himself. He got there by a helping and supportive hand of a Niles Rotarian.
• To all who come to this happy place – Niles Rotary is your home. Here age relives fond memories of the past…and here youth may savor the challenge and promise of the future. Niles Rotary is dedicated to the ideals, the dreams, and the hard facts that have shaped mankind…with the hope that someday there will be peace and joy in the world.

In Rotary,

Brian Hughes
President, 2018-2019

 “We keep moving forward, opening new doors, and doing new things, because we’re curious and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths.”– Walt Disney

Hello fellow Rotarians,

April showers bring May flowers! I sure hope so!  I’m ready for some warmer and drier weather.

WOW…. I cannot believe there are only two more months in this Rotary year.  Time sure has gone by for me.  I bet is seems like a “Groundhog Day” for you.  President Brian over and over again.  haha

I wanted to remind everyone to sign up for our District Conference.  You can register online at https://dc.rotarydistrict5170.org/.  The dates again are May 17^th– 19^thonboard the USS Hornet.  I know there is a LOT of great stuffed planned for this event. Remember, we want to retain the Cupertino Cup so please see Jeff Schinkel to help out.   I hope to see everyone there that weekend!

How is the “Be the Inspiration” challenge going?  I would like to post as many inspiring stories as we can in our final June Pinion. Remember, I am challenging everyone in Niles Rotary to find and recognize someone who is inspiring.   Take a look around you.  Is there someone you know who has done something special?  Is there a person who is just an amazing individual? Let them know by giving them our RI theme pin “Be the Inspiration.”  Take a picture with them if you can, then share the story as to why this person was an inspiration.  You can send the story and photo to me at brian.nilesrotary@gmail.com.  I will share some of the stories at the meeting and here in the Pinion.  If you need some pins, please let the COGS know.  They can get some for you.

Here are a couple emails I received.

Good morning President Brian. Your challenge to find someone that inspires us was an easy challenge to me. I would like to nominate Sandy Stabile as an individual that continues to inspireme. Her dedication to the children around the world warms my soul. She gives her time, money, and talents for this cause, and I am humbled to know her and call her a friend. She is truly changing this world!

 Terri Landon

 President Brian,

I gave a pin to two of my dear friends: Genevieve Angelides and Michi Yee. I need another one please. I will draft a brief reason for giving them each a pin. They have both been an inspiration to me!

 Genevieve Angelides longtime friend since 1975. She’s been an inspiration to me ever since I met her. She’s a pace setter and educator. We revitalized AAUW from 77 to 150 members in 2007. We work so well as a team. She was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in Jan. 2019 and given 2-4 weeks to live. She’s exceeded that time frame and has educated her family and friends on death and dying and her Greek Orthodox religion. She’s been under hospice care for the past 10 weeks and going to leave hospice to go back to Kaiser to get an update on her pancreatic markers for a week and then go back on hospice. She looks fantastic! Genevieve has been a real inspiration to me. She told me I have been her inspiration also. 

 Michi Yee also a longtime friend who has revitalized the CCWTWC (Country Club of Washington Township Women’s Club), which started in 1896 and was about to be terminated three years ago. She’s recruited many new younger members, educated us on the history of the CCWTWC. She’s a real inspiration to ME!

 Ambassador of FUN photographer, Mary Lynn Pelican

I’m looking forward to hearing more about the great people in our community.

In Rotary,

Brian Hughes
President, 2018-2019

“If you don’t know where you are going, you might wind up someplace else!” – Yogi Berra

Hello fellow Rotarians,

April is now upon us.  Spring has sprung.  It’s hard to believe that I only have 3 more months to go as your President.  Ok…I heard those cheers!  Haha…oh wait…that was me cheering…oops.  tehehe

I would like to thank everyone for your participation and help in this year’s Elimination Raffle.  Y’all should be very proud of the success of this event every year.  Congratulation to President-Elect Bruce and his team for showing us how to “Let the Good Times Roll!!”  Everything was a big success and a great time was had by all.  The final numbers are still to be calculated.  We will let you know when it’s all done.  Who will be this year’s winner of the Big Kahuna?  Did Jasmine go wire to wire?  Did John Dutra or Daren Young sneak in at the last minute?  We should soon find out.

This year’s Rotary theme is to “Be the Inspiration.”  I am going to challenge everyone in Niles Rotary to find and recognize someone who is inspiring.   Take a look around you.  Is there someone you know who did something special?  Is there a person who is just an amazing individual?  Let them know by giving them our RI theme pin of “Be the Inspiration.”  Take a picture with them if you can, then share the story as to why this person was an inspiration.  You can send the story and photo to me at brian.nilesrotary@gmail.com.  I will share some of the stories at the meeting and here in the Pinion.  If you need some pins, please let the COGS know.  They can get some for you.

I’m looking forward to hearing about the great people in our community.  Now go out there and flood my email with great stories.

In Rotary,

Brian Hughes
President, 2018-2019

“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made the feel.” – Maya Angelou