Holy cow…it’s January already!! 2020…a new year, a new decade. Where does the time go?

We have a lot to look forward to in the coming six months – the District 5170 Richard D. King Speech Contest, a visit from our District Governor (date TBD), our Niles Rotary Reverse Raffle Fundraiser, more service projects, social events and interesting speakers, the recommencement of Fellowship Fridays, the District Conference, the Rotary International Conference, more fines for Ray Pedersen (J), and, finally, the demotion of yours truly and ascendency of President-Elect Dirk to the throne!

Speaking of Dirk and the Reverse Raffle, have you bought your ticket and started selling to others? This year’s event looks like it’s going to be a real winner – Dirk and his crew have secured Campo di Bocce as the venue, which will give us more space than we are used to. Once again, a ticket will get a sit down meal for two, a one in three hundred fifty chance to win $5000, oodles of other chances to win money, a fun-filled evening with lots of good people, an opportunity to bid on silent and live auction items, and, best of all, the experience of having made a real contribution to our community.

This is Niles Rotary’s signature event. Net proceeds go the Niles Rotary Foundation, which then donates the money through a granting process to local causes. The back of this year’s flier has a list of some of the charities we have supported over the years. Check it out – it’s very impressive. This also is a great opportunity to heighten community awareness of Rotary in general and Niles Rotary in particular, as our guests see first-hand what a vibrant, energetic, fun-loving, and service oriented group we are, and they get to experience the pleasure of giving back.

Of course, to make the event the big success it deserves to be, we have to sell tickets – 350 of them. With just under 100 members, that’s 3 to 4 tickets per member. Not hard to do if you believe in the cause, which all of us must. So go to your family, your friends, your neighbors, your work associates, people you do business with…anyone you can think of. Give them the opportunity to feel the power of Niles Strong in action.

Bruce

The Holiday Season is upon us. Regardless of how you observe it, a time of joy, commemoration, gift giving, merriment, and goodwill.  A time to rejoice.  A time to dream of peace.  A time to spend with family and friends.  A time of celebration.  A time to contemplate the year gone by and consider the possibilities of the year to come.  A wondrous time of year.

Merry Christmas all! And Happy Hanukkah, Good Kwanzaa, and Divine Diwali!! Enjoy the Winter Solstice!! Don’t celebrate anything? Live it up anyway … it’s that time of the year!

We’re a diverse group and together we are strong … Niles Strong!!

Bruce

November…a month for giving thanks. Traditionally, thanks for the bounty bestowed upon us by mother nature. Thanksgiving…a feast day… a day of gorging on food with our families and friends, drinking to excess (perhaps), watching football, sharing good conversation and heartfelt joy with our loved ones, and feeling the glow of a blessed life.

But it’s not just Thanksgiving that makes November special in the thanks department. On November 11^th of each year, we celebrate Veterans Day…a day to give thanks to those who served us all by serving in our armed services. We have many veterans in our Niles Rotary Club, and many more who, although not veterans themselves, are the sons, daughters, mothers and fathers, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends of veterans. To all of them, I ask you to join me in saying, “Thank You”.

Speaking of service, let’s use November to remember, thank, and salute us, Niles (and other) Rotarians, who every month of the year dedicate themselves to the concept of service above self.  Who, through acts of kindness and commitment to a higher ideal, try to make life just a little bit better for those who don’t get to gorge on Thanksgiving Day, who perhaps don’t have family and friends to celebrate with, and who live a life seemingly less blessed than our own…who give support to those who suffer from the effects of a dedication to military service, or have an empty seat at the Thanksgiving table due to the deployment or loss of a family member.

Yes, we have a lot to be thankful for. Personally, I also want to give thanks to you…my fellow Niles Rotary members, for all the support and encouragement you have given me the last four months. It truly has been a blessing.

NILES STRONG!

Greetings Niles Rotarians!! Feeling strong these days? I hope so.

It’s October…time to start thinking about membership. We’ve lost a few members recently. But, not so bad. Because most of them haven’t left Rotary…they’ve just moved on to a club they feel meets their needs better than us. So Rotary remains strong.

Still, we don’t want to lose sight of how important membership development is. We have to keep attracting new members…keep the life blood flowing. But not just any members…quality members. How do we do that? Not so hard actually. Just invite good, service-oriented people to our club meetings. Once they experience the energy…the fun…the love…and the commitment, they will want to be a part of what we have.

This year, District 5170 has a membership program going on called “Ignite.” It’s based on the ancient practice of torch bearers leading the way to discovery and exploration, illuminating the way for those who follow. A little corny, I know. But also worth some thought. Because Rotary clubs like ours can lead the way for those who are looking for a way to give back… a way to experience true fellowship. So think about someone you know who fits this bill, and invite them to a meeting. It might be the best thing you ever do for them.

It also might get you a very cool Ignite pin from Past President and current Membership Chair Chuck Canada!

Stay strong. Niles Strong.

A Rose is a Rose is a Rose. Or so said Gertrude Stein. But Niles Rotarians know better…every Rose is not the same.  Because we have a special Rose. A Rose with a loving smile and a caring heart.  A compassionate Rose. A Rose who serves with pleasure. A Rose who never says no and is always there when you need her. A one-of-a-kind Rose.

Of course, I’m talking about our lovely Past President Rose Evernden-Andrade. The mother of Feed the Hungry and Pizza with Santa. A critical part of what makes the Reverse Raffle a success year in and year out. The Past President who reminded us every week during her presidency that Niles Rotarians aren’t just a family…we are a Family by Choice!! A Rotarian of the highest order.

Keep our beautiful Rose and her family in your thoughts during their difficult time. Send Rose your love. Let her never forget we are Niles Strong.

We love you Rosie.