What, me worry?

Greetings and all my best wishes for a safe, happy, and healthy holiday and New Year!

It is hard to believe, but I have been president of the club for half my term. It has gone very fast and so it is a bit scary to think that the next six months may go by just as fast or faster. If you ask me in passing how I feel about this, I would probably joke that July, 2009 can't come soon enough.

But, the reality is that being president of our club is still a real high for me. It began that way six months ago as a brand new challenge and experience. And although my perspective has changed--it may feel a little different than when everything was fresh and new--this is still very high on my list of things I have done in my life. I mean it.

So why the title of this blog entry? What does all this mushiness have to do with worrying?

Just as the ground has shifted for me since the very beginning, I worry sometimes that with routine, you are seeing me in a little different light as well. Being president means making decisions. And some of those decisions by necessity roughen the edges of leadership a bit. You may not agree with things I have done. You may even (and I certainly hope this is not the case) take offense.

For instance, I know my decision to bring back the IC Madrigal Singers may have upset a few people because of the perception it brings a religious preference to the club. My feeling is this was pure musical expression by some very talented young artists-- a much needed respite from the cares of our time. But, I still worry I made some of you uncomfortable. Doing so is not in my job description.

Also, I heard of some grumblings because I didn't allow time for our much-valued fellowship at our last meeting. In hindsight I regret this. I also regret that I came down a little hard on the folks who were still chatting after I started the meeting. I think I was being a bit too obsessed and focused on getting that very-busy meeting moving along so it finished on time. In doing so, I was perhaps too abrupt; I should have taken a deep breath and remembered how important fellowship is.

So I worry.

But if it is possible to enjoy worrying, in this case I am. I think we are blessed with one of the greatest Rotary clubs around. What makes a club great are its members. That means you!

I want to make you all happy, which I realize is impossible. But I still want to.

Once again, all the best for the holiday season. I'll see you when I return from vacation the last meeting in January. In the meantime, our President-Elect, Janet Steiner, will be at the helm for some excellent programs to come.

And remember. Don't worry. Be Happy!!

Happy Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. I can only think of one word when I try to put my finger on why--warmth.

First there is the physical warmth. Let's face it, it's starting to get cold out. When I woke up this morning it was 8 degrees. On Thanksgiving day most of us can stay inside. It is hoped that any traveling is complete. There is no need to dash to the cold car and rush to be anywhere on time. It is a day to sit inside with family and friends while the oven and the company add an extra dose of toasty comfort.

Then there is the emotional warmth. When I think of past Thanksgivings--this year will be my 57th--I have only good memories. It has always been of family and friends just relaxing together. You can turn off worry and stress because you have people you love right there with you. After all, that is all that counts.

I have just described is an idyllic Thanksgiving. As I write I realize how fortunate I am that most of mine fit the ideal. I do not have to tell you that there are many many people who never have had, and likely never will have, a chance to feel this kind of warmth--either physical or emotional. And, let's face it, there are many in the world who don't have much of anything to be thankful for.

They may need to walk miles just to find water or a doctor. They and their families may be suffering from disease--most of it preventable. Their families may have been torn asunder by war or political turmoil. They may have no hope of a better future because of all these factors and more.

How wonderful it is that an organization like Rotary is working so hard to make the world better so someday others may share our good fortune.

Perhaps the true reason for the Thanksgiving holiday is to give us the time to think. Time to sift through our daily cares and appreciate that which is truly important and makes life worth living. Time to do this introspective exercise which I myself just completed.

Thanksgiving is not just one day. It is something we should do every day or for that matter every hour.



P.S. Let us also remember our armed forces and police, firefighters, and medical teams, who may sacrifice being with their families on Thanksgiving to protect our safety.

Seeing Ain't Believing

Taking a Chance

Today I write about our meeting of a couple of weeks ago when we hosted both a Democrat and Republican delegate to the national convention. Before that meeting I was asked many times if I was worried how this would turn out. Was I was filled with trepidation?

Some members thought I was crazy to allow a program at Rotary where two fervent members of the opposing political parties could butt heads. We should not get into controversial subjects at Rotary. What if it turns into a free-for-all? What if some members are offended?

Yet, I could not feel any trepidation. Why? First because I was confident in the ability of our moderator, Gary Stewart. Second, because I think it is a good thing to stir up some dust every once in while, provided we don't favor any one point of view.

So, yes, we did take a big risk in offering this program at our Rotary meeting. All or some of the "terrible" things could have happened. But, how much richer are we as a club for having taken this chance? Must we resign ourselves to always be non-controversial and safe?

I think and hope not. I love the fact that Rotary does not espouse any political or religious philosophy. But this does not mean that we should avoid talking about these things. By bringing our differences into the open with intelligence and decorum, we are actually accomplishing one of the main goals of Rotary--promoting understanding and tolerance.

I want to thank Joanne Lamoureux, Gary Stewart and the program committee for an excellent job. I encourage them to do more of the same.

A Jolt of Endorphins

I've got to tell you my whole body ached for the first few days this week. But, I loved every minute of it.

No, I am not a masochist. And I do not think I need psychological therapy (at least for this!)

I loved every minute because when I moved in certain ways it reminded me of the fulfilling time I had working to build a house for a low-income family in Ithaca. It also brought back memories of the work I did as part of our Katrina relief team, helping to rebuild the little hamlet of Pearlington, MS.

I wish there was a way to convey the feeling you get using your own two hands to bring about tangible change. I've worked for more than a quarter century to build and operate a business. It has been very satisfying at times and I've made a good living. But seeing the immediate results of my labor--in fact, just laboring for a good cause--must send a jolt of long-lasting endorphins to my pleasure centers.

It used to be you'd have to go to the Gulf to get this rush. But now, through our Community Build, you can get your own high right here in town. The next time Alan Cohen brings the sheet around at a meeting, please sign up.

Your achy muscles will thank you.





Kati Torello learns the art of the nail gun.