edited by
JOHN GRELCK
It is with these two prayers by Mother Teresa, my childhood teacher, that I begin my year as your President. It seems so right to use these two prayers as my guide for a year that RI President Carl-Wilhelm Stanhammer has designated as the "Service Above Self" year. Nothing could be more fitting to begin the next century of our organization that has just completed a century of service for our local and world communities and has showcased all that is good in us as human beings. I feel privileged to belong to such an organization and feel honored that you have chosen me to be your spokesperson for this coming year. I begin this year with great deal of pride and humility thanking those who have gone before me, particularly President Nelson, who has taken us through this important centennial year, helping us to add five new members to our club roster, very successful completion of our centennial project and helping our club's budget by adding a substantial contribution through his namesake golf tournament. Thank you President Nelson. All we have to do is to drive by the Sunny Field Park and we will always remember your year! I also need to begin my year by thanking the 2005-2006 Board, the spouses' and honorary member committee chairs and others who are going to be helping in different capacities. Believe it or not, they all have been hard at work for months, helping me to plan a strategy for this coming year. They have graciously given their time and money, traveling to Cambria for a planning retreat, attending District assembly, and traveling to Chicago convention and picking up ideas to help me prepare my visions and goals for the coming year. What can I say friends…I am so glad to have each of you on board with me. I have asked John to publish our vision statements in the section below. I will use these as our guiding principle for the coming year. Finally, let me welcome each and everyone of you to come along with the Board and I and participate. I will look forward to all of your involvement throughout the year, particularly those of our newest members, as we pursue "Service Above Self" with our year's plan. Towards that end: "I offer you peace. I offer you love. I offer you friendship. I see your beauty. I hear your need. I feel your feelings. My wisdom flows from the Highest Source. I salute that Source in you. Let us work together for unity, love and service." - Mahatma Gandhi YIS, Deepa In 1905, the first Rotary Club was formed in Chicago, Illinois. In 1910, The National Association of Rotary Clubs was formed with Paul Harris as President. He served for 2 years. In 1912, Rotary becomes international with the admission of a Rotary Club from Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada. Through the years, Rotary International has been served by presidents from 22 countries. The United States - 57 presidents Canada, Australia, & England - 4 presidents each Mexico & Brazil - 3 presidents each Italy, India, & Japan - 2 presidents each France, Peru, Uruguay, New Zealand, Netherlands, Bermuda, Sweden, Finland, Philippines, Switzerland, Argentina, Thailand, and Nigeria each have contributed 1 International President. Our Rotary International President on July 1 is from Sweden. The president elect is from New Zealand. Carl-Wilhelm Stenhammar is the Rotary International President for 2005-2006. He is a member of the Rotary Club of Goterborg, Sweden and has been a Rotarian since 1974. Mr. Stenhammar is the second Rotarian from Sweden to hold the office of President. The first was Ernest G. Breitholz of Kalmar, Sweden in 1971-1972. We are always looking for articles about our members and all the Rotary activity that occurs in the Valley. Please contact Len Dalberg or myself. Coming Programs Wednesday, July 13, 2005 @ 12:10PM Club Assembly Wednesday, July 20, 2005 @ 12:10PM "Astronomy" by David Burbach Wednesday, July 27, 2005 @ 12:10PM "4th of July Final Review" by Bob Moir |
