Four score and seven years ago…..Just kidding! I thought I would quote a famous speech made by a famous president (just like me). Haha. It is June so that means that this will be my last President’s message to you. As I write this, I have become sad knowing that my Presidency is almost at an end. I did not expect to enjoy being President so much but reflecting back upon the past 11 months has made me realize that Rotarians are GREAT! Everyone is so helpful, happy and it seems that we, as Rotarians, enjoy life and like to give back.
Pondering the past year brings back so many memories – laughing at Thirsty Thursday, enjoying the first cup of coffee at Wake-Up Wednesday, being extremely nervous at the podium for the first 4 weeks, the feeling of a warm heart when doing service projects and knowing we are helping others. Then some of the “issues” that have arisen such as me trying to be “techy” and setting up Zoom for Board meetings, finding new board members and chairpersons and being flexible when the noon program speaker doesn’t show up. These are just to name a few….
Getting to know and working with the Brookings Rotarians has definitely been the highlight of the year. I hope I have achieved some of the goals that I talked about last July: having fun, laughing and smiling at meetings and just being joyful for every day!
In late June I plan on attending the Rotary International Convention in Calgary, Canada. The convention begins on Saturday, June 21st. They are projecting that more than 15,000-20,000 Rotarians will be attending from more than 120 countries. I am anticipating a great experience and wonderful time – especially when there are Rotarians around! I will give a full and complete update on the trip in July.
Did you know that June is designated Rotary Fellowship Month? I didn’t! This means that Brookings Rotary Club should focus on promoting fellowship and goodwill among Rotarians. The goal is to encourage increased participation in Rotary sponsored events and activities. My challenge for Brookings Rotarians – attend an event that is NOT the regularly scheduled noon meeting. There will be a number to choose from:
- Thirsty Thursday on patio at the The Pheasant at 5pm on Thursday, June 5th
- Goal setting for 2025-2026 year at 3pm at the United Way Building on Thursday, June 5th
- Packing dental kits for the Delta Dental Van at 4pm on Thursday, June 5th
- Wake-Up Wednesday from 7:30am-9:30am (come & go) at Kool Beans on Wednesday, June 18
- Brookings Rotary Board meeting at 8am on Thursday, June 19th
- Or make your own fellowship – all you need is 2 Rotarians and presto….a party!
But – fellowship is key at our noon meetings on Tuesday. There are so many times that I feel bad about ringing the bell because everyone is having a nice time and talking and enjoying each other’s company. I do believe that the noon meetings for Brookings Rotary are a cornerstone of being a Rotarian in Brookings. Attending keeps you up to date on upcoming activities and events. It provides time to sign up for service projects. And it fosters connection, support and growth within our club and between us as Rotarians. Fellowship provides emotional and social support and contributes to overall well-being. When many Rotarians attend noon meetings, it helps to strength our club and build lasting relationships.
As you can see, I am getting emotional about my last message. My parting thought is – Be a Rotarian, not just a member of Rotary!
Once again – thank you for your Service Above Self! And thank you for the support and encouragement for the past year of my presidency.
BUT – don’t worry, I will be around. I will be stepping into the role of Service Project Chairperson so you don’t get rid of me quite yet!!!!
See you on Tuesday at noon for Rotary!
President Jen Olson
605-690-4458