A Thanksgiving Message from Rotary President Scott Harrison
Happy Thanksgiving Frankfort Rotarians!
It has been a strange rotary year to say the least. We have not been able to meet together since March, however we have been able to achieve several milestones and service above self that identifies Rotary. Rotary is as good as its’ members, and we have great ones. And since July we have added six new people to our ranks. We have welcomed Cole Schindler, George Marsh, Brett McGregor and Richard Claybourn as regular members and John Modlin and Rick Schmitt as honorary members.
Our club continues to grow which is a great thing. Although we have met by Zooming each week, we have seen regular attendance of 25-28 members and guests. Our snowbirds are also able to join us from afar. Also a big shoutout to Jon Armstrong for his continuing work on bringing us outstanding programs. The meetings are enhanced by his efforts. And where would we be without “our man in the booth”, Bill Collin. Bill’s tech skills keep our meetings moving and seamless with the use of zoom and other tech programs to keep us in touch.
Your board of directors continues to work hard to make the club relevant and functioning. We are studying fundraising opportunities which are mostly virtual these days and to keep our mission front and center. With all that said, we have had success in our efforts to live out our service commitment that Rotary challenges us to achieve: We have been able to continue our scholarship program this year, offering three new scholarships to Frankfort and Benzie graduating seniors, as well as the continuing studies of our previous graduates. More than $335,000 has been given to local students over the years to help them continue their education! Bike racks for downtown Frankfort were placed throughout the city this year and supported financially by our club. A recognition sticker indicating the financial support for these is attached to each bike rack.
We had a successful polio fundraising campaign again this year, partnering with Stormcloud Brewery, we raised over $4000 to send to Rotary Foundation to support the international program to eradicate polio around the world. Currently there are only about 15 cases reported in Pakistan and Afghanistan, the goal seems to be in reach, and we have played an important part of that. So, there is much to be thankful for, most of us will be home in small groups instead of large gatherings.
It seems appropriate to share our past president Ned Edwards prayer for thanksgiving: Great and loving God, at this season of Thanksgiving our thanks is muffled by the toll of the pandemic all round us, by political and partisan strife and fear of the future. Help us break through the fear that surrounds us and open our eyes and hearts to all that we have to be grateful for. May we be thankful to our great medical professionals, leaders who serve us and friends and neighbors in this Rotary club. Thanks for our family and friends who sustain us and for the ideals of Rotary for those who value truth, fairness, good will and caring for others. Hear our thanks-giving, we ask in in you name. Amen.
Enjoy the holiday and we will see you next week.
Scott