Rotary’s commitment is rooted in a simple but profound truth: healthy communities are the foundation of peace, productivity, and human potential. When people have access to essential healthcare, such as vaccinations, maternal and child services, clean water, mental health supports, and disease prevention programs, families can thrive. Resilience grows. Opportunities increase. Brighter futures and hope become possible.

As we close the year, December offers each club a meaningful opportunity to reflect on and support the health of both members and the communities we serve. Consider hosting more club socials to help Rotarians and their families decompress from the stresses of the season. Think about organizing outreach projects that support the mental health of seniors, youth, or vulnerable neighbours who may struggle in isolation or without stable support. Invite a healthcare professional to speak at a meeting, plan a health-focused service project, promote mental wellness resources, or partner with local public health organizations. Invest in global initiatives, such as PolioPlus or donate to the Annual fund, through the Rotary Foundation. Even the smallest actions can create lasting impact. 

Disease Prevention and Treatment is more than a Rotary theme, it’s a call for compassion, for action, and for building a world where everyone has the opportunity to live a healthy and dignified life.

On December 6^th I have the privilege of participating in the Santa Breakfast event hosted by the Rotary Club of La Conner. This welcoming event embraces all (including pets) in the spirit of the holidays. On December 19th, I will be enjoying time with fellow Rotarians at the annual luncheon hosted by the Rotary Club of Chilliwack, who always elevate the experience with their wonderful music.

Many Clubs will be holding social and community events throughout December, and I encourage all of you to spread the joy of fellowship all year long. These events offer more than an opportunity to gather for a special occasion; they strengthen mental health resilience and foster deeper bonds.  Why not make every month special? 

As we reflect on the blessings in our own lives, let’s continue to take action, extend compassionate care to those who are vulnerable in our communities, and support one another’s mental health, so that together we can be a force for healing and hope wherever we serve.

With gratitude for your service and kind generosity, 

---

 

The Club

Our Club is small, with about twenty-eight members right now, and most members are retired; however, we have a few working members. One of the first things I noticed when I visited the club the first three times was how willing people were to raise their hands to help. No one had to coerce people; all they had to do was ask. That is still true today. The main problem we face, as do many service clubs, is that our members are aging out and less able to be involved and physically help. Another thing that has become apparent over the years is that we all share a common cause: to serve. Our differences are put aside to accomplish that. Personal conflicts and differences are either resolved or tolerated for the greater good. This, to me, represents the Four-Way Test in action. There is a comfort level among us that allows for open and honest discussions with a variety of perspectives. Out of those conversations, ideas come forth, and the best solution is reached.

Many of my good friends are from the Club. Monday nights are a regular on my schedule and something I look forward to. We have a speaker at each meeting, and a breadth of topics is covered. I have learned so much about the community and all the works going on. One of the most memorable talks for me was the polo horse raiser and trainer. Often, when driving along La Conner Whitney Road, I would see a large group of horses along with foals, and now I know why. The horses are used for polo, and teams across the country rent them for this purpose. The horses must be comfortable with transportation and with a variety of riders. I learned how many horses it takes to play a game and what it takes to train them.

La Conner is situated in a major agricultural region with numerous small farms interspersed among the larger ones. Viva Farms is a nonprofit organization that offers a training program for small farmers. They provide acreage, equipment, and training on farming. It includes classes at the community college on business planning and management. The budding farmers start with one acre and may use up to five as they learn the skills. Viva Farms also assists with getting produce to the market. I love this concept, and when I drive by on Highway 20, I smile. Good work happening there. Their barn was dilapidated, and it was recently leveled. A whole new—much-needed—barn is being built. 

Not long after I joined Rotary, I was asked to write meeting recaps: an email summary of the meeting for those who weren’t there. That led to being asked to serve as secretary, which gave me a seat on the board. Rotary clubs are board-driven, and I found it rewarding to be a part of the decision-making process. I found being the secretary was fun. I enjoyed tracking attendance, make-ups, and volunteer hours. I turned it into a game. The somewhat tedious part was the minutes for the board meetings. I also got involved in maintaining the website and Facebook posts, but that really isn’t my strength. Others are much better at that. I served as secretary until I was asked to run for the presidency.

I had been asked to be president a couple of years earlier, but I didn’t feel ready. I have held management positions a couple of times during my career, and of course, as a business owner. I was awkward, uneasy, and felt inadequate in those positions, and I was afraid to take on a leadership role again. I needed a few more years to explore my newly liberated self and gain trust in myself. When I was asked a second time, I was ready. I loved being president, and 2025 will be round two. 

The only thing about being president the first time that truly stressed me out was getting the computer connected so we could offer hybrid meetings. My most challenging role on the board was as past president; relinquishing control and not having specific responsibilities was a challenge.

What is it about the Club that is special to me? The people! Naturally, of course, I like some people better than others, and some are dear friends. Inevitably, some challenge me. At times, I have wondered if being a Rotarian is worth it. But the beauty of the club is that we all have the same goal, to serve, and that overrides all. Personal growth has occurred through learning to make peace, at least within myself, about some people, because we all have something to contribute. The other thing I have observed about Rotarians is that many are or have been leaders in their careers and are people who get things done. In a way that adds to the challenge, we are all used to being in charge. However, it also adds to the delight because ideas are put into action and manifested. Another beautiful thing is that when someone in the club is facing personal difficulties, members step up to help in any way they can.

I had heard repeatedly that Rotary and Kiwanis in La Conner didn’t get along, and Kiwanis never wanted to collaborate on projects together. In January 2020, I decided to try and see if the nonprofit service clubs in town would like to work together and arranged a meeting with the presidents. All attended, and we agreed it would be nice and helpful if we collaborated. At the February meeting, we began exploring how we could do that: promoting each other’s events, volunteering at each other’s events, participating in each other’s fundraisers, and so on. And then the world shut down with the COVID pandemic. That actually served La Conner United, the name we decided to call ourselves. It gave us a focus, and we did a number of projects together over the next two years, including outside craft fairs, free clothing giveaways, an event to promote all nonprofits in the area, a spaghetti dinner to help a family in need, and so on. Since the end of the pandemic, the impetus for collaboration has dwindled. However, the sense of positive relationships has remained. Kiwanis and Rotary continue to work together. The idea is evolving into a larger effort called La Conner Thrives, which is bringing together all sorts of organizations to promote La Conner.

The Club is my anchor within Rotary, my home away from home. I work hard for and with my Club and have no desire to get involved at the district level. I would much rather put my energies into the following Washington-based programs.

---