From the President:

 Congratulations to all of us on receiving recognition from Kathy Lydon and Dr. Snyder. The biggest piece of me is very proud of us and another piece reminds me to be humble. There is so much to be done and our resources seem so limited.

 A quick look at my first 6 months I am pleased. My original (and standing) goals were: to increase visibility in the community, to increase participation in the club activities by all members, to increase membership, and finally to increase fundraising activities.

 On the first, we can say without a moment's hesitation that we are more visible. My fines for photos attest to that. For the second, in September, I never knew if we would have 8 Rotarians at a meeting or not. Now we have a very consistent attendance. There are really no surprises week-to-week. I'd have hoped for more help on phonebook day but those who did not participate had to be more disappointed that those of us who had to work a 12 hour shift. (Well, that excludes Pat who had a 48 hour shift, I think).

 Regarding increased membership I have not given up hope. Judith has been an enormous addition to our group. And a few locals claim they are interested after year end - we'll be seeing about that. And another push is on the way with Dietrich's leadership. We cannot keep all these good feelings for ourselves. The more we share them the more we can do and the more good feelings we will get! I love these life cycles/circles. The final goal is happening. Christmas trees are selling and a need for fundraising will appear as we try to make Scituate a more bike/pedestrian town. We are on a roll and there's no stopping us now!

 Not presented as a goal but pursuant to my trip to Barcelona and a better understanding of the Rotary Foundation, we have nearly all participated as Sustaining Members this year. Your response was magnanimous and appropriate. We are richly blessed in our lives and our blessings only get greater when we share.

The Annual Meeting/Christmas Party is at my house - #9 in James Landing. Call for directions if needed: 545.2632. I will expect you at 6:30 sharp for a fixed menu meal. Dinner is on me. If the night is ruined for you if you do not bring something, call me. Otherwise, bring your $10 gift to swap, good cheer, $15 per person and $25 for couples. I have decided the money will go to the District Governor's project which is The Wheelchair Foundation. I will solicit additional donations as a personal Christmas present to those not so lucky as ourselves but giving is very optional - NO pressure, Only opportunity.

Again, Congratulations and happy holidays and I look forward to our meeting next week.

Yours in Rotary,
Janet (Madame President)