Happy New Year to you and your families. When we think of our families, many of us have our biological family, our work family, our church family and all of us have our Rotary families. When I think about our Rotary family, regardless of our footprint in our communities and around the world, we truly are an inspiration to so many. You see, when people of action come together, we get so much done. One thing that was so evident in every community we visited was the impact of Rotary. It didn’t matter the size of the club or community, it was obvious there would be a void if Rotary didn’t exist. For me this was indeed a proud moment to know that I was a part of such an amazing group of people known as Rotarians.

 

January is Rotary Awareness month. What can you do to bring awareness to your community about what Rotary is doing? As we all think about our New Year’s resolutions, I encourage you to add this challenge to your list. “To bring Rotary awareness to your community”. Check out the Public Image’s committees’ article in this newsletter on ways you can make that happen.

The Cameron Park Rotary bike project is one GREAT example of what Rotary can do when they come together in a community. This year Joe Ryan and other Rotarians outdid themselves during the annual Christmas distribution of 325 bicycles. These bikes went to children, veterans, homeless, Alameda County Social Services and 100 bikes to survivors of the Camp Fire. All these bikes were refurbished by a single prisoner.

Brian and I are looking forward to getting back out to the dugouts of 6,8,9 & 11 for their Foundation dinners in January. We will be leaving for the “Smiles without Borders” project on January 30 th and we still have space for 13 more to join us. If you are interested in joining us, please reach out to Anita Daniels at Adaniels5190@gmail.com

I want to thank again say THANK YOU to all of the clubs for the financial support in participating in the Rose Bowl Parade. Walking alongside the Rotary Float was indeed an amazing experience and a great way to get my steps in on the first day of the New Year.