The year 2020 will forever be remembered for the panic and fear of the COVID-19 global pandemic. It is petrifying to those of us who never encountered a public health event of this magnitude in another time in history or in another country.

We have done our part (and continue to do our part) as Rotarians to put service above self. Our club has done great works! Providing meals for those on the front lines and assisting community partners like Second Congregational Church are just a few examples. The upcoming Rotary in Motion event and the dedication of the Rotary Pavilion (both on Oct. 3, 2020) help demonstrate to the community our commitment to 'building goodwill and better friendships'. Famous others have noted the impact of Rotary's work as an international organization and have joined in, as in Bill Gates's support of our mission to eradicate polio. Even though this video is from May 31, 2019, it is still very pertinent, and I implore you not only to view this brief 22 minute video, but then to share it far and wide: (*1)

“Why Bill Gates Partners With Rotary To Eradicate Polio”  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pn8-Ij9KJ7Q

In our personal lives each of us may embrace elements of the Rotary 4-Way Test by putting those concepts into action. I have worked for years on the issue of food insecurity. As the Director of the Bloomfield Community Kitchen at First Congregational Church in Bloomfield (currently along with only 5 wonderful volunteers) we prepare and serve upwards of 200 to-go meals each Saturday and send each of our guests home with a full grocery bag of items. Food is Life! 

One may come to appreciate the magnitude of these three words after having received the gift of food--as I once did in my earlier life. Yes, as the statistics say, at least once in your lifetime you will be “down on your luck” and need assistance. My downtrodden time came after a divorce many years ago and I had to find a way to feed my two children. It was a short but rough road for me which my sons never knew about until they were grown men. I will never forget that experience and the kindhearted people who came to my aid, and I have chosen to pay it forward ever since. Experiences such as this can build great volunteers, and I firmly believe it is what made Rotary so very appealing to me. It has been my pleasure to share this life tale with you to help you better understand my passion and direction in life.

In fellowship and peace,                                                                                 

Lucy 

(*1) Video links may not function correctly in bulletin format.  Should you experience difficulty, please navigate to President's Message at manchesterctrotary.org to view the referenced video clip.

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