As we prepare for a new calendar year, it is amazing to look back and realize how busy the Rotary Club has been this autumn! Do you remember seeing us around town?
In October, you may have seen us at Oktoberfest. Our booth was set up down by the Mower Building. Did you stop by and get some popcorn? If not, don’t worry, I’m sure we will see you next year and you can grab a bag.
On November 20, the Tuesday before Thanksgiving, perhaps you joined us for our 39th annual Prayer Breakfast. Jason Burbage was our guest speaker. Despite being born without fingers on either hand, he became a champion in football, baseball, soccer, cutting horses and developed a love for the outdoors. Jason graduated from Clemson University with a B.S. degree in Agricultural Economics in 1998 and after college he began a successful career as a real estate agent. He was very inspirational and reminded me that life’s obstacles are just challenges you haven’t overcome yet.
Lieutenant Randy Malloy, with the City of Newberry Police Department, was another inspiration that Tuesday morning. Lieutenant Malloy was named as Rotary Club of Newberry’s Layperson of the Year; and, he very emotionally accepted the recognition. It’s honestly difficult to remember all the kind words said about him that morning but one quote (from the Observer Article on the event) still stays with me. … he tells his officers, “It is not about me or us, it is about the community.” I couldn’t have picked a more perfect recipient for this recognition.
If you didn’t get to join us this year, mark your calendars for November 26, 2019. As the date gets closer, track down your friend or neighbor who is a Rotary member and ask for a ticket to this wonderful event.
On December 6, you might have passed a member of the Rotary Club of Newberry swinging a bell for The Salvation Army at Walmart. This was the first time the Rotary Club of Newberry participated in the bell ringing fundraiser. In October, representatives came to a club meeting to educate us about The Salvation Army, the purpose of the bell ringing and where the funds go which are raised during this event. Did you know The Salvation Army started in 1865, helps 25 million Americans annually and serves 130 countries around the globe? It is wonderful to know other organizations are also doing good in the world. A few of our members felt passionately about participating in the bell ringing and worked to make the joint effort between The Rotary Club of Newberry and The Salvation Army possible. That is what is amazing about the Rotary members; they see a need, have a passion, and make it happen.
Rounding out our year, on December 14, was our 58th annual Children’s Christmas party. The children from Thornwell Home for Children and The Boys Farm joined us for lively musical numbers performed by the Little Mountain Elementary Chorus, a visit from Santa Claus who brought presents, and a filling lunch of hot dogs, chips and a ton of cookies! All the children had a wonderful time and knowing the Rotary Club of Newberry is able to spread a little holiday cheer to the children of The Boys Farm and Thornwell Home for Children is priceless.
Now, we get to relax and enjoy time with family and friends during the rest of the holiday season. Be sure to look for us in the spring as we work on more community projects. As the year comes to a close, the Rotary Club of Newberry wishes you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!