We had a Centennial Committee meeting last Wednesday and there was so much to appreciate about it that I hope you will all be able to relate to.
The committee has been meeting for almost 3 years now to plan for an epic 100th year for Souderton-Telford Rotary beginning in June 2025 and Sarah Bergin is leading the way.
Our meeting was held at Sarah’s beautiful home and being there brought back happy memories of celebrating Karla’s 50th birthday with so many friends from our Club and other areas of Karla’s life. I went in through the back door to the kitchen where people were catching up and reminiscing about the cooking shows Sarah put on there during COVID. Sarah had planned for everyone’s dietary needs and preferences, serving both vegetarian and meat lasagna (made by Karla!), as well as chicken with mushrooms and mixed vegetables. The table was set with dishes rimmed in Rotary blue and there was plenty of wine and water for everyone. There were fine chocolates, coffee and Tres Leches cake for dessert.
After dinner, we dove into the table of events we have been using to keep track of the many ideas everyone has had over the past three years and make some final decisions about what will stay on the list and who would be best to organize each activity.
One of the first discussions was on the finishing touches needed in what will soon be Rotary Park led by Leon, who, like Sarah, began his journey toward the 100th year several years ago. Leon and the Park Committee have carefully considered so many possibilities for how to make the Park enjoyable for visitors of all ages. Leon spent a lot of time talking about the generosity of many of the donors, with so many contractors donating their time and community businesses contributing funding, and plans to recognize these contributions on a donor wall near the entrance of the Park. What a beautiful way to welcome people, by first thanking those who made it all possible.
We then reviewed events scheduled to occur throughout the year and everyone present volunteered ideas and offered to take on some of the many responsibilities. Each committee member has different strengths and talents and responsibilities just seemed to be assigned naturally, family style, as everyone pitched in. It occurred to me as I was taking notes that this is the beauty of Rotary, the coming together of positive, inspiring leaders to make things happen. I have seen this same spirit in other committee meetings that occur throughout the club and recognize that this is where the magic happens. Close friendships are formed, obstacles are identified and overcome, and the end result is a stronger community to be celebrated.
No single person has visibility into what happens in all of out committee meetings and I look forward to hearing more about all of them and about the plans for our 100th year during our Annual Meeting on April 24, 2025.
In Rotary
Kate Hoath
President