President's Message 11.25.24

We had a chance to join Nancy Engel and her family and friends in celebration of the life and legacy of Al Engel at Saint Maria Goretti Catholic Church and the Indian Valley Country Club (IVCC) on Saturday.

 

Rick Kowey played guitar and mandolin throughout the mass at the church, and it was so personal and beautiful. 

 

At IVCC Brad Mellon talked about the different aspects of who Al was and it was easy to relate to the “CEO Al” so many of us knew, and interesting to hear about the “Spiritual Al” that we may not have known so well.  It was heartwarming to hear his granddaughter talk about her Pop and how much he meant to her as he made every visit an event with elaborate appetizers and new adventures.  Another friend talked about how much Al had meant to his family over a 40-year period during which they knew each other personally and professionally.  There were a lot of stories from many attendees of the many impactful Rotary programs that Al had started, led or participated in and the lives he touched as a result.

 

Two weeks ago, John Young talked about how much Rotary feels like family and I could really sense the family atmosphere at Al’s celebration.  It occurred to me that we see each other more regularly through Rotary events than we see most other family members and friends.  The work we do together to help others build strong bonds that extend far beyond Rotary meeting venues and events.  Seeing each other out of the context of a Rotary event at Al’s celebration of life was comforting and a great reminder that we are all connected. 

 

What I will probably remember most about the celebration is the song and sentiment shared by Pastor John Heidgerd.  He began sharing his memories of Al by singing the beginning lines of “You’ve Got a Friend” by Carole King (see below) and inviting us to join him in the refrain.  John used the present tense as he spoke, stating “Al Engel is my friend” throughout his message in a reminder that Al’s friendship lives on in our hearts.

 

I greatly admired Al for his courage to tackle any project and his commitment to see it through.  I appreciated his willingness to meet challenges head-on and openly discuss any problems, no matter how difficult the conversations may seem.  His attention to detail was impeccable as I consider much work it took to achieve the level of excellence he consistently demanded and delivered. 

 

I never told Al how much I admired and appreciated who he was, just as I have never told many of you.  I have been working from home for almost 5 years now and I love my work and I love being home, but it can be isolating.  I really appreciate seeing all of you, hearing all of your stories, observing your greatness in the many roles you fill, and serving the world with you.

 

Have a wonderful week and peaceful and loving Thanksgiving.

 

In Rotary

Kate Hoath

President

 

When you're down and troubled
And you need some lovin' care
And nothin', nothin' is goin' right
Close your eyes and think of me
And soon I will be there
To brighten up even your darkest night

 

You just call out my name
And you know, wherever I am
I'll come runnin'
To see you again
Winter, spring, summer or fall
All you have to do is call
And I'll be there
You've got a friend

 

If the sky above you
Grows dark and full of clouds
And that old north wind begins to blow
Keep your head together
And call my name out loud
Soon you'll hear me knockin' at your door

 

You just call out my name
And you know, wherever I am
I'll come runnin', runnin', yeah, yeah
To see you again
Winter, spring, summer or fall
All you have to do is call
And I'll be there, yes, I will

 

Now, ain't it good to know that you've got a friend
When people can be so cold?
They'll hurt you, yes, and desert you
And take your soul if you let them
Oh, but don't you let them

 

You just call out my name
And you know, wherever I am
I'll come runnin', runnin', yeah, yeah
To see you again
Winter, spring, summer or fall
All you have to do is call
And I'll be there, yes, I will
You've got a friend
You've got a friend

Ain't it good to know you've got a friend
Ain't it good to know, ain't it good to know
Ain't it good to know
You've got a friend
Oh, yeah, now, you've got a friend
Yeah baby, you've got a friend
Oh, yeah, you've got a friend