(Kate volunteering with a former work colleague over the holiday break)
Dear Rotarians and friends,
A friend I made when I started working at Chick-fil-A 40 years ago shared a tradition he follows at the end of each year. He likes to review his experiences and make a list of the highlights. He has been doing this for decades, so over time, it has created a nice record of impactful events throughout his life. I started in 2022 and find that I really enjoy the time spent reflecting. When I thought about my highlights from 2024, I considered family, friends, CEPI, KAFO, Rotary, and Keystone Opportunity Center, along with books and movies that stood out.
This week marks the halfway point in my role as President of STRC, which was the perfect time to consider what has been most enjoyable for me over the past 6 months. Some of the highlights are:
- Seeing the Beer Fest come together as a unique and fun event in the Souderton Community Park supported by many volunteers
- Hearing students talk about how the extremely supportive and positive experiences they had attending Camp Neidig
- Hearing ideas from other Rotary Clubs at the Vibrant Club Summit in September
- Hosting the first-ever Keystone Opportunity Center Poverty Simulation
- Seeing some of the very personal contributions people made to the STRC auction that reflect some of what they enjoy most in life
- Spending Halloween with STRC, united by our love for children in the community
- Traveling to the UN headquarters in New York City with many of our Interact and Exchange students
- Celebrating Veteran’s Day in the Souderton Area High School Library with our many members who are veterans
- Celebrating Al Engel’s life and legacy with many of our Rotary friends and colleagues
- Sharing a Rotary Thanksgiving with STRC and hearing some very touching stories about what STRC means to you
- Visiting the Indian Valley Boys and Girls Club and Souderton Mennonite Homes with many of you to celebrate the holidays
- Experiencing the close community ties evident in the Shop with a Cop event
My friend recommended that I limit my list of highlights in all areas of my life to a maximum of 10 and I currently have 12 for Rotary alone and a total of 46 so far. I am working my way through a selection of the ones that I believe are most significant and thankful to have this challenging, full, rewarding life. I hope you have many highlights to celebrate from 2024 and have more to come in 2025.
Happy New Year!
Kate