I have just been informed that our founding president and longest serving member, Bill Skewes, has passed away. Bill has been battling a lung disease for several years. Arrangements are not complete but we know there will be a service on Oct. 22nd. In Denver and a reception will be planned at a date to be determined at Mount Vernon Canyon Club. Bill’s leadership certainly made our club a reality. On a personal note, I will never forget Bill’s kindness while I was grieving my wife’s death. He lured me to Canada for two weeks of golf and fishing. Bill was a good man and a fine Rotarian. He will be missed.
So much to ponder today. Our British allies have lost their Queen who served them for 70 years. The Queen was a popular lady who managed to traverse the world’s issues giving consistent leadership and understanding, while providing a “stiff upper lip” when required. I believe she was loved and universally respected because she avoided the combativeness so pervasive here in America. It is inspiring to see the love flow from her people as she takes her final trip across her beloved land.
You may have heard our members say “To the Queen” after reciting our pledge. This tradition was started to honor a great and beloved British member, Kay Radloff Ellis, who was an early contributor to our club’s success. The practice strengthened after the Queen ordered the playing of our National Anthem at Buckingham Palace after 911. It was a truly unprecedented act to demonstrate the support to their closest ally. Our club was founded within a month of 911 and the terrible event was on our minds, and hopefully still remains a never to be forgotten day.
As we remember those who we lost that day twenty one years ago, let us remember that we were founded as a force for good. “To the Queen.” Your devotion to your duties and you dignity are duly noted.
Our program will be presented by Chris Nims this week. He is the first to respond to our request to our members to share their stories.
The Sheriff candidate night is just 10 days away. No normal meeting next week, just meet at the Buchanan recreation center to meet the next sheriff.
We need someone to plan the holiday party. If you are interested, please let me know.
Don’t forget the highway cleanup effort on the 17th Co-ordinate your presence with P.J.
The PR committee is planning having “Acknowledgement Night.” It is totally in a “concept” stage and meant to be fun and drive us toward more overall club engagement. It was brought up at our BOD meeting as a potential Social Night event idea.
News from C4A:
One shipment is en route to Pakistan containing mobility devices for delivery to polio survivors. What's shipping next? Phoenix, AZ – A small container is shipping from AZ to CO to combine with mobility devices in Denver. We’re looking for storage space in Arizona so collection there can continue with momentum. • Denver, CO – We plan to load a container in October for shipment to Kenya which has recently made changes to their customs process that allows us to ship there once again. This will be a "TEST" shipment to make sure this new clearing process is functioning. • Atlanta, GA – We’re looking forward to shipping a container to South Central Africa before years end. • Smethport, PA – We expect to load a container and ship it to Nigeria with much help from Rotary volunteers. • Sacco, ME – A second shipment to Nigeria will be loaded soon but the shipping companies, trucking and rail providers are still struggling with logistical problems that create chaos in scheduling shipments. This has been true across the board. We’re also looking for new storage space in coastal New England |