At our special Rotary event on Tuesday, April 21, I couldn't help but be inspired by our attendance, not so much in the number of people, but in their composition.  As expected, we had a number of our newer members--people who bring a new enthusiasm and energy to the club.  Yet, we also had a number of senior Rotarians, including our most senior, who were there to show their support.  In many ways, that evening was symbolic of the qualities that make our club strong.

April 25th marked Bart Haas's 41st anniversary with our club and Mike Caringello's 54th.  Bart has been our club Song Leader for many, many years.  Mike has overseen our weekly 50/50 drawing since its inception long ago.  Here are two senior members taking an active role in the club.  They still eagerly give back.  Then I look at that group of 11 Rotarians who have joined in the last 5 years who are stepping forward to lead us into the future.  Add to that the individual talents each of us brings to Rotary and we are a collective force to be reckoned with.  That is why our club has taken on the theme of "Making A Difference" and why we are looking for new members to help add to the Pekin Rotary Club story.

Thank you to all who attended the event on the 21st and thank you to all who worked hard to make it possible.  Let's build upon the momentum we created and let's work to consistently build our club.  We have a lot on our plate, but we have the people in place and a pool of potential talent to help us be even better at what we do so well.

Gary Gillis