Joe White Partner: Peggy 603 Ogden Avenue Clearfield, Pa. 16830 Tel: 814-765-1859(R) 814-765-1611(B) 814-360-1544(C) FAX 814-765-3126 Email(R): jwhite35@verizon.net Email(B): jwhite@clevelandbrothers.com
The Rotary roots run deep in my family.My father lived the “Four Way Test”, and with perfect attendance for over 50 years in the Rotary Club of Denver and later in the Rotary Club of Lake Havasu, I can remember many a cross country road trip where we went out of our way so he could visit another Club to make up a Rotary meeting.
I joined the Rotary Club of Clearfield in 1994, became a Paul Harris Fellow and served as President in 2001-2002, but to be honest, I really didn’t become a Rotarian until 9/11/2001.I will never forget the tragic events of that morning as we crowded around thelittle TV in our truckers lounge,watching the dense black smoke and flames billow from the windows of the World Trade Center, wondering if it was an accident, and praying for the people trapped above that roaring inferno.I remember it as if it was yesterday.It was a sky blue day, and as we watched, and wondered, and prayed, the second plan hit.
That was the day I became a Rotarian.Not as I watched in stunned silence as the second plane appeared in the distance and then slowly flew into the second tower, or as the towers came crashing down, first the one, and then the other, but later that evening, as I sat alone, silently reading more than a dozen e-mails from people around the world, mostly Muslims whom I had met through Rotary.No longer strangers, but friends taking the time to express their sorrow and condolences for the cowardly acts done in the name of their religion.That was the day I experienced the miracle, and life changing power of Rotary first hand. That was the day I became a Rotarian.
So my friends, my fellow Rotarians, now you know why even though this is going to be a most challenging and trying year for Rotary International, The Rotary Foundation, our Clubs, and each and every one of our Rotarian throughout the District, I make know excuses or apologies.When it comes to Rotary; nothing, nothing but our best is good enough.
My friends, I hope we would all agree that even in the worst of times, we are a blessed people.One does not have to look far to see that there is still much to be done, and I know as Rotarians you will find creative ways to continue the good work of Rotary here at home in our own communities, as well as in communities around the world.Follow your passion.The magic of Rotary touches and changes the lives of people in mysterious and miraculous ways.
I know.It is why I am privileged and honored to serve as your District Governor for the year 2009-2010.
