In previous articles, I
’ve written somewhat extensively on the good things that Rotary
does in Morgan Hill and around the world.
In previous articles, I’ve written somewhat extensively on the good things that Rotary does in Morgan Hill and around the world. I have not told you much about one of the most enjoyable aspects of being a Rotarian – having a whole bunch of fun! While service is our major mission, we also emphasize fellowship in all we do, so that being a Rotarian is as enjoyable as it is rewarding.
Morgan Hill Rotary meets weekly for lunch on Wednesdays, which is accompanied by a program. Although this meeting doesn’t officially begin until 12:15pm, most Rotarians usually show up about noon just to have some “fellowship” time with other club members and guests. Lunch is also enjoyed with lots of conversation and fellowship at each table. At 12:30pm or shortly thereafter, the meeting is called to order with the flag salute, a thought for the day, and a toast. As there is always a lot going on, several announcements are made about scheduled projects or other fellowship events coming up. Then there is a weekly sheriff who comes and separates a few dollars from members, all in good fun and according to yearly pledges for donations.
The announcements and sheriff portions of our meetings are very light and usually generate a lot of laughter and enjoyment. About 1pm the program for the day starts, and these are varied and always interesting. It may be about a local business or an event or it could just be covering something about Rotary, perhaps one of our International projects. We also highlight our own club members, with new members giving the club an overview on who they are, their families, businesses and hobbies. These always make fascinating programs and are very well received. They also increase the fellowship within the club in that they let you get to know your fellow Rotarians better.
Meetings always end promptly at 1:30pm, but invariably there will be little side meetings and additional “fellowship time” in the back of the room or in the parking lot.
We have a lot of events. Some are service projects, like the annual dinner for seniors or the construction of needed improvements at public facilities. If it is an event, and Rotarians are there, it is also an opportunity for fellowship and having fun. Working shoulder-to-shoulder with fellow club members is a great way to get to know them and to really enjoy the camaraderie that naturally comes with doing good things for the community.
We also have events to raise money for our projects. Our annual golf tournament in early October and the recent Sock Hop are examples. These events have to be fun – for the volunteer club members putting them on as well as for the attendees that we need to make them successful. And they are! I hope you’ve had a chance to enjoy a Rotary event and experience first hand the strong fellowship bond between Rotarians.
Of course, we also have events for club members that have no other purpose than to increase club fellowship. A recent pot-luck, internationally themed dinner at several different host locations was enjoyed thoroughly by all that attended. We also had a “Texas Hold ‘em” poker party recently and we make an annual trek up to San Jose Muni Stadium to see a San Jose Giants game and enjoy their fantastic barbecue. All these are really fun things.
Rotary is about service for sure and we are very proud of the service we provide locally and internationally. But Rotary is also about fellowship, about building life-long relationships with fellow Rotarians that are very special and very rewarding. And a heck of a lot of fun!
As part of the 100-year anniversary of Rotary and the 50-year anniversary of the Morgan Hill Club, Rotary will be sponsoring the next Chamber breakfast on Thursday, May 5, 7:30am at the Golden Oak. Hope to see you there, and if you have any questions or are interested in learning more about Rotary, contact me (Steve Tate, 621-7377, st*******@*****er.net).
Steve Tate is immediate past president of Morgan Hill Rotary.
