Why I Am A Rotarian

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My initial exposure to Rotary International was in the role of guest speaker at a number of clubs during the past few years.  When I visited the Prince George Club, I was immediately impressed with its warmth, inclusiveness, and representation of all facets of our community.  The Club members displayed a genuine commitment to making our community and our world a better place for all concerned.  I am grateful for the opportunity to participate in the fun, friendship, and dedication of a group of individuals who live out the inspiring challenge left to us by Mahatma Gandhi – “Be the change you wish to see in the world”.

Daniel L. Herr, J.D.

I attended my first meeting as a guest speaker in 2002 and I was pleasantly suprised by the diversity of the club and how welcome I was made to feel. After visiting the club for about three weeks, I applied to become a member.  Now, almost 7 years later, I am a past-president and a Paul Harris Fellow, and I have made many good friends along the way. I really like Rotary's inclusiveness; currently, there are 33,000 clubs in more than 200 countries! Rotary continues to afford me the opportunity for personal and professional growth. 

Chana  

The reasons I enjoy Rotary are many.  I believe in what the Foundation does, especially because religion and politics are supposedly kept at bay.  I believe in the networking concept of Rotary, for local businesses, varied vocations, their community's benefit.  I am awed by the organization of such a large nonprofit -- I've learned a lot about how well or not well a nonprofit can function.  I really like the stimulation, humor, insight, intelligence and kindness of Rotarians; ours especially, because I've visited so few others.  Because of reason #4 -- and the breath of fresh air associated with us Rotarians -- I look forward to seeing everyone on Wed. mornings and know almost wherever we might find ourselves there would be a welcoming group of Rotarians.  And, I really like the animals I've gotten to know through my Rotary connections!

Peg.

Many years ago-maybe 11 or 12 or maybe more, Otis Bryant invited me to talk about "Welfare Reform" under the then Governor Allen. Actually, I was visited by another Rotarian, and he told me about the Rotary Project of providing Parent Education in something called the Community Service Avenue of Service.

Sounded pretty good and right down my alley so to speak.

When the time came for me to make the welfare presentation I took the "VIEW"

Worker with me (VIEW means Virginia's Initiative for Employment Not Welfare). When I walked in I saw many of the folks I had been working with over the many years I had been here in this area. "Why hadn't I always been a Rotarian"...I thought. Pat and Earl welcomed me as did all of the Rotarians.  I was asked by Pat to consider membership so I asked Nat Elliott when the regular monthly meetings were-I was surprised to hear him reply..."they're not monthly they're WEEKLY"...

Well, I had to consider this weekly thing but by the next Wednesday I was at Dockside and have had 100% attendance ever since.

That's my story and I'm sticking to it,

Bill Gandel, Director of Prince George Social Services and 2008 Rotarian of the Year

I joined Rotary because it is a splendid way to make new friends, meet new people, and grow relationships.  Relationships formed through my Prince George Rotary Club can be of a business or a personal nature - or both.  My weekly Rotary meeting is a comfortable gathering of like-minded and dedicated people who enjoy camradarie on one level and the sense of making a contribution to our community on a higher level.  And then there is the global reach of Rotary.  It is one of the few organizations that I feel comfortable making contributions to on a regular basis.  I feel a sense of satisfaction in being a Paul Harris Fellow, for example, and I enjoy giving to the Rotary Foundation because I know that my money will be used well.  Is some respects, our small Prince George Rotary Club is a kind of village.

Lou Gorr

Extension Agent

Family and Consumer Sciences

Everything Lou said, I could ditto.  The fellowship of Rotary is what keeps me engaged.  Here I am working a club yard sale along with my trusty sidekick, Buddy.  In 1996 I was a chartering member of our club and I was invited to join in the effort by a close friend who is also still a charter member of the club.  The opportunity to see good friends weekly and do fun good works is addictive.

                                                                                                Carol Woodward and Buddy