Giving Thanks
By: Suzanne Bledsoe
    
                          
My personal favorite of all of our Rotary programs is the Thanksgiving program. I enjoy hearing others reflect on their lessons learned, their joys, sometimes their disappointments and always their blessings. Today's program was no exception.
 
Lee Tabor shared with us her story of a brave and loving young woman-who gave up a short chapter in her own life so that she could give life to Lee. And, in so doing, also give the gift of parenthood to Lee's adoptive parents. Lee has two children of her own, for whom she is very grateful. She credits the Rotary experience of service above self that she and her husband, John, have shared over the years as a guiding force for her children as they have developed their own interests and passions. So, of course, she is very grateful for the opportunity to share the fellowship, the friendships and the common desire to give back that we all experience as Rotarians. Lee is grateful that she is a citizen of this country and appreciates the sacrifices that our public servants are often required to make. She treasures her family, her friends and her faith.
  
Tony Marciano sees people every day who are at the end of their rope. He has spent his adult life ministering to the poor, the homeless and the forgotten. Through it all, he cherishes and understands the great gift of unconditional love that we experience as parents, spouses, friends and neighbors. His faith is palpable and his perseverance has delivered desired results on many occasions. He is grateful for his ability to believe, to love and to honor. And he is grateful for his outlook in today's difficult economic environment: to choose NOT to participate in the recession, but rather, focus on his belief that every day is going to be a great day.
 
Todd Hawks grew up in a small town in Maryland, the son of a factory worker and a stay at home mom. His family lived one block from the Salvation Army and much of Todd's time as a young person was spent under the tutelage of the many programs available for the families and young people in his small community. He recalls many Christmases when there was not enough money to go around for extras, the Salvation Army was always there to provide a small gift, a piece of fruit and warm clothing. Todd's childhood memories of the Salvation Army and the safe haven it provided for him remain and he is grateful that he, as Charlotte Area Commander of the Salvation Army, can ensure that others will be similarly provided for.
 
I give thanks to Lee, Tony and Todd for sharing their stories with us and for giving us all the opportunity to reflect upon and be grateful for our many blessings. In each of the stories we heard today, we were reminded that the opportunity to serve our community and the world through our shared Rotary connection is a blessing that we can all give thanks for.
  
 
Head Table: Tom Stowe, Tony Marciano, John Snyder, George Thompson, Lee Tabor, Todd Hawks, Beverly Grant-Turner;
Invocation: Mary Ciminelli;
Visitors & Guests: Tod Thorne; Health & Happiness: Tony Zeiss; Song: Pam Jefsen; Piano: Thomas Moore; Photos: Bert Voswinkel
 

• Condolences are extended to the James Tolliver family upon the death of James' grandmother; Matt Joyner loved the thrill of joining his son on his first backpacking trip with his Scout troop. He did not enjoy the broken arm received while rescuing his backpack before it plunged into the creek; check out www.chasesaundersart.com when you have a minute; John Johnson is the interim executive director through the calendar year at Classroom Central.
  
• There will be a short business meeting on December 1st as the slate of officers and board members are presented to the membership for vote.
                   
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
    
• Salvation Army Bell Ringing: The 2009 Bell Ringing schedule is available here.
Mark Norman has a full slate of volunteers to ring the bell for the Salvation Army. If you missed securing a spot, you are encouraged to stop by the Kettle, which will be set up at the corner of Trade & Tryon Streets, to cheer on your fellow Rotarians and make a donation. Come on by...11:30 to 1:30, November 23 through December 11 (excluding Thanksgiving Thursday and Friday).
 
• Warm Clothing Drive: Warm clothing, blankets, etc. for men, women and children served by Crisis Assistance Ministry will be accepted through Tuesday, December 1st.