Dave Koepele and his merry band of volunteer members have removed the ice rink at Camp-Ta-Kum-Ta — so it must be spring!!! 

As we welcome the energy of May here in the Valley, I find myself filled with gratitude for all we’ve accomplished together this year. Our club continues to be a shining example of "Service Above Self," and each of you plays a vital role in that.

As I mentioned in our February newsletter, while winter may seem still, nature was quietly preparing for the bloom of spring — and so were we.  Now, that time of impact has arrived.

A few weeks ago, many of you were present (or read about it in the Valley Reporter) when Pete Colgan unveiled our club’s new three-year budget. This is a major milestone for us, providing a foundation to plan our fundraising and charitable giving efforts with much greater foresight. The budget is a living document — it will grow and evolve each year, shaped by each new president and reflective of our club’s ongoing objectives. It also dovetails beautifully with our recently completed three-year strategic plan, which aligns with the priorities of our new Charitable Giving Pillars.

And the energy doesn’t stop there — our Scholarship Program is underway (including a new trades scholarship), Teacher Grant applications are on the way, and Roger Porter is hard at work on our Matching District Grant. Activity is in full swing for our Sponsorship Program, Outpour 25, the Fourth of July Parade, fencing at Neck of the Woods, and — if you listen closely — you might even hear the first racing ducks beginning to quack ! It’s a busy and exciting season for our club.

I encourage each of you to stay engaged: sign up for a committee, join a project, invite a friend to a meeting, and share the joy of Rotary. Fresh energy and new ideas are what keep our club vibrant, and your enthusiasm is the best way to spread our mission throughout the Valley.

Thank you for your dedication, your service, and your heart. Let’s make the most of these bright days ahead — together.

Many thanks,

Mike