It’s been two months since I took office as your 2010-2011 Club President and I like to think that I’m beginning to get a handle on my responsibilities. As a member, I’d come to the luncheons, enjoy the camaraderie, partake of the food, listen to the speaker, and then leave and go about my business. I didn’t really think much more about Rotary until the next Thursday. 

Now I’m noticing a few things from a different perspective. I still enjoy the camaraderie of my fellow Rotarians, the food is still excellent (after all, we’re talking Mancy’s Italian), and the speakers are informative. However, I’ve noticed a decrease in attendance at the luncheons . . . maybe because it’s summer, maybe not . . . but it would be nice to see more Rotarians at our Thursday luncheons.
We have some service projects coming up soon – the Race for the Cure water station and the annual Pancake Dinner on Election Day to name a few. Let’s show Sylvania and Toledo how well we turn out to provide service to our community. I’d like to see at least 50 Rotarians at each function. Get your names to either Laura Kronmann or Scott Coolman and let them know you want to volunteer.

What would you like to see your Rotary Club do? In what type of activities would you participate? Let me or any of the other officers know – or come to a Board meeting and tell us yourself. Your Rotary Board is here to serve you. We can do so effectively if you communicate your thoughts – and complaints – to us.  

I joined Rotary for the friendship and the sense of community. I have not been disappointed. But the club needs to move forward, and the only way it will is with your input. What do you think?

How about a formal holiday party? An informal holiday party? A gag gift exchange? (I still remember Tom Cline’s of a few years ago.) A summer barbeque at Olander Park? New service projects for Sylvania and Sylvania Township? A Rotary float for the parades? The adoption of a needy family? Highway cleanup in honor of Bill Chidester?

We are only limited by our imaginations and our collective willingness to put forth the effort. Let me know what your imagination is telling you. Let me know what you’re willing to do.

Norm Koenigseker, PE
President, Sylvania Rotary 2010-2011
September 2, 2010