Welcome Fall!

This weekend we will welcome Fall. Usually we are sad to see summer go but this past summer has been just a little too exciting. First there was the super hot temperatures - which were a factor in my decision to go "au natural" in the hair department. Then there was the rain, for which my front lawn is thankful. If you were on the third floor of an office building you got an interesting experience from the earthquake (yes 76 South Orange does sway) at the beginning of the week, followed by hurricane Irene at the end of the week. She threatened to cancel my trip to Florida, but we were spared - a few leaks and new firewood for next winter. When I was at Wallkill Valley Rotary last week a member give a happy dollar for the economic stimulus Irene - her distruction has resulted in new jobs cleaning and rebuilding. Then tropical storm Lee who did little to Florida while I was there made a mess of New Jersey. There is a theory that every time I go away New Jersey gets hit by the weather (remember the blizzards at Christmas and the end of January). Seems traveling in the summer is no less destructive. Now the temperature is dropping but after all - Fall is this weekend.

I missed two great programs. Tia Aery from the Interfaith Hospitality Network spoke about their theme of "Every Child Deserves a Home". On November 17 the IHN is hosting a breakfast meeting at Mayfair Farms at 7:45 a.m. to 9 a.m. The breakfast is free, the program is outstanding and Janice is a table captain - wouldn't it be nice to have a table full of Rotarians to hear about a program that provides temporary housing and services for homeless families. Then Tim Roebuck spoke about his travels - a program I really wanted to attend but I was in Florida - attending a 7 a.m. Rotary meeting in Lake Wales. For those who missed Tim, he was born in the UK, lived and work in the Republic of Ireland and France, and has been in the travel and tourism business for nearly all his career. Tim, for several years now, has operated Private Tours to Egypt, Jordan and East Africa. Tim had just returned from a fascinating trip to 'post revolution' Egypt. A Maplewood resident, Tim is leading a Volunteer Team of local participants to earthquake ravaged Haiti this coming November, for what will be Tim's second trip to Haiti.

For those who missed the President's Ball - a good time was had by all.

This week our District Governor Jim Allison is coming for his official visit. This would be a good time to invite prospective members.

In the coming months we are preparing for our Service Above Self Awards - this year we are having a Beefsteak Dinner close to home in South Orange - much less formal and much more fun. Everyonse is encouraged to sell tickets - our honorees are all distinguished in their specific areas and we want to fill the parish hall of St. Andrew & Holy Communion with friends and family - and raise funds to continue doing good in the community and the world.

Bright moments.