Page 3 - Gears and Ears May 2013

From the Club President

Eddie Fernandez

LBV Rotarians,

The month of May is upon us and this month’s theme recognizes the purpose
& motto of our organization; Service Above Self. Whether across the street, over
the river, or beyond the ocean, when we take action on practicing Service Above
Self, we make a difference. It does no one any good to only talk Service Above
Self. We must act on it for the sake of enriching the lives of those we choose to
serve. During the next two months, we will put this motto to the test as we have
several service projects that are coming to fruition as our Rotary year comes to a
close. Don’t be left out; be more than a Thursday morning Rotarian.

Our club is certainly no stranger to healthy participation in service projects. On
the heels of a hugely successful Relay for Life event in the month of April, I can’t tell you how proud I am of
all the work that our members put in. Not only for our club team; for the entire event. Debra Flippo, Shawn
Rommerdahl, Todd Wiederkehr, Ray Maxwell, Jose Mota, Jeff Calvert, Jean Campana, Mel Butler, John Calla,
John McRae & many other members and their spouses all volunteered time and resources to the success of
LBV’s Relay for Life 2013. Most of all, I can’ t thank Marti enough for all the hard work and countless hours
that she dedicated to the success of this event. If there were an event gold medal, she would win it hands
down. Our team exceeded its goal of $2,500 and the entire event raised over $50,000. Give yourselves a
round of applause.

For years, Rotary’s commitment to Service Above Self has been channeled through the Avenues of Service,
which form the foundation of club activity.

• Club Service focuses on strengthening fellowship and ensuring the effective functioning of the club.
• Vocational Service encourages Rotarians to serve others through their vocations and to practice high
ethical standards.
• Community Service covers the projects and activities the club undertakes to improve life in its
community.
• International Service encompasses actions taken to expand Rotary’s humanitarian reach around the globe
and to promote world understanding and peace.
• New Generations Service recognizes the positive change implemented by youth and young adults through
leadership development activities as RYLA , Rotaract and Interact , service projects, and creating
international understanding with Rotary Youth Exchange .

It is with these Avenues of Service that we continue to be motivated in doing the things that we do to change
our immediate surroundings and impact change where ever we identify a need. Whether it is collecting toys
for the Arnold Palmer Treasure Box, supporting the events and charities of fellow Rotarians, funding
Internationally sponsored Rotary service projects, or the most important support for the Rotary Foundation,
we all have the opportunity to dedicate our time to one or more of the Avenues of Service. I challenge you to
pick one Avenue and give it all of your attention for the next Rotary year. You will be amazed at what a
difference you will see in your life and those you serve. Have a great month.

Eddie Fernandez