We welcome Roger Deming to Gilbert Rotary Club as an Honorary Member.  As a Rotarian in Orchards, Washington, a small unincorporated town near Vancouver, Roger learned about Service Above Self; that Rotary sees a world in which there are many unmet needs, which we strive to serve through our untapped potential.  He knows we serve through our clubs, our vocations, our communities, international efforts and through our youth, particularly Interactors and Rotoractors.  And that we seek improvement by taking action to create lasting change in our communities, across the globe and in ourselves. 

We honor Roger Deming for his life-long efforts to serve, particularly in the areas of supporting education and youth and for his devotion to his country, his family and his community.

We did not know that we would reach Roger through our Christmas card exchange program, but he told us we had.  He thanked us, as he often does those whom he sees serving others.  He told us about himself and his family.  He mentioned he had been a Rotarian in his earlier life and seemed proud of that fact.  When we had a chance to meet in person, I was struck by his openness, his strength in the face of significant discouragement, his refusal to give up hope in himself or in others.  The door to his room is adorned with notes and messages of hope.  All who enter must have hope, one message says.  In getting to know Roger further, I learned about his family, wife Carolyn, daughter, and granddaughters all of whom he is so proud of and loves so much.  He is a gentle, loving man who truly cares about others.  He served for many years in another service club to which I also belonged years ago, whose mission is youth.  I left a copy of The Rotarian magazine with Roger and he actually read it all the way through.  How many of us can say that?  He told me in a recent email "it must give all the members across the state a great deal of good felling to be doing such good works, and to do it behind the scenes and in a quiet fashion knowing that with so few you are doing so much."

We welcome him to Gilbert Rotary Club to share in our fellowship and to serve in our community as a beacon of hope, good will and better friendships, with only the expectation that he will continue to exemplify a good Rotarian heart. 

Please join me in welcoming our newest member, Roger Deming.

The Gilbert Rotary Club participated as a vendor at the 23rd annual Barktoberfest event brought to Gilbert by the Friends for Life Animal Rescue Center.

Offering photos of pets and parents in our fall themed photo booth, and Raffle opportunities grossed the club $240.00 towards our ongoing projects.

Special thanks to Mike Flores, Jim & Pat Schermetzler, Jill Amaroso, and Cori Christenson for their time and effort.

Raffle Drawing will take place during October 21 meeting.