Tuesday was a remarkable visit to a club that I have had a long history with.  I spoke with the club about how two of my Rotary mentors, PDG Cloyd Clark 2006-07, and PDG Duane Tappe 2013-14.  It was Judge Clark who first asked me to do a job for him.  We all need to do this more.  Let me state the obvious again.  If we expect people to be engaged, to be involved and part of our clubs, we have to ASK THEM to Join, then we have to ask them to participate, to give of their time, talent and resources.  If we don’t ASK them they will think they are not wanted or needed.  Thank you Judge for asking me to CONNECT.  

I had a great visit but it was what I did after my visit that was truly magical!  I got in my car and check my email, no problems, that’s good.  So, I had time to spend exploring McCook to learn a little about the community.  Hey Google, what is in interesting to see in McCook, Nebraska?  Google suggested the Museum of the High Plains Historical Society.  Sounded good to me.

When I walked in they had to turn on the lights, but they certainly maded me feel welcome.  They noticed my shirt with the Rotary Connects the World theme.  The gentleman introduced himself, John Hubert, age 91 and a longtime member of the Rotary club of McCook.  I told him that I just spoke to his club and was sorry that he had missed my message.  I must have been destiny for me to meet John, since he had not made it to Rotary today.  Somehow I was led to his museum and John and I did meet, and over the next 3 1/2 hours John and I got to know each other pretty well.  What a GREAT ambassador for McCook and such a proud Rotarian.  We had so many stories to share with each other.  I might try to weave them in over the year when I need something to share.  Thank you John for your Rotary service, and for spending so much time showing me the musuem and the Fox Theater.  

The first thing I thought of as I was driving back from Alliance to the hotel last night, was “oh no, I forgot to get a photo with the club.”  I guess that just means I’ll need to make a return trip.  I plan to do that anyway.  Stay tuned to my blog, and you’ll all see why someday soon.

Day one took me through 10 counties.  Beginning in my home county of Buffalo and driving west along I-80 to Ogallala where I turned north towards Bridgeport and then on to Alliance in Box Butte County.  It’s really amazing the beauty of Nebraska.  From the far west to the Missouri River in the east, it is so completely different.  When you ask someone about Nebraska, the first thing they might say is “corn”, or “cows”.  But rarely do they mention the beautiful grasslands of the Sandhills, the bluffs of the northwestern plains, or the pine vistas of the Niobrara River.  And that’s just a snippet.  I can’t wait to tell you more, and share pictures.

Speaking of the sandhills, returning to North Platte, I took a different route along Highway 2 through the Sandhills.  I couldn’t help to notice all the water, and wondered if this was normal, or if this was due to all the rain we have received this spring.  Last night was another night of torrential rain across Nebraska, we don’t need any more water. 

So with 10 of 93 counties checked off my list, we continue down the road.  Today we are headed to Nebraska’s “Hot Spot”, McCook.  For some reason, they always seem to be the hottest place in Nebraska.  I’ll have to ask them about that and share it here tomorrow.  

See you soon.  

As I make my first club visit today, I’m mindful of the Word of the Day today, Peaceful (July 8, 2019).   It seems so appropriate as I get on the road so early for the long drive alone to the west.  It’s a solemn drive, plenty of time to contemplate what “wisdom” I might be able to share with my fellow Rotarians in Alliance.  My real role is to help them discover new ideas, and help them see beyond the “fences” they have been snuggled safely behind for so long.  I don’t want anyone to feel like I’m “the home office” coming out to tell them what to do, or what they are doing wrong.  That’s not my role.  I’m just so excited to learn, and be able to take their ideas to everyone else.  That’s what I hope we can all do here with this blog.

So today it all begins.  I’m sure we’ll all talk about the given, the Rotary Strategic Plan put forth by RI President Maloney, his 4 strategic priorities, our theme, “Rotary Connects the World”, but most of all how Rotary Connects us All. 

See you soon.