There are many wonderful things about Thanksgiving and this time of year. For me, it’s a time to reflect on the many things in my life to be thankful for: the blessings of liberty and the freedoms we have in this country; the bounty from our farms and fields which we will enjoy at the Thanksgiving table; the amazing beauty of living in the Willamette Valley, Oregon, and the Pacific Northwest; the blessings of my Faith, family and friends; and, life itself.

I am so thankful for Rotary and for you all, my fellow Salem Rotarians. I am blessed to serve with such a caring, loving, supportive, generous group of people who are dedicated to the well-being of their neighbors in this area and those around the world. I am humbled by your examples of work and support for those less fortunate than us. Together, we are working to fight polio, to bring clean drinking water to communities, to help at-risk children and families, and so much more. You all truly demonstrate that Rotary is “Making a Difference.”

Happy Thanksgiving!  I’ll see you at Rotary!