Stories

The Vietnam war started in 1955 and it was over in 1975. Many of us grew up during those turbulent years.   I was born in 1959 and grew up during that era. I graduated from high school in 1977. The Vietnam War was going on for virtually all of my childhood.

Back then, the draft was in the news every day. There were protests to the draft; there was the burning of draft cards. Young men moved to Canada to avoid the draft. Unlike World War II, the Vietnam War lacked public support and there seemed to be no directive from the United States to actually win the war. The country was unsure of its purpose. It seemed like such a waste of young lives. Our country was in turmoil.

I’d like to share a story about a woman named Lilly who found her way into the fitness center on Tuesday. Lily came in with a guest pass that our staff had left at a local doctor’s office.  At first, everything seemed to be normal. I did notice however that she was dressed a little unusual. When I looked around, I also noticed that she parked a small personal shopping cart on the side wall in the lobby. It was loaded with what looked like to be all of her belongings.  As I continued to talk with her, I realized that Lily was suffering from some mental issues. She told me that she was sleeping on the campus at Princeton University. That all changed when the campus police had a removal order issued for her to leave.

How many times have we heard someone say, “Why didn’t I think of that?”

 There are a lot of people who believe that the key to fame and fortune is contained in an idea alone.  While every great endeavor requires thought, I believe that most people are only half right when they point to an idea as the key to success. An idea is only part of the equation.

Why is it that so many singer-song writers like Billy Joel or Elton John tend to stop creating new music once they’ve reached a certain age or level of success? While there may be some exceptions, most creative people who realize early success tend to stop creating before they hit middle age.  I believe that success and comfort can easily be followed by leisure and contentment. I don’t think that there is anything wrong with that. We all need to stop and smell the roses from time to time. I’m just of the opinion that in order to remain our happiest, we should always have an inspiring goal that’s ahead.

I’d like to dedicate this message to the topic of leadership. It’s a role that many of us assume in both our personal and professional lives. Our ability to share a vision, be self-reliant, handle problems and overcome adversity are among the key skills needed for leadership. I’d like share the wisdom of some of the greatest people of our time.

Never underestimate the power of your words. It’s especially important when you’re speaking with someone who looks up to you.

If someone in your life makes a big mistake, you can respond with something like, “What’s the matter with you?!!!” You can brow beat them and scream and shout, or you can say something like, “John, what happened? You’re better than that.” There is a profound difference between the two. One will erode self-esteem. The other shows disappointment but with a higher regard for the individual. They will want to live up to the expectations that you set for them.

Dear Fellow Rotarians & friends,

Moral victories are usually achieved by staying focused and working through difficulties and challenges.   Haven’t we all experienced this? We’ve all had to stand up to things that were uncomfortable and required courage. Standing up to a challenge is the key.

Dear Fellow Rotarians & friends,

The Rotary Clubs throughout the world have an overwhelming number of members who we would call “Do-ers.”  Do-ers are people who want to make a difference. In their most sincere form, they want to help others wherever they can. They’re not just in a club to do business; they’re in it to make a difference and to leave things better than they found them.

Dear Fellow Rotarians & friends,

There’s a documentary that I’ve seen that has highlighted the personal stories of some of the people who were lost in the World Trade Center attack.  As we observe the eighteenth anniversary of 9/11. I’d like to share a favorite poem that tends to put our lifetimes in perspective.

Dear Fellow Rotarians & friends,

A few years back I was at an event where I heard a speech by best-selling author, Dr. Myles Munroe. It was the first time that I’ve heard him speak. It was also the first time that I’ve ever heard of Dr Munroe. I found his talk to be very warm, engaging, insightful and extraordinary. Below are some thoughts for Labor Day week that were inspired by Dr Munroe.

I’d like to share an interesting story about a dog and a chain.

When my wife and I began dating in the seventies, her family’s pet was a dog named Fluffy. Fluffy was an outside dog for the most part. She was a mixed breed who looked like a combination of Lassie and Petey from the old Little Rascals series.

Dear Fellow Rotarians & friends,

Super heroes can come from all walks of life. Our club has a man who is seldom seen but whose presence is always known and felt. He’s there whenever we need him. He lives by our motto of “Service Above Self.”   Look, up in the sky... It’s a bird… It’s a plane…. It’s Rotaryman! If Superman came from Krypton, then our Rotaryman came from Rotan. (I believe that’s near Belle Mead?)

Dear Fellow Rotarians & friends,

It’s officially a new funnel cake era for the Rotary Club of Montgomery/Rocky Hill.  

In 2018, after many years of dedicated service, Jimmy “Funnel Cakes” Bartolomei has stepped down as the chair of our funnel cakes committee. Funnel cakes have been in Jimmy’s blood for many years. The batter ladle has now been passed to a new generation. The 2019 Funnel Cake season has ushered in the “Reverend Funnel Cakes” era!!

Dear Fellow Rotarians & friends,

How many times in life do we seem to get pulled back, or meet with a disaster and some unexpected problems?  Most successful people have had to endure set-backs and disappointments. It seems that no one is immune from challenging times.

Dear Fellow Rotarians & friends,

For the benefit of our newer members…

The Funnel Cake Sale is a MRH Rotary member’s “Right of Passage.” It’s the “service” part that’s mentioned in the Rotary motto of “Service above Self.” It’s one of the things that makes you a true battle tested Montgomery/Rocky Hill Rotarian!

Dear Fellow Rotarians & friends,

Few things fill me with more pride than seeing a young person on my staff move up in our company.   We have ten centers in our fitness organization and I’m very proud of the fact that over the last few years, several staff members have gone on to become valuable players in our company. Whenever I see them at meetings, I always remind that they are always part of the team P/Fit family.

Dear Fellow Rotarians & friends,

July signifies the start of a new year on the Rotary calendar. With the New Year, there comes new inspirations and renewed ideals for all of us to share. It’s also a very special year for us.