As the Stuart Rotary Club conducts its 56th Patrick County Agricultural Fair this week, as president of the club, I take deep pride in our club's more than half-a-century-old tradition of outstanding community service in Patrick County and around the world through Rotary International. Throughout its rich history, Stuart Rotary has adopted a proactive leadership role in an effort to effect positive change and development while maintaining and preserving the traditional values that have distinguished Patrick County as a caring and compassionate community and a wonderful place to live, work (wish we had more jobs but we're working on it), and raise a family.
The infrastructure and physical facilities owned by the Stuart Rotary Club and leased to the County of Patrick figure prominently in the county's recreational and educational programs and provide forums and meeting places for public and private functions year round. In order to provide these facilities and to carry out our mission of community betterment, Stuart Rotary is widely noted and acclaimed for its annual signature project, the Patrick County Agricultural Fair, a thriving community tradition that dates back, as far as our involvement is concerned, to 1952. As well as providing wholesome family entertainment and the opportunity for fellowship to residents of the community and attracting tourists to Patrick County, the fair is one of the major lifelines that provides funds for Stuart Rotary Club's exemplary community service work. All of the proceeds from the fair and other club projects are reinvested in our community and our facilities, providing a sports/educational complex used by citizens throughout the community and support and financial assistance to other organizations and community partners that serve a cross section of the residents of Patrick County.
Stuart Rotary is especially honored to provide annual educational scholarships for deserving youth, assisting students in furthering their education beyond high school. Stuart Rotarians are also proud to invest club resources in these partner organizations that also serve the county with great distinction: Boy and Girl Scouts, Caring Hearts Free Clinic, 4-H, Hospice of Patrick County, Patrick County Education Foundation (GED graduation), Community Food Bank, Patrick County Music Association, United Fund, and many others. Stuart Rotary also sends students to youth leadership training programs annually as well as a variety of toehr worthy causes in the community.
This proud tradition of community service would not have been possible without the dedication of many community-minded individuals who have graced our club's membrship rolls over the years. Sadly, this past year, our club lost to death three distinguished Rotarians whose names became synonymous with service during their many years in the club. I have dedicated my year as president of Stuart Rotary Club to honor the memory of Curtis Carter, Bill Staples, and Bub Stanley. These Rotarians can never be replaced but we can draw inspiration and determination from their dedication to God, their famileies, this club, and our community. Let us see to follow their example of "Service Above Self," which is what being a Rotarian is all about.
I encourage everyone to come to the 2008 Patrick County Agricultural Fair (Sept. 16-20) and enjoy what "Mr. Patrick County Fair" Henry Ayers accurately described as a "one big homecoming"! Great care has gone into making this a safe, entertaining, educational, wholesome family-oriented event that showcases the very best of Patrick County including its agricultural products, educational institutions, business community, civic organizations, churches, and talented citizens. It is with great pride that, for the 56th consecutive year, the Stuart Rotary Club presents one of the premiere rural fairs in the country, the PATRICK COUNTY AGRICULTURAL FAIR! Enjoy! I know I will!
Until next time, I leave you with all my love and a prayer that God will bless you with a "great day" and us all with a wonderful fair!
At your service,
Richard Rogers :O)
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1 comment:
Richard,
I could not agree more!!! I would personally like to thank the Stuart Rotary Club Members and everyone else who make the PC Ag Fair such a great success. Today, there are very few places where I feel you can take your family and know they will be safe, have fun and not spend an arm and a leg.
Once again, THANKS!
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