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President's Message
 

Fellow Rotarians,

Last week, I told you about teaching surveillance detection teams under contract with the State Department. That was only one part of the work. I also taught protective details and ambassadors how to respond if an attack disrupted a motorcade. Some training days involved damaged vehicles and a great deal of noise. It’s the sort of thing I can describe over breakfast and watch everyone at the table stop eating.

The serious lesson was that you can’t count on a plan unfolding exactly as expected. You prepare, you trust the people beside you, and when something changes, you do the next thing that needs doing.

I still think about that lesson, though these days the circumstances are very different. As we get ready for Cigars, Bourbon & Benefactors on Saturday, October 3, I’ve watched volunteers and friends solve one problem after another to make the event possible. I see that same willingness at Rotary. Someone spots a need, speaks up, and others step in beside them.

That’s the part of my Secondhand Lions comparison I care about most. I’ve had experiences that sound improbable, but the best stories have always been about the people I could count on. I’m grateful to have so many of them in this club.

Until next Wednesday, I hope something good happens because you were there.

 
Ross

Denver/Lake Norman Rotarians Hailey Cornwell and Marty Smith Talk About Music in the Park

Hailey and Marty reviewed this past year's music series, summarized its financial results and introduced next year's line-up. They spoke at the September 30th meeting.

Happy Bucks 9/30/2026

Courtesy of Alacia Tarplay

Jill gave 24 bucks for her twenty-four year marriage!

Barbara gave for the two rounds of Trivia good competition and fun rivalry and if she survives the next few days she will be opening Two blind Mice Antiques on Hwy 16 - come for the opening on Saturday.

Panico gave for his mother-in-law and sister-in-law living at his house and when he mentioned a trip they asked where are we going? He informed them it was for himself and his wife only.

Andie gave 5 bucks for Trivia night fun and 1 for her granddaughter Alena is doing well, also, she and Trudie had a fun retreat for former presidents of Rotary.

Cindy gave for Race for Philanthropy and Shiny Farms will be helping with corporate sponsors for the next year event.

Steve gave for two week trip to Europe, Rome and Spain saw the statue of David in Florence, and La Sagrada Familia Basilica in Barcelona, and going to Sobrino de Botin is the longest running 300 year old restaurant it is four stories high, but be careful navigating.

Michelle gave for Indianapolis trip for a wedding dress her daughter picked the dress and meeting her in-laws-to-be. They were normal and great to get along.

Trudie gave agreeing with Jill, trivia was fun, and the New Zealand trivia 90 mile beach is actually 55 miles or 88 kilometers, but it is in the north part of New Zealand, and that is why she didn’t know much about it, not her area she is from the south.

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Craig Buhrendorf
Milestones
 
Member Anniverseries
Steve Gillespie (14 years)
 
Attendance (9/30)
33 members, 1 guest
 
Happy Bucks
$37.00
 
Alzheimer’s Research (CART)
$10.00
Speakers
Oct 07, 2026
Lincoln County Economic Development
Oct 14, 2026
Oct 21, 2026
End Polio Now
Oct 28, 2026
Back to School
Nov 04, 2026
A Prosecuter's Perspective
Nov 18, 2026
A Lifetime at Full Throttle: Stories from the World of Motorsports
Nov 25, 2026
Dec 02, 2026
Health During the Holidays
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Upcoming Events
Race for Philanthropy Planning Meeting
Oct 06, 2026
5:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Call Andie for directions.

Andie and Jason's Home

Denver/Lake Norman Rotary Board Meeting
Oct 09, 2026
7:30 AM – 8:30 AM
Denver
Denver Fire Department

Satellite Club Meeting
Oct 22, 2026
5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Denver
Trilogy Lake Norman

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The Rotary Foundation
 
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Music in the Park
 
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