As a Nation, we have set aside the last Monday in May as Memorial Day. This day is to remember and to honor those who died while serving in our country's armed forces. Also on the day is the National Moment of Remembrance that encourages all Americans to pause wherever they are at 3 p.m. local time on Memorial Day for a minute of silence to remember and honor those who have died in service to the nation. As I write this, I pause to say ‘thank you’ to those who gave the ultimate sacrifice, that of their life. It is largely because of them, and all who serve and have served in our armed forces, that this country of ours reigns as the greatest country on earth. The freedoms we enjoy are ours on
At the Rotary District Conference on May 13, 2016, I was honored by being named the recipient of the Brent Williams Spirit of Rotary Award. The award is inscribed as follows: “The Brent Williams Spirit of Rotary Award is presented in recognition of your many years of exemplary service to Rotary and its worldwide family. Your perseverance, dedication and commitment to service in helping others has set the highest standard for others to follow. You truly exemplify the Spirit of Rotary.” This award has a very special meaning to me as it was created in honor of my dear friend and fellow Rotarian, Past District Governor, Brent Williams, who passed away in February of this year. They named this aw
When I was starting out in the real estate and auction business, I was in need of a sign painter. (Yes - we had to hand paint signs then!) In my line of business, I spent a great deal of advertising dollars on signs. So finding a good sign painter was crucial. As good fortune would have it, I met a fantastic sign painter, Norman Grove. The price he charged was super reasonable and he did an excellent job. I always admired Norman’s attention to detail - such as painting the edges of the boards to help make them weatherproof and always putting ample paint on the boards so that they would have a long life span. He was all about giving his customer a quality product. As part of his service, he d
As a child, my mother modeled the giving soul. Of course, she gave to her family; but she gave to others, too. Even when we didn’t have much, she volunteered and gave what she could - and it was always meaningful. Her example is part of my soul, and why I am compelled to do what I can when people are in need. On January 3, 2005, I had just returned home from my sister’s house in Georgia where my mother and I had celebrated Christmas. It was such a wonderful holiday and we had so much fun visiting with each other, that we hadn’t watched TV in days. When I returned home to Gainesville, I turned on the TV and saw the horror that was happening in Southeast Asia. A week before, there had
