“Peace through Service,” is the Rotary International theme for the year chosen by President Sakuji Tanaka of Tokyo, Japan. I believe he speaks the truth when he reminds Rotarians that “peace is something we can find and that we can achieve, every day and in many simple ways.” Peace is not something that can only be achieved through agreements and government. Rotary can help us to achieve peace, no matter how we use the word or understand the word.

As Rotarians, we come together in ritual once a week for an hour and a half, or so. We take comfort and pride in the routine of picking up our name badge, checking-in, buying raffle tickets, sharing conversation, the Pledge of Allegiance, song and hugs with friends, breaking bread, hearing stories both happy and sad, listening to guest speakers, and saying good bye 'til next week. It is truly an honor to be a Rotarian. The Four Objects of Rotary encourage as we go about our Professions and lives by reminding us that service is a worthy enterprise. The Four Way Test keeps us in check each day with the things we say and do. Our rewards are not financial. They are in the happiness and satisfaction of seeing how what we do, makes where we live, a better place because of our united efforts. By helping those around us, we help build peace in our community.

My 12 year old son watches and listens each week as I prepare for my year to serve in a leadership role for our Club of 85 members. While driving in the car the other day, he asked me as I hung up the phone from yet another Rotary conversation, “Mom, why do you do this? Aren't you already busy enough running your own business and being a mom?” I smiled as I talked to him about my belief in community service. I said to him “Grant, to whom much is given, much is expected.” We talked through the meaning of that statement and how my dream for him, his brother and his sister was that when they are out earning a living as adults, they not only provide for themselves and their families through their work, but that they sacrifice some of their time and income to help others less fortunate than they. With that he gave me a nod and when we arrived home, I was the recipient of a large hug and an “I love you, mom.” Coincidentally, as the first pregnant Rotarian in my Club in 1999, this was first child born to an active Rotarian in my Club on January 24, 2000.

Over 1.2 million members strong, over 34,000 Clubs – Rotary is the largest and oldest service Club in the World. The Rotary Club of Petaluma will celebrate its' 90th birthday in March 2013 of my Presidential year. We have much to look back on and to be proud of, both locally and internationally. At the Rotary Club of Petaluma, we ARE the business leaders in our community. What we do, and how we do it, is “Peace Through Service.” It is both an honor and a privilege to serve as this Club's President. Thank you so much for asking me to “step-up.”