On Sept. 11, Rotary, and autumn leaves

The events of Sept. 11 have occupied my mind for many hours since that Tuesday morning. Like others, I will remember where I was when I first heard the news broadcast - waiting to conduct an interview with Carolyn Ballard at St. Johns High School on her receipt of the School Nurse of the Year Award.

Needless to say, our thoughts wandered considerably from the topic at hand during that hour.

Now, nearly three weeks later, my mind is still unclear. What should our thought process be? How should we react? Can we create something positive from a horrific experience?

Lots of questions without decisive answers.

I do continue to hold fast to one truth - violence returned in retribution is wrong.

That was made clear to me again in an email message I received from a friend who had forwarded it from a web site. The following excerpt is from a speech delivered by the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at the Dexter Avenue Baptist

"The ultimate weakness of violence is that it is a descending spiral, begetting the very thing it seeks to destroy. Instead of diminishing evil, it multiplies it... Through violence you may murder the hater, but you do not murder hate. In fact, violence merely increases hate.

"Returning violence for violence multiplies violence, adding deeper darkness to a

night already devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out hate; only love can do that."

We all experienced that "night already devoid of stars" Sept. 11.

May we all work now to bring our own individual lights into that darkness.

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The weather didn't exactly cooperate as we might have liked, but the St. Johns Rotary Club's 75th Anniversary celebration still went off as planned last Sunday. Our most sincere thanks to the many community residents who shared in the food, fun and music and helped make our party memorable.

A thank-you letter in this section of the paper lists the many individuals and groups who provided entertainment and contributed in numerous ways, but I'd like to give a special thanks to a couple of Rotarians whose presence really made the day complete - Kurt Becker and Mel Warren.

'Uncle Kurt' has been a Club member since 1947, and Mel's service dates to 1964. Both have worked on more projects, sold more July Fourth Raffle tickets, and attended more weekly Tuesday meetings than any of us can imagine - probably even more than they care to recall themselves.

I would have been shocked not to have them sign up for multiple duties at the anniversary bash, and they didn't disappoint me.

Kurt arrived well before the actual 1 p.m. start, offering to do whatever last minute jobs needed doing - which turned out to be wrapping Rotary candy bars - and stayed through the duration, serving up ice cream and visiting with friends.

Mel wasn’t far behind. He spent a fair amount of time scurrying around the kitchen, wrapping hot dogs and doing some supervising at the grill. Both gentlemen are true examples of the Rotary motto, "Service Above Self." We thank you.

I also need to thank a member of different service organization who has lent a helping hand at our functions in recent years since his wife, Sue Kiley White, has been a Rotary member.

Thanks for the dance, Brandon - Lions really are brave.

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One final anniversary note. If you were unable to attend, you should check out The Independent web site and download "There are No Words," written by Kitty Donohoe and performed with her band at the conclusion of the music program.

Kitty composed the song after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and Pentagon. I guarantee the melody will haunt you and lyrics will roll off your tongue.

There is no cost to download at the Indy site, www.sjindy.com, but a link is provided to make donations to the American Red Cross.

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It won't be long now.

Every day on the drive back and forth to work, shades of red, orange and yellow fill more and more tree branches with the wonder of autumn - surely the shortest, but best, time of year is arriving in our lovely state.

Fall color tours are an annual happening for my parents and me. Whether we make it all the way 'up north' or wander the back roads of Clinton County, Mother Nature always puts on a spectacular show.

Thoughts of that coming colorful adventure were very useful indeed in getting through the cold, dreary days this past week - and are sure to create wonderful mental images that will see us through the long nights and short days that lie just ahead.