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Energetic Service
Written By: Jane Jerry | Issue: 2018/12 - December
Surely no one personifies the Rotary motto “Service Above Self” more than Santa and Mrs. Claus! All of those toys to be made, elf costumes to be sewn, presents to wrap, reindeer to saddle up, thousands of miles to fly, and trillions of chimneys to slide down. Phew! That’s a lot of service!
But we know that Santa has many personal appearances to make leading up to his big night – chief among them his world-renowned appearance at the Highlands Olde Mountain Christmas Parade, on Saturday, December 1, from 9:30 to 11.30 A.M. And that appearance wouldn’t be possible without the help of his Honor Guard – a team of spirited volunteers from the Rotary Club of Highlands.
“It’s a great thrill to accompany Santa and Mrs. Claus as they make their way down Main Street, cheered on by throngs of excited children,” says Club Services Chair Sherry Holt.
Holt, who is also the Club’s President Elect, viscerally understands the motto “Service Above Self” as she has participated in every one of the service projects undertaken over the last 18 months.
A full-time accountant at Stephen Lucas, CPA, PA, Sherry somehow manages to find time to cheerlead the 17 community projects the Club fundraises for or staffs with volunteers.
“I confess, there are some evenings or weekends when I just want to put my feet up,” she says “But the sheer energy and enthusiasm that comes from our members never ceases to buoy me up and I am so grateful to each of them for their time and infinite energy.”
Christmas is a special time for Rotarians as they not only march in the parade, but also help to raise funds for Shop With A Cop, volunteer for Highlands’ annual Community Christmas Dinner, and help Highlands School Rotary Interact Club with holiday activities.
“The volunteer spirit is evident all year round, and especially in December,” Sherry says. “At Rotary, ‘making a list and checking it twice’ often means counting volunteers – and they are always there, sometimes wearing reindeer antlers!”
For more information about how you can become involved in the Rotary Club of Highlands, contact Membership Chair Derek Taylor at Highlands Decorating Center, or email him at [email protected].
