Greetings fellow Rotarians and friends,
 
It is with gladness of heart that I share my gratitude for having been called your Club President for the 2018-19 Rotary Year.
 
We have been a Family of Rotarians who truly by word and deed have lived out our Motto: “Service Above Self”. We have been a People of Action known as a Club which has functioned extremely effectively out of two geographic locations: Fair Oaks Ranch and Blanco County.
 
We have come together with such diversity of gifts, skills, passions and experiences which have creatively been converted to a synergy which has focused on its local contexts and beyond to other parts of the world…..serving others.
 
The primary “driver” has been our Rotary Theme: “BE THE INSPIRATION”.
 
Let me lift some key examples of the manifestations of our Servant Leadership, par excellence, and ways we have built Goodwill, Better Friendships and Beneficial Services:  
 
  • Accompaniment of members who have lost loved ones; experienced crisis and medical challenges; faced major life’s changes; and many who were seeking clarity of purpose and meaningful “Service Above Self”
  • Members serving as local Club Officers and Committee Chairs, as well as the District and RI level, such as Governor, Assistant Governors, and other significant positions of leadership
  • Initiating and accomplishing some 50 Projects, benefiting and impacting: local youth and families, our communities, Veterans, First Responders, Teachers, medical services, children with special needs, the City of Fair Oaks Ranch, Blanco County residents, orphans in Peru, families in Cuba & Africa, persons impacted by Human Trafficking, youth leadership development, hosting International Exchange Student, resourcing thru two Golf Tournaments, eradicating Polio, elderly persons, over 10,000 Volunteer hours, Emergency crises, homebound persons, job placements, drug & alcohol prevention, food banks, and so much more
 
As I reflect upon all that has transpired, it is with deep appreciation for each one of you, whose giftedness and willingness to serve has truly been an Inspiration here at home and beyond our borders to others in other parts of the world.
 
That’s why we have met every week for fellowship, good food, fun, and in order to inspire each other to think, say and do those things which have made a difference.
 
“Life is short….We do not have much time to gladden the hearts of those who travel the journey with us…..So be swift to love and make haste to be kind……And may God continue to bless us in all that we do and all that we are.” (an Irish Blessing)
 
On behalf of Leta and I, please know that although we will be focusing our lives and service in Blanco for years to come, each of you, as members of the Rotary Club of Fair Oaks Ranch, will always have a special place in our hearts and memories.
 
“Nuestra casa es su casa”…….blessings
 
Joe Garcia
President 2018-19