The Gift of Going and Coming Home

I’ve just returned from traveling in Greece and Turkey, and there’s nothing quite like stepping into another part of the world. To walk through ruins thousands of years old, to hear stories told for generations, and to watch daily life unfold in markets, cafés, and village squares—it’s humbling and inspiring all at once.

What struck me most was how much people everywhere want the same things: to care for their families, to find joy in community, and to live with dignity and hope. Even in the midst of challenges, I saw resilience and warmth that reminded me of the strength of the human spirit.

And yet, as wonderful as travel is, there’s a deep joy in coming back home. We may not always agree, and we sometimes feel the weight of unrest and division. But being away reminded me how precious it is that we can disagree, and that we live in a place where voices are heard and choices are ours to make. That’s not something to take for granted.

This perspective makes me even more grateful for Rotary. Service gives us a way to bridge differences, to work side by side regardless of opinion, and to invest in the well-being of our community and the world. Just as the people I met abroad pour their energy into their families and villages, we too have the privilege of doing that here—through our projects, our partnerships, and our care for one another.

Maybe that’s the true gift of travel: it fills you with wonder, and at the same time, it makes you fall in love with home all over again. And in Rotary, “home” means more than where we live—it’s the community we create together, grounded in service and fellowship.

🎉 Celebrate 50 Years of Rotary in Summit County! 🎉

Thank you to those who have already reserved your spot for this milestone event—we can’t wait to celebrate with you!

If you haven’t RSVP’d yet, now is the time! Please let us know “yes” or “no” by Monday, September 15th so we can finalize numbers for our caterers. A quick reply saves us from making reminder calls—thank you!

Details to Know:
📅 Date: Saturday, September 20
⏰ Time: 6:00 – 8:30 PM
📍 Location: Summit County Community & Senior Center
93 Nancy’s Circle, Frisco, CO

This will be an unforgettable evening of fellowship, food, and fun as we honor 50 incredible years of service, friendship, and impact in our community.

✨ Enjoy appetizers, dinner, cocktails, and a trip down memory lane as we celebrate the people and moments that shaped our club. 

✅ RSVP and pre-pay easily through Zeffy here: https://www.zeffy.com/ticketing/50th-anniversary-reunion-and-gala

📧 Prefer not to use the app? Contact Pat Simpson at PKSRotary@gmail.com or text 720-315-4721 for help with sign-up and your $25 pre-payment.

Let’s make this anniversary a night to remember—your presence will make it truly special. We can’t wait to see you there!