Rotary Citizens of the Year
Written just for you
By the Q.O.E.
August 2, 2023
Service is a habit…
Not an unexpected bolt
That, out of nowhere, sudden comes
And hits us with a jolt.
So, when we study those who serve,
It comes as no surprise,
That they may not be famous…
But are heroes in disguise.
Tonight, we honor people of the “Just Folks” persuasion,
Who – when the need is clear to them - must rise to the occasion!
Our honored guests, good citizens, they very truly are:
Fuel cells that daily drive our community-service “car.”
But,
More than that…is that both of you
Felt called to the service you chose to do.
You’ve raced to fires…restarted hearts,
Transported the broken and done your part!
You’ve cooked for the seniors,
You’ve made their day…
You’ve Kept the loneliness pangs at bay.
Seniors all over Eastern Broome
Smile, when the Millers are in the room.
Organizing trips and providing rides…
You are willing helpers… and friendly guides!
No strangers to trouble…as is life’s fashion…
Perhaps it’s what furthers their own compassion.
Errands need doing?
They’re done with a smile…
It’s “Love thy neighbor”… Miller style!
And your organizations,
Checkbooks unfurled,
Have helped reach out to a needy world.
Your willing support, which we so often ask,
Is a bonus beyond your regular tasks.
And,
Though a “thank you” is really nice,
It sometimes simply will not suffice
To address your generous attitude
With an equally generous gratitude.
Colesville, without you, would simply cease
To be a living example of peace.
Overcoming injury, disease and weather
Works best when all of us stand together.
So,
Let us thank our God above
For your giving hearts so touched by love,
That you choose to do the work you’ve found,
To serve your neighbors within this Town
For, among the treasures
This world can boast…
Are those, who live generously, giving most.
Thank Heaven…
For laborers without thought
Of reward, whose service cannot be bought…
Who find their destiny serving others…
Time…
Bestowed on Sisters and Brothers.
When sirens blow, and life’s just a blur…
These two come running…be it him…or her.
Or both, to address a tragedy…
To ease the pain of humanity.
What citizen, stunned by that siren cry…
Hasn’t prayed as an ambulance screamed by?
These two are admired by one and all,
When they hear the need, they heed the call.
SO…
They joined The Springs back in ’85…
Took every training offered…to help them stay alive!
As active Firefighters, they served in one accord…
She became their treasurer…He, Chairman of the Board.
They worked on long-range planning and that other Bug-a-boo
Of raising enough money for what Firefighters do.
Next,
They moved to training
For the Med Team’s special needs…
He became a Crew Chief for Broome Ambulance, indeed!
Eventually, when Colesville had a vacancy to fill,
Lennie thought that he’d be just the guy to fit the bill!
They both took many classes, well-used on many a ride…
It helps to see a neighbor’s friendly face there at your side.
Our fire team’s evolving….
In many ways has grown,
The Miller’s gave their all,
As nearly 40 years have flown.
Researching new equipment…
Raising funds galore…
Many hours as volunteers, but never keeping score.
Rotary’s goal is service,
Which first begins at home…
But, hordes of good Rotarians can’t do it all alone.
So….
We’re thankful for the folks who make
This world a better place,
For Lennie and Marie,
(And…No!! they’re not a rock group!)
Put a smile on this town’s face.
Three cheers for the Millers…
Please stand up and shout, “Here, here!”
For Colesville Rotary’s
Proud that they’re
Our Citizens of the Year!
!
Congratulations!!!