Fall has arrived, bringing more of our service projects indoors. Last week, we worked with Catherine McAuley Center – where John Gruber-Miller volunteers as a tutor – to create packets used to teach English to new Americans. We toured the facility, which offers serves ranging from a food pantry to classes to childcare. Quite the organization, and a real gem in our community.

Before we say goodbye to the outdoors, we will complete our work for our Foundation grant, planting trees throughout Linn County. Over the weekend, several members turned out at Pleasant Creek State Park in Palo – one of my favorite places to run – to plant 9 trees along the main entrance drive. Joining us were members of the running community, a Corridor Running board member, a few serial volunteers, and 5 students from our (hopefully) reemerging Rotaract club at Cornell College. The students hailed from 5 different countries – Nepal, India, Panama, Ethiopia, and Zimbabwe.

Thank you for coming together to help in our community. That’s what we’re here for, after all – to put service above self and help those who need a hand.