Rotary: Bicycles for Summer Fun
The joy in giving, especially to children, is incalculable and once done, there is no turning back. The joy of giving accords a sense of purpose while evoking a feeling of gratitude toward others.
On Wednesday, July 12, 2023, the Rotary Club of Marlin was grateful to participate in the giving of two shiny bicycles to a rising eighth-grader and a rising seventh-grader. Marlin Middle School students Caymen Smith Chase and Justice Nikol Childers were the recipients of new bicycles, plus helmets, chains, and locks for their bicycles.
Rotarian Mark Petersen gave instructions on preparing the bicycle to ride: Is the seat the correct height? Do you know where the gear shifts are controlled? What is the correct tire air pressure? Where are the brakes? Is the chain in place and lubed? Additionally, Rotarian Mark stressed the proper use and importance of the bike helmet, and the need to have reflectors correctly adjusted. He illustrated the best way to secure the bicycle with the chain looped through specific parts of the bicycle.
The bicycles were intentionally purchased for these two Marlin Middle School students. Speaking to the children, Rotary Club President Letitia Estep explained, “You are exactly where you are supposed to be - in school, growing with each step you take. It is important that you know that you are loved; you are at the center of this community. Finally, you are to be children. You can be joyful and have fun. We hope your bicycles will add fun to your summer.”
Rotary Club of Marlin extends its gratitude to the following for their part in the gifts of two bicycles, gear, and security tools: WalMart Manager Jamie Sanchez, Falls County Sheriff Joe Lopez, and Rotarians of Marlin. Rotary Club of Marlin thanks the following for further facilitating this service: MISD Director of Human Resources & Special Projects Jesse Bustamante, MISD PE/MS Coordinator Kathy Crear, MISD Director of Student Services Pamela Thomas, and Marlin Middle School and High School Principal Nicola Gardiere.
The joy in giving is a strange, contradictory, and profoundly complex feeling to be happy that one can help someone and so immensely grateful to that person for allowing one to help them. They don’t have to be big and expensive gestures; Rotarians know this. To extend even small acts of kindness are just the right thing to do.
The mission of Rotary International is to provide service to others, promote integrity, and advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through its fellowship of business, professional, and community leaders.
For more than 100 years, Rotary’s guiding principles have been the foundation upon which its values and tradition stand. The Four-Way Test, Object of Rotary, and the Avenues of Service express Rotary’s commitment to service, fellowship, diversity, integrity, and leadership.