MEMBERSHIP: During our first quarter of the year, I am proud to report that we have added 5 new members to our membership roster which is comprised of business, professional and community leaders who strive to exemplify the Rotary motto of "Service Above Self" in their daily lives. Some are new and some are returning and all are WELCOME! Take a moment to introduce yourself, if you haven't already done so, to: Don Allen, Jason Lamoreaux, Linda Rizzardi, Tom Roberts and Marlene Schneider.

CHILI COOK-OFF: October is a very busy month for all of us. The 8th annual Chili Cookoff spearheaded by Kathie Martin is our largest fund raiser of the year. This event will take place at Lions Park on Oct. 24th. Ask a Chilihead how you can get involved. Don't miss out on a great opportunity that comes around just once a year. There is a whole page of our website dedicated to all things chili - check it out.

FLEA MARKET: On October 10, 8am - 1pm, is the Town of Apple Valley Flea Market Day, which coincides with the Rotary International's "A Day in a Life". Clear out your storage units and donate resalable items to help raise funds for the purchase of a Shelter Box which is desperately needed by areas in the Pacific that have been devastated by catastrophic earthquakes. This has become the most recent and largest Rotary Club's project worldwide. By taking a small part in this project you will make a colossal difference. We also still need volunteers to help that day.

LOOKING AHEAD: November is our literacy month. I strongly recommend to those that have not yet taken part in the reading or dictionary program to do so. The smiles we put on our community children's faces is so rewarding. You deserve to be rewarded.

We are an active group engaged in many local as well as international projects that offer our members opportunities to reach out to those who are in need. We also have a strong fellowship component amongst our members. We enjoy working, playing and laughing together and forming new friendships that will last forever. The self satisfaction one can achieve when presented with the opportunities Rotary can offer is endless. Many of our members have found richer and more meaningful lives through membership in our club.