By Gary Nager
I’ve only been a member of the Rotary Club of Wesley Chapel (which meets Wednesdays at noon at Ciao! Italian Bistro in the Shops at Wiregrass mall) for less than two years, but this group just has a way of making everyone feel like family.
So, it just so happened that instead of a December “holiday party,” the club members agreed to have a shindig the second weekend in January. And, it also just so happened that the party was held the same day as the birthday of not only yours truly, but also the party’s co-host (Vicki Hamilton of SmartHealthUSA.net) and club member Sabrina di Roma (of Promotions by Sabrina). And, considering that the club has now grown to very close to 100 members and most of them attended (many with significant others and children and other family members who aren’t members of the club), yes, the Wesley Chapel Rotary party was quite an event, indeed.
With a backyard bonfire — and flames that sometimes could be seen from the international space station — plus, great music provided by club member and DJ John Jay of Finest DeeJays, a sizable roast pig (carved by Doctor Presidente-Elect Pablo Rivera, DC, and Karina Azank, MD) stuffed with a whole turkey and other great food and desserts, the party itself was not only a ridiculous amount of fun, but also yet another way for the already-close members of this club to stay in contact with and really enjoy each other.
Rotary is about “Service Above Self” and our club exemplifies this ideal in ways that many smaller clubs can’t — in terms of not only local, but also regional, national and international service — but it’s also about camaraderie and a wonderful sense of spirit and belonging, so sometimes, you just have to let your hair down and have some fun.
I’m still not the best photographer in the world, but I hope these pics capture a little of that spirit.
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