This month I have three topics to address.

First, March is generally the first hints of spring, although this year it feels like we went from fall to spring and skipped winter. One reason I like four seasons is they each bring change and spring always seems to bring a fresh clean revival of nature. For Rotary, March is "Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene" month. As a utility guy, I get excited about how our society has benefited from clean water and good management of our waste. When you read about improvements in Third World communities, water gets the glory. While treatment of wastewater and management of garbage get short shrift, their contribution to health is massive. I also can’t help but add that our ability to treat water and wastewater are enabled by a great electric system.

Second topic is that the Rotary District Conference will be in Idaho Falls on May 28-30. As it is our town, we want to be a great host Club and Kristen Sanger has stepped up to coordinate with Kathy Buck, District Governor, and our Club. I am very thankful for Kristen’s help, and she will need all of our help.

Third is service projects, where the issue seems to be more a lack of good projects than desire to do them. It is customary to have several at the District Conference in addition to some our club can get together and accomplish. As you all go through life, keep your eyes out for good projects for our club.

Therefore, three challenges this month:

· First, if Kristen gives you a call please help make our Club a great host of the District Conference.

· Second, take a moment to appreciate often overlooked benefits our society has from great water treatment, both potable and waste, and how we manage our solid waste.

· Third, please pass on any service project ideas to me or any of the Rotary officers.

Thanks for all of you in our great club and all that you do.

In Fellowship,

Stephen Boorman, President

Rotary Club of Idaho Falls