“Be the president!”, they said, “It will be fun.” These are just a few of the thoughts rolling through my head as I collected trash off the downtown streets of Crystal River while the last of the Manatee Festival goers were finding their way home.

I had to laugh as my mind flashed to a million other things I could be doing. As a wife, mom of six kids, business owner, and board member of several committees it would be easy to say that I’m busy. Too busy for more service. But being in leadership is definitely in my making, and becoming President Elect of Rotary, honestly has been an honor. I work among the finest women and men, readily available to serve to any capacity.

So, while collecting trash, I asked myself a series of essential questions (as I always do) to determine the significance and relevance of opportunities. What did I learn during this endeavor? What does picking up trash after a long weekend of dedicated hours really do for me and those around me?

One word comes to mind: Humility.

The longer I’m in leadership, the more I learn humility. It’s, honestly an essential attribute to have in life and it’s essential to have in Rotary. I see it clearly in every member. One of our core beliefs of Rotary is ‘Service before Self’. That’s not always an easy thing to do, especially at the end of a long weekend of service. But as the President-Elect of Crystal River Rotary, I can honestly say that I see it in every member of our club. Tirelessly, and without complaints, our club worked diligently behind the scenes, taking care of all the details months in advance to ensure the festival ran flawlessly. And it did.

The Manatee Festival is the President-Elect’s responsibility. It generates the funding for our club to carry out our mission and charitable contributions. With the partnership of the Citrus County Chamber, we are able to create an incredible time for our community while staying true to our core values of service before self.

I am thankful for the men and woman who step up every year and gracefully orchestrate this event to ensure the funds are raised to make Citrus County a better place to live, work and play.

On behalf of the Rotary and Chamber, we would like to thank each and every one of you who support this festival. It is not possible for us to thank everyone personally, but it is possible for you to know our members are grateful for your participation and support. This is what makes our community a place to call home.

To the new leaders coming up through the ranks, show humility and respect for the old timers. They deserve it. To the old timers who have paved the path of service for us, thank you! And to those of you who have a heart to serve, but are not yet tapped in, give me a call. I would be happy to talk with you about Rotary.

Theressa Foster
President-Elect of Crystal River Rotary • Owner and CEO West Central Solutions • Mother of six • Wife to an amazing and supportive husband
Contact me @352-457-9644