January is always a great time for reflection.  Dwelling on my years of Rotary service I fondly recall as a teenager, my father dragging me to the old Brat Fry at Thiensville Park to direct traffic.  Spending hours in the summer sun with Gary Jacobs (Doc Jacobs son) while the Rotarians were having all the fun in the beer tent was a unique introduction to the club.  As a newly minted Rotation I’ll never forget how the greatest salesman on earth, John Riley, convinced me that Gathering on the Green was the most important project ever and needed my help, even though I had never been to a ballet or symphony event ever.  Having leaders like John Box and David O’Connor made chairing the Black Tie fundraisers a joy.  As did helping leaders like Ted Weirather, Roger Kirgues and Stan Smith spearhead the seemingly never-ending Centennial Riverwalk efforts.  And, even watching with pride as Ellen MacFarlane, Pam Koch and host of others thrive in developing Comedy Night.  Each of these challenges created connection.  Connections with fellow Rotarians, our community and the world at large.  I am blessed to have grown up in this zip code and to have lived here most of life.  Yet the challenges of leading a family business, or any business, can be isolating.  Rotary creates connections outside that circle and opportunities to help, give or share.  Business connections can be both demanding and fleeting while Rotary connections are patient and enduring.  I wish I could expound on the wonderful connections I’ve enjoyed with all the Rotarians I’ve met.  But, be assured, I look forward to forging the next generation of connections in the years to come.