Q: What does Rotary mean to you?

May: To me, the Rotary Club provides an amazing platform to support and thrive as a community. I love having the opportunity to meet others who share that philosophy and are willing to assist when necessary.

Marcy: I am still new to this so its meaning will I am sure change. I love the ” Service Above Self” guiding principle and its local and global reach to help those in need.

Q: When did you first hear about Rotary?

May: My first experience with Rotary was the Teddy Bear Picnic in 2019. We just happened to be on a walk in the neighborhood and encountered the event. At that time, we had not yet moved to Lake Placid but had visited numerous times due to my spouse’s second home in Lake Placid. At the Teddy Bear Picnic, I was amazed at the wonderful efforts provided by the Rotary Club to make the event a success for the kids. I loved seeing the kids purchasing their own Teddy Bears with the “Bear Bucks.” I told one of the members that if I ever moved to Lake Placid I would join the Rotary Club. I thoroughly enjoyed the event and so did my daughter.

Marcy: My grandfather, William Hall was a Rotarian in Norwich, New York. It was a big part of his life and was always regarded by my family as the best service organization. My mother was able to go on many international trips because of programs created by Rotary. I have always loved the Dam Duck Race and my company, Pure Placid has been a big supporter of the event.

Q: Why did you decide to join our club at this time?

May: We moved to Lake Placid in the summer of 2020. Due to COVID I did not participate in many activities as I was adjusting to life in Lake Placid. But at Lake Placid Community Day 2022 I took some information from the Rotary Club table and I followed through with Kate Thompson. I am so glad I was able to make that connection with Kate. The Rotary Club has provided more opportunities for me to be part of this community.

Marcy: My good friend Bridget McKillip was a big part of that. I have watched her give to our community and was inspired to join.

Q: What do you hope to contribute to the Lake Placid community?

May: I hope to be able to volunteer my time and my experiences to help the community more. I volunteer for as many events as possible to help out the community. I think that we need to do what we can to help.

Q: Who are your sponsor and mentor?

May: My sponsor is Kate Thompson, and my mentor is Tracy Coolidge.

Marcy: My sponsor is Harris Semegram, and my mentor is Bridget McKillip.

Q: Anything else you would like to say?

May: I am looking forward to the Dam Duck Race (on Sept. 10). I attended the event last year. My daughter had an amazing time. I love events where we can provide enjoyment and support to the kids.

(Martha Pritchard Spear is a member of the Rotary Club of Lake Placid.)