A new Rotarian as I am — just one year since my induction — I have already had the privilege of meeting remarkable people with shining eyes across our Rotary district. Every time I gather with my BERC club or visit another chapter, I grow. As a person. As an empath. As a human being.
There is so much shared knowledge and generosity at every meeting that simply being present in the unique ambiance of Rotary magic uplifts everyone involved.
And today, my story is about the magic of a simple message. One of many. Both ordinary and exceptional at the same time.
At Christmastime — when club meetings become more intimate and reflective — I was honored to be invited to the Bellevue Noon celebration. One of their beautiful traditions is a five-minute reflection delivered by a member at each meeting, offering a powerful message to the group. That day was no exception.
And on that occasion, it was Jon Browning who shared his thoughts.
Jon spoke about one of the most meaningful acts of kindness: offering a gift of care to those who can easily buy anything they wish — but it could be a while they might have received something made with intention. His suggestion was simple: bake homemade cookies and share them with someone as an act of warmth and personal care.
Super-connector as I am, I couldn’t let the message slip.
Homemade cookies. Shared with warmth. That was Jon’s entire “deliverable” — and yet the message stayed with me long after the festive evening ended. The idea took root.
Coming from Ukrainian culture, known for heartfelt hospitality and mouthwatering recipes, I went straight to my kitchen — and to my list. A list of people who would enjoy a coffee chat with Julia, the messy one from the Happies Happy Hour club of the area.
To say the initiative was a success would be an understatement.
At one point, I even treated an entire informal Rotary fellowship gathering at a Bellevue brewery. As it turns out, sweet pies pair surprisingly well with beer!
Jon himself became a recipient of his own advice — receiving a warm batch of juicy pies fresh from the oven shortly after Christmas.
Friendships were nourished. Smiles lit up faces. Moments of joy multiplied during the holiday season.
All it took was listening — truly listening — to a simple message shared by a fellow Rotarian.
P.S. The quote from the title – “I’d never turn down homemade cookies” – comes from Tim Leahy, BERC, at the time when he accepted Julia’s invite.
