our barracks looked exactly the same and guessed that only one of us was doing all of the knot-tying , but it didn ’ t matter . The lesson was that if one of us failed , we all failed . We had learned to recognize our individual skills and work together for the greater good . Exactly what a leader must do .”
Keen Perspective on Morgan Hill ’ s Future
“ Morgan Hill has retained an agricultural and rural feel ,” Janie said , and Roger nodded in agreement . “ We are blessed with a natural buffer zone with parks and open spaces in every direction . This makes it easier for us to see ourselves as our own community .”
“ At the same time , the character of our community is changing . Our downtown is so important . We love its ‘ walkability ’ and local business ,” Janie said . “ Traffic calming was a good idea . Bringing housing downtown is another big plus .”
“ Rapid growth makes it more challenging to maintain a cohesive community spirit ,” Roger said , “ but it can be done . Organizations like Morgan Hill Community Foundation , Leadership Morgan Hill and the Chamber of Commerce encourage local businesses and local leaders to get their feet wet and grow . It ’ s relationships that will make things work . We can ’ t think of Morgan Hill as a place . It ’ s a community .”
Community Service
ROGER KNOPF
• Morgan Hill Chamber of Commerce Man of the Year , 1989
• Leadership Morgan Hill Excellence Award , 2003
• Current Board of Directors , Leadership Morgan Hill
• Chairman , Board of Trustees , Regional Medical Center of San Jose
• Volunteer , Morgan Hill Historical Society
• Member Rotary Club of Morgan Hill ( 40 Years )
• Rotary Club International Paul Harris Fellow
JANIE KNOPF
• Morgan Hill Chamber of Commerce Woman of the Year Award , 2015
• Volunteer , Morgan Hill Historical Society
• Volunteer , Leadership Morgan Hill
• Member Rotary Club of Morgan Hill ( 24 Years )
• Rotary Club International Paul Harris Fellow
GILROY • MORGAN HILL • SAN MARTIN MARCH / APRIL 2016 gmhtoday . com
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