March 2010

 

February was a mess!!!! Snow, snow, and more snow.  How ironic though – remember one December morning? – I praised its beauty.  However, back then it wasn’t interfering with district events.  District Team Training Seminar scheduled for February 5-6 had to be postponed until February 27^th.  RYLA scheduled for February 12-14 was cancelled.  Mostly due to lack of registered applicants than weather but then the weather kicked in again and then even the alternative dates of April 2-4 and May 14-15 got scrapped due to schools having to make up snow dates.  I’m welcoming the warm weather. 

 

And all of that brings us to March – the designated Literacy Month in the Rotary World.  Think about donating books and classroom materials even volunteer to read and mentor a bit.  Take time out and look around you, your community especially and see what needs are out there that you can assist and thus make your community a better place.

 

March also brings on the closure for Presidential Citation criteria – Please, club Presidents, be sure to submit your Presidential Citation application form by March 31, 2010.  This year I am asking that you submit the forms to The District’s Foundation Chair PDG Bob Preston.  His e-mail address is thecampdoctorinc@comcast.net and his mailing address is 8906 Brucewood Drive, Richmond, VA 23235.  I’ve asked PDG Bob to handle those applications because they have to be submitted to RI by April 15^th and I will not be here to do so.  PDG Bob has graciously agreed to assist me in this.

 

Where will I be???  I will have been Trekking towards the Base Camp of Mt Everest.  The trek starts on April 9 and the climb doesn’t end until we all are safe and sound back to square one, in Kathmandu, Nepal.  A city that 20 years ago had 400,000 residents; now it has a population of 4 million.  The trek will take 14 to 15 days.  The Sherpa and their Yaks will assist us by transporting our duffle bags and supplies as well as some kitchen equipment.  The purpose of this trip is to follow through on a challenge that was laid before me by a fellow District Governor (DG Tanya Wolff – D-6330) to raise additional monies for The Rotary Foundation Annual Programs Fund.  I set my goal at $17,600 which equates to a dollar a foot in elevation.  The actual Trek will be and is 100 miles in length.  I will be gone the entire month of April.  There is research going on to fit me with a “chip” and thus my whereabouts and its terrain will be available for all to see.

 

The schedule calls for hiking at least 6-8 hours per day.  Not a walk in the park  - for sure!  Have I had second thoughts – certainly, but - - I accepted the challenge and I have and am in training and will see it through.  Many of you have communicated your support already and I thank you for supporting the The Rotary Foundation’s Annual Programs Fund. 

 

I am overwhelmed by the generosity that has been demonstrated and I know we’ll make this year’s run to the finish line worth noting and be proud of –   Being among Rotarians that care, is a humbling experience.

   

Read Governor Karlis' Bio