January 2010

 

It really is a bit shattering to realize that a whole year has passed by since I was last in San Diego, attending the International Assembly and receiving my indoctrination into the ranks of Rotary Governors from around the world.  Time has flown by so fast but I am here to report that we’ve accomplished a lot since then and we have five more months till we hit the finish line. Our district is leading the world for the number of new benefactors that have joined the forces of the foundation giving.  Yes, that is exciting, and still there is more - - we have several clubs that are very close to qualifying for the “Triple Crown Club” distinction.  One of them wasn’t even on the radar screen when we started the year, which is doubly exciting. 

This district has never had a club with a “Triple Crown Club” distinction; there are not very many in the Country.  Although District 7690 (North Carolina) from whom I got the idea, has five.  Would you believe we have the capacity to beat that number; yes we do!
 
I could not be prouder of my team that came together during the District Assembly back in April of 2009 and from then on have worked diligently to brave the cause of Rotary and for sure can be seen as Rotary volunteerism at its best.  We know we have five more months, and we are going to make the best of it.  At the finish line, we will celebrate.  

Most of us came together again at the Presidential Retreat which was held on January the 9th to mark the halfway point of our year and enjoyed the fellowship and camaraderie as well as the briefings received pertaining to membership, foundation, club awards and my assessment as to where we were and what we needed to do for the next five months.  I may be a bit biased but I don’t recall a better one.  PDG Bill Pollard certainly put his best foot forward in planning it and seeing it through to the finish.  Good job my friend, as always, and I thank you so much for your ever present support.

Revisiting San Diego to attend the Seventh Annual Past Officers Reunion, which is held at the same time as the International Assembly, was informative and fun.  One of the caveats was the invitation to attend the First Plenary Session of the International Assembly to hear the announcement of the RI President-elect’s theme - - “Building Communities - - Bridging Continents”, as well as seeing DGE Jayne Sullivan in her “Official” burgundy color coat.  Got a card from her later claiming she’s already prepared a 4 hour speech? That is what it will do to you – jack you right up and the next thing you know it’s that time of the year when the next Governor is getting their team together - to carry on. 

With that in mind, I want to conclude by noting, next year under DGE Jayne you will be “Building Communities – Bridging Continents”, but you will always have to remember this, “The Future of Rotary is in Your Hands”.

So, let’s keep “Making Dreams Real” as we “Share Rotary” and learn how to “Lead the Way” so we all can be more creative in “Service Above Self” and keep the Rotary’s wheel a churning. 

I wish to thank everyone that participated in the Haiti earthquake relief effort.    
   

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