June 2023
My Fellow Rotarians,
It has been a real honor to serve as your District Governor this year and I will miss it. The year has passed by so quickly. I’ve spoken of it many times but one of the most humbling part of the position is to visit a Club and learn about all of the wonderful programs they are pursuing on their own. I was able to visit 46 of our Clubs in person this year. What a great honor! You all welcomed Georgeann and me and made us feel like we were members of your wonderful Rotary families. Thank you for that.
A Rotary District exists to serve the Clubs, just as the Clubs exist to serve the Members. Our current theme, “IMAGINE” is a perfect summary for this rotary year. As we IMAGINED meeting in person again, reconnecting with our friends and the community, building new connections and partnerships in our community, we truly IMAGINED a better future for our clubs. Our clubs accepted the challenge and inducted nearly 200 new members, we welcomed the new Rotary Club of Northeast Ohio (Formally the E-Club NEO) and we are planning for two new Rotaract Clubs over this next year. Our clubs have IMAGINED new projects and partnerships with more than 30 clubs submitting grants to our grants committee for local projects. Thank you to our members for committing resources and funding to help in the Ukraine, Kentucky, Florida and many other regions that have been devastated by natural disasters. Thank you for your donations to the Annual Fund and Polio Plus Fund which have been outstanding. Thank you for your generosity.
We have truly IMAGINED a better future for our clubs, our members and our communities. More importantly you have IMAGINED and delivered a change in yourself. I believe that by committing to “Service above Self”, our own lives will change for the better.
You have made me laugh, provided me friendship, helped me grow as a leader and we all had FUN.
I cannot thank you enough for giving me the opportunity to help our district grow.
Dave
Fellowship has been one of the reasons Paul Harris created Rotary over 118 years ago. Rotarians have joined Rotary to make a difference in the community, working together on projects, fund raisers, club meetings, social events; fellowship burgeoned, and became one of the reasons we stay.
Fellowship is a part of Rotary Club life and as we IMAGINE this year our clubs have returned to many activities that they had missed. Taking part in celebrating our first responders, Foundation Walk, multi-club pub evenings, BBQs, wine and cheese evenings, Veterans Day Parade, park cleanup, walks, bike rides and many more. Without fellowship and common interest members will soon find other places for their time. I encourage you to look at and join one or more world-wide Rotary Fellowships on the Rotary.org website. Rotary Fellowships are international groups that share a common passion. Being part of a Rotary Fellowship is a fun way to make friends around the world, explore a hobby or profession, and enhance your Rotary experience. Explore our fellowships or start your own.
David E Jones |
