Linda Henderson
District Governor 2020-21
Wow! What a year 2020 has been! I will resist the temptation to recount the events that have made this year so difficult. We all know what they are. We can all agree that winter and spring of 2020 have been memorable for all the wrong reasons. As a nation we are tired, we are frustrated, we are angry, and we are fearful.
However, to quote Albus Dumbledore, “Happiness can be found even in the darkest of times if only we remember to turn on the light.”
Rotary is that light. We can turn on the light of Rotary and give our communities, our nation, and the world the light of hope. Rotarians just can’t help it; they have to find ways to meet, discuss, and help. Many Rotary clubs are meting on line until they can be together. Some are meeting in open air places like parks where they can practice social distancing. Some traditional fundraisers have had to be cancelled so Rotarians have changed fund raisers from pancake breakfasts to drive through breakfasts. They have changed 5K races to virtual 5K races. Rotarians have supported local food banks, given scholarships, supported local charities, and hospitals in a time of need.
My message is: keep on being the light. Open your hearts and your minds to the possibilities. Find ways to meet and plan. Change or find new ways of raising funds. Use your resources to promote the welfare and peace of your community and the world. Steve Wilder, DGE; Michelle Charles, DGN; and I look forward to supporting and helping you in your endeavors.
Finally, I want to thank our outgoing District Governor, Dan Morgan. Dan led us through the worst of the pandemic with grace and compassion. He began his year as governor after major heart surgery. Through all of the difficulties he faced this year, Dan proved to be a capable and inspirational leader for our district. He and his wife Vicky are very special people. Thank you Dan and Vicky.
Linda