Happy New Rotary Year!  This year we will BE THE INSPIRATION to our clubs, our communities and our world.  The month of July is flying by quickly and I hope that all club presidents have enjoyed being installed as your club leader and that with your fellow Rotarians, you are off to a good start to be “PEOPLE OF ACTION” this year.

 

I’m very much enjoying getting to know the Rotarians of District 6650 as I begin my journey across the district visiting clubs.  So far, each club has been warm and welcoming, sharing their local tradition and history.  It is an honor to serve all of you and to learn about the wonderful service occurring throughout the district. Thank you all for being Rotarians.

 

This year, I am honored to serve as a district governor under the leadership of Barry Rassin, the President of Rotary International.  Barry hails for the Rotary Club of East Nassau, The Bahamas and announced our 2018-19 theme, “Be The Inspiration,” at the International Assembly in January where district governor training occurs.   Barry’s connection to the sea is the inspiration for the theme.  “The sea represents distance and connection.” It represents something we long for and something that is close to us.  He cites author Antoine de Saint-Exupery, who wrote The Little Prince, who offered this: “If you want to build a boat, don’t start by collecting wood, cutting boards, and assigning tasks.  Start by awakening in the soul of your workers, the longing for the vast and boundless sea.”  Our task, as Rotarians, is to create the longing for a better community.  Just what would your community be without your Rotary Club?

 

August is Membership Extension Month, so please don’t forget to invite “a person of good character” to visit your club and consider Rotary membership.  It’s an invitation I accepted 23 years ago, and one of the best decisions I’ve ever made!

 

BE THE INSPIRATION!