Governor's Message

October 2010

District Conference, Interact/Rotoract Conference, GSE Team, Foundation Month - - pick your subject matter – write a book. 

Let’s start off with something that went beyond my expectations – The District Conference at the OMNI Hotel in Downtown Richmond.  I’ve heard nothing but praises as to the quality of the entire event.  Very informative, nothing redundant, entertaining and genuine fellowship galore – if you missed it you missed the finest ever thus far. 

 The Hospitality suites were awesome, thank you Innsbrook and Mechanicville for being so generous and hospitable.

None of the many accolades received would have been communicated had it not been so obvious, to all attending - the excellent work of the District Conference Co-Chairs Everett Alexander, Jr. of the Mechanicsville club and Assistant Governor Lisa Sharpe of the Prince George County club.  What a wonderful conference you two created for the District to be proud to have held. I want to publicly thank you both, once more.  The best conference to date is what I was hearing and happen to also believe it myself.  And thanks too to all of the volunteers, especially Mechanicsville’s best – Sgt-at-Arms.  I’m trying to not be biased but they were good, they were friendly and spiffy to boot!  Thank you all for making it happen – it was magical - - I truly enjoyed the District Conference and it was so rewarding to see all the happy faces of my fellow Rotarians enjoying themselves as well.  Unforgettable!

President John Kenny’s Representative, Robert Hall sent his congratulations and appreciation of the expertly organized District Conference.  Yes, I’m grateful, bordering on “proud” - - I’ve a great team supporting my efforts and I’m fortunate enough to be leading a great district – District 7600. 

Club Awards – and congratulations to the Newport News Club – Governor’s Cup winner for 2008-2009 – Plenary sessions were so informative, Parade of Flags so awesome, Parade of Presidents very impressive, Youth Exchange interesting and fun, GSE so appreciative of the opportunity, Speakers all so genuinely competent, interesting, and informative while also entertaining, and of course the entertainment both Friday evening and Saturday evening superb  - were the accolades received over and over.  I agreed.  I’ve never hit a home run, but that is one of the many accolades that came my way.  What a team effort! Rewarded!

District Interact Chair, Charlie Firestone of Hampton Roads and District Rotoract Chair, Susan Zachensky-Walthall of Lawrenceville, followed up the district conference with the Interact/Rotoract Conference on October 17, 2009  – the conference was very well attended and for sure enlightening.  Interact and Rotoract clubs are strong and they want very much for their sponsoring clubs to have a greater presence in their future.  That is what I heard from the members that attended the conference  - so let’s heed their plea for it is important to them to know that we are there for them as they go out in the community and do their projects.  Consider asking them to join you in your community projects.

The GSE team from District 4600 (Brazil) had a very successful visit and thanks to Ron Laux of the Chester Club for another successful GSE experience. Next year I understand we are going to have a team from Germany.  

Remember that November is Rotary Foundation month.  Our District’s Foundation Seminar will be held on November 14, 2009 at the Crowne Plaza hotel in downtown Richmond.  Club Presidents and Club Foundation Chairs should be in attendance. 

During this Foundation Month, why not consider making someone a Paul Harris Fellow or for that matter asking a friend to join Rotary so they, too, can share the vision of a more humane and peaceful world through The Rotary Foundation.  PDG Bob Preston, the District’s Foundation Chair has always put on a great seminar so, do your club a favor and attend if at all possible – Foundation club awards will be presented as well as the checks for grants that have been approved.  I will be there, I hope you will too.

That will do it for now – until we meet again – remember Foundation Month is not only about money.  It is about you and me taking Service Above Self seriously.  It is also about having vision that enables all of us to see that something as simple as participating in Every Rotarian, Every Year with a contribution to our Rotary Foundation, can be a life-changing event of magnificent proportion in someone’s life, especially the lives of all children. 

In my bio it is noted that a small group of people in a church in Waynesboro, Virginia changed my life.  They were not Rotarians, but like Rotarians they made it happen. If not for them, who knows - - If not for Rotary – who?  Think about it.  You know we can –

Let’s not think about it - - Let’s do it!  I hope you’ll join me in supporting the Rotary Foundation. 

I offer my thanks to all who have contributed to the Rotary Foundation in the past, and also thank those of you whom will continue to contribute to the Rotary Foundation in the future. The Future of Rotary is in Our Hands! I like it  - join me and together we’ll get it done.  Teamwork – makes it possible.  This year’s team is so awesome – I am so lucky, Thank you!  This year’s Theme is awesome too  – so, lets rise up and take that challenge seriously and make something good happen.  Be proud, wear the pin, it says a lot about YOU.