In announcing the 2021-2022 theme, Rotary International President Shekhar Mehta encouraged us to “turn the wheel together so all humanity thrives, we have the power and the magic to serve to change lives.”
Wasn’t it great to be TOGETHER AGAIN at Semiahmoo? From start to finish, we celebrated, were inspired, and had FUN! Who knew our Rotary International President Rep PDG John Smarge and his wife Cindy were Pickleball aficionados, or the sun would miraculously appear for the beach scavenger hunt on Friday afternoon? More than 100 Rotarians attended the District 5050 Foundation dinner…over half of them first timers. Listening to all the Clubs being recognized for their support of The Rotary Foundation and hearing from the incomparable Rotary Foundation Trustee Dean Rohrs, made it a very special evening.
Saturday morning we demonstrated how happy we all were to be together again, dancing and clapping to the music. The day was filled with connection as we responded to the We! Connect questions, were encouraged to take care of our internal customers (remember Each One, Keep One?), the magic that can happen by attending a make-up Rotary meeting while on vacation, having fun with Rotaractors, being challenged to be intergenerational changemakers by ensuring others feel seen, valued, and heard, having time to learn about Club projects in the International Bazaar and even wining prizes. All that and an evening of good food, special awards, and the Killer Keyz Dueling Pianos Show.
Some hearty souls rose early Sunday morning for the 5K Walk or Run. (I confess I did it for the one-of-a-kind water bottle sticker!) We started with a beautiful and meaningful tribute to the many members of our Rotary family who are no longer with us. Before departing to go back home, we were encouraged to listen, pay attention, supercharge our curiosity, and seek the wisdom of those we help by showing up with respect and love.
This very small unit of time gave us so much.
Stay Connected…As we come to the end of our journey together, know that I am always interested in hearing how you are turning the wheel. Please email me or call to chat (360-421-0601). Now is our time, this is our moment, to dream big, be bold, and capture the magic!
