"You can't go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending." C. S. LewisFamous author C. S. Lewis’ gave great advice! Thanks to our incredible 5830 membership and Leadership Team, we finished strong!
We gave service to those in need through COVID Food Neediness Grants from The Rotary Foundation secured for us by IPDG Jim Finstrom and PDG Ted Huffhines; we gathered safely to pack and deliver food through Food Banks helped along by PDG Carroll Greenwaldt; we participated in both District and Global Grants and our Clubs continued service projects in their communities. When our Clubs were unable to meet in person, we conducted virtual meetings with many thanks to P.I. Dir. Sarah Fox and our dedicated group of Assistant Governors. Ava and I enjoyed visiting with all of you whenever and wherever we met.
When unable to hold our Foundation Banquet, District Training events, the 2019-2020 District Conference and RYLA in person, we held them virtually and with as many registrants as are usually in attendance when held in person.
PDG Ted Huffhines did a superb job planning and hosting the Foundation Celebration and we have our celebration glasses to continue to toast our success.
Through it all, Rotary was there. Rotary 5830 Clubs continued their scholarships; District 5830 and DGE Mike Groom trained future Club Presidents. After mask mandates were lifted, Amy Hinton and her committee planned and held the District 4-Way Speech Contest in Mt. Pleasant. District 5830 Rotarians trained in person at DGE Mike Groom’s District Training Assembly; and we partied and raised money at a PolioPlus Fun Raiser planned and executed by PDG Shirley Griffin and committee.
Your hard work has paid off in all this on both a District, Zone, and International level.
Internationally, we are down to 2 polio cases in 2021, one in Pakistan and one in Afghanistan. But our work is never finished. Please donate liberally to PolioPlus and take advantage of matching Paul Harris points until June 20th. The end of the dreaded disease is in sight. Stay in touch with each other, renew friendships, fellowships, and be safe. Take advantage of online training and participate in the 2021 Taipei Virtual International Convention June 12-16th. Be sure to sign up also for the 2022 Houston International Convention at the discounted rate during the Virtual Convention.
Lastly, plan now to attend our District Conference October 16th, 2021. At our 2020-21 Fall District Conference we’ll celebrate our accomplishments with Rotary International Director Floyd Lancia. We achieved great success under circumstances that proved to be not problems but opportunities for greater service. Rotary truly Opened Opportunities.
Many thanks to PDG John Jetter at the Financial helm and PDG Lee Montgomery with Membership. And at every step our District Administrator, Shirley Pinnix-Evans, was there for all of us teaching, organizing, and moving us forward. Please thank her every time you have a chance.
Going forward in 2021-2022 we have exceptional leadership through Mike Groom and his team, and I can attest to the work that he and the DG line are accomplishing. We will continue to succeed wonderfully if we keep focus our motto of Service Above Self and govern our conduct and decisions by the Four-Way Test.
It was a pleasure being of service to you, your clubs and District 5830. God Bless.
Jack Welge
District Governor 2020-21
Rotary International District 5830
Rotary International District 5830
P. O. Box 3624
Longview, Texas 75606-3624
