The World Health Organization recognizes over two hundred different infectious diseases in the world. Many of these can be controlled with adequate immunizations, clean water, and modern sanitation facilities. We in the United States are fortunate to have all three of these at our finger tips. Only one we have to even think about and that is immunizations. The other two are just assumed and taken for granted. Travel outside the United States and you will soon realize how blessed we are. December is Disease Prevention and Treatment Month for Rotary. The emphasis is on Prevention as an old saying “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”. For you personally, I encourage you all to be current on the immunizations your health care provider has recommend.
I want to remind you that you have the opportunity to make your Rotary Foundation donations before the end of the year so that they will be eligible for a tax deduction. Whether you donate to the World Fund, Shared Fund, Polio Plus, or other dedicated funds your financial assistance is crucial to the Foundation so that funding is available for Rotary Making a Difference/Humanity Helping Humanity worldwide. And a quick reminder, the Rotary Foundation is one of the top-rated charity rated organizations by Charity Navigator.
Clubs should be cleaning up their membership rosters by December 31st to avoid paying for a member that has left. Rotary is most unforgiving if the individual shows up on the club roster January 1st. Clubs also need to be completing the election of officers and updating the results on Clubrunner and My Rotary. It makes life much easier for the District Governor train.
We had two very fine gentlemen pass away in the past month. From the Loves Park Rotary Club we lost PDG Mel Sparlin 1998-1999 and from the Rock Island Rotary Club PDG Fred Luckenbill 2003-2004. I remember Mel as a fine & supportive Rotarian and Fred….well who doesn’t have a Fred story. Two funerals about a week apart. I attended with many other of the District leadership the visitations and others the funeral. Sad times indeed but we will remember them in our hearts with fondness. Take time for a silent Rotary moment and think of them at your club.
Lastly, Merry Christmas to all of you. Enjoy the holidays with your family, friends, and loved ones. While it is the season of giving, it is more about the season of sharing and caring. I feel very privileged and honored to be your governor. All my required club visits have been completed. After the first of the year I will be visiting Interact/Rotaract Clubs and satellite clubs, and popping up from time to time to individual clubs.