District Governor Sheryl Meehan's Message

Posted by Sheryl Meehan on Jul 05, 2016
 
July is always an exciting time for Rotarians.  In Rotary, a new year begins every July 1st and provides an occasion to reflect – to look at the Past, Present and Future.  Our lives are filled with significant dates for celebrating – from birthdays to anniversaries, holidays and milestones.  And so it is with July 1st – a time for Rotarians to look at our Clubs and District; to celebrate what we have accomplished and what we envision for our future.

What a year it has been!  I want to thank PDG Dave Manzi who has capably lead our District over the past year and introduced many District initiatives that we will be continuing throughout 2016 – 2017.  I also want to thank all the Assistant Governors, District Officers and Chairs and, most especially our Club Presidents, Officers and Members for a job well done in making a difference in our communities and internationally.
 
Paul Harris believed serving humanity was the most worthwhile thing a person could do.  In honor of this belief, Rotary International President, John Germ, selected “Rotary Serving Humanity” as the Rotary International theme for 2016 – 2017. This theme will be a constant reminder that our commitment is to “to do good in the world”.
 
I am honored and privileged to be serving as your District Governor and am looking forward to our Rotary year.  While I have prepared, planned and organized, I am also very excited about the new opportunities we can create together as a team.  I am excited that I will be visiting your club soon, learning more about your club and meeting each of you.  I am excited that we will make a difference in our communities and within the world while we experience the magic of Rotary!
As we head in to this “New Year” of Rotary, I encourage all of you to take some time to reflect on the accomplishments and challenges experienced in your club this past year.  However, the most important thing I am going to ask of you is to find your club members’ passion.  Ignite that passion, guide that passion and truly make a difference!
This is an exciting year as we celebrate the 100th Anniversary of The Rotary Foundation.  Our Foundations started with $26.50 in 1917.  Over the last 100 years, through the generous support of Rotarians around the world, we have raised over 3 billion dollars supporting projects to do good in our world.
 
While we are “this close” to ending polio and hope to see no new cases this year, we are not done with the “End Polio Now” campaign.  Please continue to raise awareness and funding so we can finally put an end to this devastating disease.
 
Let’s make this year about celebrating the success of every member of every club!  Let’s focus on the things that we do well in our communities and know that we make a difference in the lives of so many of our neighbors both locally and globally.  “Rotary Serving Humanity” is our theme, but it is so much more!  It is how we live Rotary, how we think Rotary, how we feel and how we work.  Most of all, let’s remember that the next 12 months and beyond belong to all of us – we are doers – we make things happen all over the world!    This coming year, let’s experience the magic of Rotary as we focus on “Rotary Serving Humanity”!
Yours in Rotary Service and…

Keep smiling,
Sheryl