My friends, we’ve come to the time to say Thank You and goodbye. 😊
 
Roald Dahl (yes… the author of Charlie and Chocolate Factory) has a quote that I have always loved…
Language may fail, and photographs fade; minds are fallible, and details are lost.  But some experiences never dim; they stand out in our memories, even after decades, as a wall of flame.  They rear up forever over the landscape of our past, dividing our lives into what came before and what came after.”
 
I for one will divide my life as the time before Rotary entered my life, and the times that have come since.  We as District 6250, and within our individual clubs, have had a trial by fire this past year.  COVID-19 is not something that will soon be forgotten.  But you have survived.  You may have prospered.  You stand ready to re-engage in the world, to come together in fellowship and service.  Like you, I yearn for this… and eagerly look forward to what comes next.
 
What I am struck with as I depart the Governor stage is the desire to do good and to do more that I saw in club after club.  Through Rotary, we can do so much more; We can make things better, not only for our own communities, but for communities throughout the world.  We have the opportunity to care for and lift up those who need us the most.  It is what motivates me in Rotary:  the simple desire to be of assistance, to give a helping hand to those that need it.  To me, that is the essence of Rotary:  that desire to be of assistance, that willingness to work for the good of others.  In Rotary, when someone needs help and you can give that help, you don’t walk away.  You don’t turn your back.  You say – I’m here for you.  I’ll do whatever I can.  And I know that whatever I do, I’m not doing it alone.
 
The district is in good hands.  Karen, Ben and Michelle have been and will continue to work tirelessly to make your Rotary the best it can be.  They are served by a board that helps keep the DG line on track.  It is has been my great honor to serve you.  I am prouder than ever to be part of this great organization:  one that makes the world not poorer, but richer, replaces despair with hope, raises up those whom fate has brought low, and to open the opportunities for us to become better versions of ourselves as a result.
 
Until our paths cross again,
 
Bill Pritchard
6250 District Governor 2020-2021