Hi Fellow Rotarians
Well, it is hard to believe but this is the final report that I will be writing as President of our Rotary Club. It has passed so quickly that it actually seems like I have only written a couple of articles. I hope that you have taken the time to read them and that you have found them interesting and hopefully motivating.
One never really knows what one is getting into when you agree to be President, but it has certainly been an honour and privilege to serve as President. I took over as fears about COVID were beginning to subside, and I am pleased that we were able to restart "In-person" meetings during my tenure. Unfortunately, concerns about COVID still exist and it has not only restricted my ability to fully participate in group Rotary events, but I know that it has impacted other's ability to attend events in person. Hopefully we will all grow more comfortable as time passes.
I have enjoyed chairing the In-person meetings with all the bantering and camaraderie that goes with an In-person meeting. They are much more rewarding than chairing a Zoom meeting. I know it is the same for all of you attending the meetings. We have all missed that aspect of Rotary and I hope that more members will consider attending the In-person meetings on a regular basis. Our surveys show that camaraderie is one of the key reasons people join Rotary.
In June, there are 5 Thursdays, and we have decided to do something more relaxed and fun on the 5th Thursday. On Thursday June 29th. We will be having a special In-person social meeting at Coronation Park, and we encourage you to bring your spouse or partner.. We have rented the Pavilion from 11am to 2pm so that we have cover from the sun. I hope that many of you will take this opportunity to come out and spend a few hours socializing with your fellow Rotarians. We will issue more details as the event gets closer.
I also hope that you will plan to attend the In-person Club Turnover meeting on Thursday July 6th as I step down and June Oliver takes over as your new President. We are still planning the event, but details will be issued in the near future.
I want to Thank my Board and the club members who have guided and supported me throughout the year. Without your assistance, we could not have accomplished as much as we did.
All of our committees continue to be active and supporting the club's efforts to help others in need. We have a variety of fundraising events that are critical to ensure that we are able to fund our various service projects. We have found a new way to organize Ribfest by partnering with two other service clubs and I encourage everyone to participate in this fantastic weekend of great food, great music, amazing camaraderie and sometimes hard work!!
Internationally, we have taken on two large scale Global Grant projects this year that will change many lives in Mexico and Uganda. I know that it has taken a tremendous effort by this committee, and I want to truly thank all of those involved for their commitment. We are definitely becoming known in the District for our ongoing efforts on the International front.
Rotary International awarded Bent Fink-Jensen a Certificate of Appreciation for his outstanding commitment to Club Service both within our club and at the District level. The IFSR (International Fellowship of Scouting Rotarians) recognized our club with a Youth Service Award for our work with the Scouts to build birdhouses.
We always have opportunities to improve our club and June and Lauri have already started to work on Membership and others are working on updating our website. You will hear more about these effort in the coming months.
Overall, given that we are still recovering from the effects of COVID, the club has much to be proud of this year. It has been my honour to play a role in that success.
Thanks for your effort and support over the past year.
Cliff Thompson