District Governor Visit

Posted by Gary O'Rielly 
on Oct 01, 2013
 
Our Club was honored to have District Governor Denis Boyd and his wife Maureen as our guests September 27th. The Boyd's are a remarkable Rotary family. Besides Denis role as the District Governor, Maureen has been the President of their local Club as well. True Rotarians through and through. Denis' interest in Rotary started many, many years ago when he came upon a Rotary Wheel and the insignia with the word International at a local park which struck him and impressed upon him that there was a club was in town with International interest and connections. Following that initial view he discovered a senior center all built by Rotarians in their community.
 

When he joined Rotary, his realized that he was talking to his own club members sometimes ignoring the various visitors to their club. Recognizing the importance of visitors and visiting with them became his objective and passion. Talking about Rotary to visitors  especially the non-Rotarian segment, could lead to new prospective members and thus his focus changed from internal club communications to external communications with all visitors to their club including both Rotarians and non-Rotarians.

During Denis and Maureen's visit, he spoke of the various areas of service starting with Chicago dedication to Club and Vocational Services and later the adoption of Community Services. The first Community Service project was building a public restroom in Chicago. Rotary Plus is about attracting young professionals into our local Rotary Clubs. Another way to be a successful Rotarian is through networking and doing business with Rotary members. Nothing wrong with that concept. Denis spoke about the importance of continuing our efforts on Polio Plus. District 5050 is the 5th largest contributor to Polio Plus in the Rotary world. Another great effort is being dedicated to enhancing youth programs through the Rotary world. An example of starting early is the Josh the Baby Otter book given as part of the literacy program by local clubs. The books are given to local kindergarteners which includes a music CD to play while reading to these young kindergarteners.

Denis commented that the "two roads that diverge in the woods and the road less traveled" by Robert Frost is a great example of Rotarians at work. Remember, it takes a village and Rotarians are creating that village in each and every community.

Maureen outlined the upcoming District Conference in Whistler, BC on May 1-4, 2014. A major part of the program will be Post Polio syndrome and a discussion about Peak Projects in District 5050. Plus visits to the local areas of interest in Whistler will be another conference highlight. Maureen mentioned the Rotary International Conference in Sydney, Australia.

SPECIAL AWARDS:  Following their presentations, Denis recognized Jim Kelley with a special Polio Plus pin.  Denis also gave out Special pins awards to Bill Demeroutis, Carie Rott and Jim Haugen. Loren was presented with his 46th Perfect Attendance pin.

New Member Recognition:  Denis and President Jim along with her sponsor Joyce Bell installed Reshal Ploeger as the newest member to our club. Welcome Reshal. Following the presentation, Denis gave Reshal a brief overview of Rotary.

Paul Harris award:  A Rotary Foundation award of a Paul Harris Fellow medallion, lapel pin and certificate were given to Diane Demeroutis by Bill Demeroutis and Denis Boyd.

The Club thanks Denis and Maureen for being a part of our program this week by sharing the importance of Rotary in our daily lives as well as presenting awards to key members of our club.