The Governor's Visit

     We kicked-off with a welcoming get-together Sunday evening at the Holiday Inn, followed by the Governor Chuck's message at our regular Monday meeting.  Rather than the traditional here's this year's Rotary's message from above, Chuck stressed what he feels is to be a major reason to be a Rotarian, the opportunity to meet people and develop a network of friends.  He told about friendships in Southeast Texas, the United States and around the world that he has developed because of Rotary.  As an example he told of the many offers  of lodging that he received prior to the Hurricane Rita evacuation.  He and his extended family and their pets evacuated to Palestine to the home of Past District Governor Hugh Summers (even though Hugh's wife Anise is allergic to cats and dogs). 

     He talked about how these types of relationships have allowed Rotary to take $600,000,000 and now be near eradication of Polio world-wide.  While this is a lot of money - think just what the federal government could do with this much money - probably only the initial planning - but Rotary could recruit hundreds of thousands of volunteers to do the work on the ground.  In India Rotary has immunized over a million children on a single Immunization Day numerous times.  Civil wars have called a temporary truce for Immunization Day.

     He also told about in the Jason Project, a program started by Titanic discoverer Robert Ballard to interest students in the study of the sea.  Chuck heard Ballard speak at another organization's meeting and after a Rotary meeting he and a group of his Rotary friends plus one Rotary visitor held an informal organizational meeting. Within a few months this lead to one of the largest Jason Project programs in the United States, an example of things that happen every day in Rotary Clubs around the world.

     Chuck specifically highlighted our request for a grant to put benches at the YMCA play area, a combined effort between our club and the Port Arthur Rotary club - demonstrating the value of networking.

    This is why Chuck Mason is proud to be a Rotarian.                                           

(Editor's note:I my 34 years as a Rotarian this is one of the most inspiring Governor's messages I have been privileged to hear.)

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