First of all I want to start out by thanking all of you for the honor & privilege of serving as your District Governor. It has been an experience that I will never forget for as long as I live. There are so many people I need to thank for their help and guidance this year. Being the District Governor is an all-consuming job and no one can do it alone. I have been very fortunate to be surrounded by many outstanding people on my staff who I want to thank from the bottom of my heart for all their hard work and support.
It all started 3 years ago with my trainer Bonnie Sirower. Bonnie helped me prepare for my role as Governor. Thank You Bonnie!
- The Governor Chain of DGE Scott Reddin and DGN Cindy Radina I thank you for all your support and hard work on the district ‘s behalf.
- Nikki Mederos- My Advisor ( and God only knows I needed a lot of advice this year) thank you Nikki you were always there for me and I will never forget it!.
- My Co- Chief’s of Staff Pat La Rocco & Drew Pavlica for your hard work that led to our success
- My Co-Treasurers Pat Gallaher & Aida Castro I could have never done this without these 2 wonderful ladies. They’re the Best!
- My Co-Secretaries- Forrestt Elliott & Jack De Stefano who did a fabulous job making sure I was always in the right place at the right time.
- All of our Committee Chairs & Assistant Governors
- And last but not least my Wife Maryanne who has supported me every step of the way on this journey, Love you Babe and thank you so much for always being at my side!!
I would just like to speak about some of the things we accomplished this year when we introduced our Stigma Free program to the district. We held Seminars in conjunction with Bergen New Bridge Medical Center at the hospital, and also in Fort Lee at their library and senior center. Just last month at Fair Lawn High School we sponsored a mental health fair that over 500 students attended. I’m so glad that District Governor Scott has agreed to continue our Stigma Free program. You will soon see a series of Podcast produced by PDG Dan Shiver dealing with behavioral health issues. If we managed to have saved one life or help convince some people to seek help then all of our efforts were worth it,
We had a professional Ad agency develop a marketing campaign that our clubs can use to attract new members.
Our Gift of Life Committee continues to do great work saving Children’s lives. I want to thank Jack De Stefano & Bob Klingen for all their hard work running that committee. We are now at over 1700 lifesaving surgeries performed since 1986 by our district.
Just this past week we held a very successful RYLA program at Caldwell University with over 100 students in attendance. I want to thank Sonia Roman and Jean Stennent for all their hard work in putting the program together.
The Baby Bundle continues to thrive- A big thank you to Mia and all those that help her to make it such a great program helping young mothers care for their babies.
Bonnie’s Drum Circles that are now being enjoyed by so many throughout the district. Providing health and comfort to our Seniors.
I want to wish District Governor Scott and District Governor Elect Cindy the best of luck in this new Rotary year. Many people have told me that I have had one of the toughest years to be the Governor. I would be lying if I said that it wasn’t a tough year, but I will tell you what helped me get through the tough times, it was the opportunity I had to meet and work with all of you. I have had the privilege to get to know so many great individuals over these past 3 years and witnessed all the wonderful things you do for others. You are all truly People of Action and place Service above self foremost in your lives. It’s because of all of you that I’m optimistic about our future. I know we are uncertain about what’s going to happen to the district, but our transition team is working hard to move us forward. I ask you to please give them support and the time they need to make our transition a positive one. I know in the end; our members will continue to do great things for others and put service above self. After all! It’s all about the clubs.
If I learned one thing this year, it's that the clubs and their members make things happen and they’re the foundation of Rotary.
In closing my parents always told me whatever you do in life try to leave any place you go a little better than you found it. I’m sure when people look back at this Rotary year for our district. I know that history will judge us by what happens to our clubs in the future. I’m okay with that! and as I told you before I’m still optimistic about our future! Last year when I stood here before you. I made 2 promises. The first was that I would give a 100% effort to my Governorship and the second was that I would treat you all with respect. I hope I have accomplished both of those. So tonight, as I leave the Governorship in the good hands of Scott and then Cindy to follow.
I will tell you that wherever I go in my life, I will always say that I’m dam proud to have served as the District Governor of Rotary District 7490.
Thank you
God Bless you all
And have a Great Night
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