Dear Fellow District 5950 Rotarians,

Powered by Zoom and gasoline, I have had the true privilege of visiting 25 District 5950 clubs since July 1. I am the luckiest District Governor EVER because District Governor-Elect Marianna Khauv (Monticello) and District Governor-Nominee Lloyd Campbell (Glenwood) have joined me on all of my visits!

During conversations with you we have been inspired by your continued active participation in your club meetings; the amazing service and community projects clubs continue to be involved in; your fabulous questions about Rotary’s ongoing efforts to eradicate polio and our new focus area, Environment; and finally, by YOU!  We thoroughly enjoy getting to know you better and to hear stories of why you joined Rotary and why it is important to you.  

Besides club visits, I am getting to know some of you better during our YMCA “Creating a Better Story” Zoom conversations.  Over 100 Rotarians participated in our first two sessions of Part 1 as we learned about our country’s history and Rotary’s timeline. Chat comments confirm that these are difficult but necessary conversations to have if we are going to live up to Rotary’s vision:

Rotary is a global network of 1.2 million neighbors, friends, leaders, and problem-solvers
who see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change –
across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves.

Finally, did you all hear my whoop of joy last Thursday when I learned Jennifer Jones was nominated to be our Rotary International President in 2022-23? Jennifer will be one of the best qualified Presidents we have ever had and I know Rotary will be a better organization with her in our Presidential line up!

I look forward to seeing many more old and new friends in the months to come!
Yours in Rotary Service,
DG Tom